• Bookstore

The survey, conducted among 150 UK-wide used car dealers, reports that almost three quarters (72%) are seeing an increase in awareness of CO2 emissions with 44% saying CO2 emissions are becoming more of an issue at purchase.

The survey also revealed that over half (54%) believe lower taxes have generated the most awareness when it comes to CO2 emissions, with a third (30%) who think awareness has been raised due to the impact that CO2 has on the environment. Television and press (19%) and congestion charges (7%) were also considered to have played a role in generating environmental awareness.  

When it comes to motor manufacturers, 49% of dealers think Toyota is leading the way on green issues followed by Honda (20%).

The results also demonstrate that dealers are taking a green approach to the way they run their business, with 82% claiming their dealerships are environmentally friendly. To improve their green credentials, 49% are doing their bit for the environment through recycling paper and glass, and 41% are attempting to save energy by turning off lights and heaters.

Last month, HPI introduced a first to the used car market with its CO2 environmental sheets, which act as an additional sales tool for the dealer to help them inform buyers of a vehicle's CO2 criteria.

Daniel Burgess, automotive director of HPI, said:
"HPI's survey represents a good cross section of dealers from across the UK and within the used car market. Our research shows that used car buyers attitudes are changing more rapidly than expected.

"Dealers are reporting that the level of CO2 a vehicle creates will continue to rise in order of importance with used car buyers. The environmental debate should not be ignored however and dealerships can improve their green credentials by embracing the change to meet market demand."