Running costs

23 May 2007

Low emissions second to running costs says report

Annual running costs are more important to new car buyers than low CO2 emissions according to new research.

The MORI survey, carried out on behalf of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also revealed that sales of smaller superminis and fuel-efficient diesel cars have risen by 11.3 and 8.2% respectively over the past year.

However, low emissions run a poor second to motoring costs in the decision making process, says SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan.

When asked if low carbon dioxide or low annual running costs were more important, just 13% of survey respondents said low emissions whilst 29% pointed to the cost of motoring.

More encouragingly, 45% said they would be equally important, but 11% said neither would feature on their radar.

We have attributed this year's rise in sales of smaller cars and fuel-efficient diesels, partly to green concerns, partly to economic issues, continued Macgowan.

However, it seems that the pocket is still more important to buyers than the environment. This is why it is so important that we continue to wrap the message that low carbon cars and low cost motoring go hand-in-hand, he added.