Consumer interest in green vehicles 'roused by recession'

Date: 9/2/2011

The effects of the recession on people's disposable incomes, teamed with rising fuel prices, is prompting consumers to see the benefits of green vehicles.

Such is the opinion of Dr Ben Lane, Director of nextgreencar.com, who notes a UK trend for increasing sales of more fuel-efficient cars.

He explains that more people are now looking for smaller cars that are energy-efficient, while businesses are also realising the benefits such vehicles have when it comes to running costs.

In addition, the government's Plug-In Grant for some electric cars, teamed with cheaper vehicle excise duty for motors under 120 grams CO2 per kilometre and the London Greener Vehicle Discount for Euro 5 cars emitting 100 grams CO2 per kilometre or less have also helped to raise interest in the market.

"On the back of a petrol and diesel market which is getting proportionately greener, electric vehicle sales are starting to increase albeit in very low numbers at the moment, but the prospects look good," Dr Lane concludes.

Elsewhere, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recently reported that the market share for cars with CO2 emissions under 100g/km rose by more than 65 per cent last month.

Posted by Nick Anderson