7.9 Million British Drivers Set To Swap Gas Guzzlers For 'Brown Friendly' Eco Vehicles
Published: 25th March 2006
eBayMotors.co.uk, expects to see a surge in interest for 'eco friendly' cars following Chancellor Gordon Browns' announcement today to abolish car tax on vehicles with low emission rates.
Research from the site reveals that 7.9 million motorists in the UK plan to go green and buy a more environmentally friendly car like the Toyota Prius. Furthermore, despite Brown's six month freeze on tax duty, 11 million drivers have already downsized their vehicle to a more economic model to help offset spiralling fuel costs. This figure is expected to rise with the creation of a new higher rate tax band for the most polluting vehicles like 4X4's.
Highlights of the independent research reveals insights from over 700 British drivers* including:
1. British motorists are more concerned about rising fuel costs than they are about bird flu and the smoking ban. Currently 15% are concerned about the cost of filling up their tank compared to only 6% who are worried about catching the bird flu virus
2. 11.8 million drivers are set to reduce the amount they use the car by the end of 2007, with 6.8 million British parents planning to cut out the school run to save on fuel costs.
3. 11 million** people (37% of British drivers) have already downsized their vehicle due to rising fuel costs, with 17 million drivers planning to make the change and buy a more fuel economic motor than their current model.
4. With British fuel tax rising at an average rate of 5% per annum***, 1.8 million British drivers say that a 5% increase in petrol costs later this year would cause them to tighten their belts and downsize to a more fuel economic model of car. A hike of 10% would lead 9.4 million drivers to opt for a smaller vehicle.
5. The average driver will drive an extra:
o 5.41 miles to save £5 off a full tank of petrol
o 7.84 miles to save £10 off a full tank of petrol
o 10.31 miles to save £20 off a full tank of petrol
6. Fuel is second most important thing that buyers consider when choosing a new car - more important than mileage and service history
7. 7.9 million motorists in the UK plan to go green and buy a more environmentally friendly car like the Toyota Prius
8. 15% more men than women are considering changing their car to a more economical model due to rising fuel costs
