Welsh drivers buck the trend and value a reliable car above an environmentally “green” car, according to a poll for AA Financial Services.
Nationally, drivers are more concerned about green credentials (24%), than cost-efficiency (18%) when buying a new car, according to new research from AA Financial Services, but they view it very differently in Wales.
The data also shows that older drivers are now as likely as younger drivers to want to go eco-friendly with their next car purchase (20% Vs. 20% respectively).
The research comes soon after a Government announcement that sales of new diesel, petrol and hybrid vehicles will be banned from 2035 or earlier – at least five years earlier than the previous target of 2040.
Aside from the need to replace an old car (35%), the research found the second biggest incentive for the 1,267 drivers was the environment (24%) – more specifically, 19% want a vehicle that emits less Co2 whilst one in six want one that is less polluting (16%). In fact, they are more likely to prioritise the environment when switching car than opting for a car that is more cost-efficient (18%).
| Regions go green With the Ultra Low Emission Zones introduced last April to improve air quality in the capital, the AA research found Londoners were some of the most environmentally conscious car-buyers. A quarter intend to switch their car for a less polluting version whilst 24% wanted a vehicle that emitted less Co2 (24% Vs. national average 19%). Overall, drivers in the capital were significantly more likely to want to buy a brand new car (21% Vs. 15%). Respondents in the East Midlands were more divided – a quarter were looking to change their car for a greener version, but only 12% wanted one that was less polluting in terms of its NO2. Drivers in the East of England were also looking to reduce their car pollution in the months ahead (24% Vs. national average 16%). Welsh drivers were most likely to be shopping around for a reliable car (19% Vs. national average 12%). | Other key considerations when changing car:
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