Motorists ready to buy greener cars

23 May 2006

90% of motorists would buy a greener car
Grants are best way to make this happen
Euro Commission has approved money for grants

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Motorists are prepared to choose greener cars, and say government grants would be the biggest incentive to do so.

A new survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that 90% of motorists are prepared to change to a greener car.

In all, 36% said a government grant to help them with the cost of this would be the biggest incentive for doing so.

Among the respondents, 24% said concern for the environment would be the biggest reason for changing to a greener vehicle. 18% said higher taxes for more polluting cars would make them consider greener cars, while 13% believed cheaper fuel costs would persuade them.

A new grant system for cleaner vehicles from the Department for Transport has been given the green light by the European Commission, but the Government has given no timetable on when they might be introduced.

Chief executive of the SMMT Christopher Macgowan said: 'Buyers may be full of good intentions, but when times are tough they need support to move into greener motoring.

'The commission has approved the new scheme and we need it in operation quickly.'

It is thought the system would give grants of between £300 and £1000 for any car with a carbon dioxide output of 115g/km or less, but the DfT will not discuss even these outline details yet.