Research released today by automotive, consumer goods and industrial company Bosch, has revealed that despite 69% of drivers in the UKclaiming to do their best for the environment, only 5% of motorists buying a new car would be influenced by a car’s ‘green’ credentials.

The «Bosch: Driving Green Britain» study of over 1000 car buyers painted a picture of the UK’s motorists by region. Based on 2010 new car sales to date, Cornish motorists bought the cleanest cars with average CO₂ emissions of 138g/km, while Oxfordshire motorists bought the most polluting cars with a figure of 168g/km. (See attached map for top 10 and bottom 10 counties.) 63% of motorists surveyed said that price was the most important factor, closely followed by vehicle size (at 56%).  Design, style, brand and safety all rated ahead of a car’s environmental considerations.

Bosch believes that vehicles employing technologies such as start/stop can save up to 8% of fuel and CO₂ emissions in city traffic, compared to a vehicle without this system. Start/stop technology is an intelligent combination of engine, brake, and battery management, which stops the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill in traffic or at a red light. By 2015, one in five cars sold is expected to be equipped with this technology.

The survey also revealed gender and age differences, pointing out how women are more likely to consider environmental aspects when choosing a car and men perceiving electric cars to be more environmentally friendly than hybrids. Interestingly, 18 to 24 year olds would be more likely to drive a hybrid car than any other age group.