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Motoring For Women
Motoring for Women
The 2008 BCA Used Car Market Report reveals that economic pressures are forcing UK motorists into greener choices
The 18th annual Used Car Market Report, published by leading vehicle auction company, British Car Auctions (BCA) has revealed that motorists are being forced into choices that are actually good for the environment. And it is the wealthier sector of the population who appear to be prepared to make the most changes – for their own benefit and the environment.
The Report includes a survey of over 3,000 UK motorists’ attitudes to motoring and car buying, conducted in April 2008. A clear message from the report is that while economics are clearly driving motorists’ choices, these could be having the Government’s desired effect of making motorists ‘think green’ too.
“Our latest Used Car Market Report reflects the downturn in the economy seen in the last twelve months”, confirmed Tim Naylor, spokesman for BCA. “UK drivers are changing their motoring habits to cope with the tougher economic conditions. And almost as an aside, many of these changes will also benefit the environment.
“We highlighted a year ago that UK motorists were unlikely to embrace green issues unless their hand was forced. It seems the credit crunch, combined with worries about Vehicle Excise Duty and rising fuel and living costs, has done just that!”
Consideration for the Environment in car choice
The critical issues that influence the choice of vehicle haven’t changed significantly year on year, with price still coming top of the list at 52% ahead of make/model, mileage and age. However, environmental issues have increased in importance for used car buyers.
This year saw 6% of respondents saying environmental considerations were an influencing factor in their most recent car purchase, compared to 4% last year and just 2% in 2006. And it was the less well off sectors of the consumer marketplace that were marginally more likely to have considered the environment in their car purchase – almost certainly driven by the rising cost of motoring in the past 12 months.
Walking more often is the measure favoured by 38% of motorists to cut their personal motoring carbon footprint, with 41% of the wealthier drivers taking this stance compared to just 29% of the poorest drivers.
Nearly a third of all drivers are happy to cut out unnecessary journeys. And, again, it was the wealthier drivers who were more likely to make this sacrifice at 37% with just 26% of C2 drivers taking this option.
Younger age groups are more likely to use public transport or car share. Older motorists are less keen to leave their personal transport behind, but are prepared to drive more slowly and accelerate less quickly. But owners of cars costing more than £20,000 appear to have little appetite for walking more often, cutting out unnecessary journeys or using public transport. They feel they can make their contribution by buying a car with lower CO2 emissions.
Tackling Rising Fuel Costs
High fuel costs continue to concern motorists. When asked what steps they might take to tackle this, nearly 30% said they will attempt to reduce mileage. Those motorists in the C1, D and E socio-economic groups are most likely to reduce their mileage at 35%, 34% and 31% respectively. Only 30% of AB drivers expect to reduce mileage to save money.
The choice of their next vehicle was also considered important in offsetting the high cost of fuel. Half of all respondents said they would consider buying a car that does more miles to the gallon next time. A fifth of all respondents said they would change to a car with lower service and maintenance costs. However, it was AB drivers who were the largest proportion to consider this option at 23% - possibly because they have the option to down-size, unlike those in the lower socio-economic groups who are probably already driving lower cost vehicles.
Cont. pge 2.
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After a major success in Ireland, Essential car Care for Girls has launched in the UK.
The book has been written to dispel the common belief that 'when it comes to cars, women should just leave it to the men.'
The 151 page guide, priced £9.99, has been designed to teach a woman everything she needs to know about her car, from how her car works, the car and the environment and car maintenance, checking air pressure and oil, to when things go wrong such as changing tyres, what to do if you breakdown and what to do in the event of an accident. Its step-by-step illustrated guide makes simple reading.
Authos Danielle McCormick says: "It's amazing that in an era when no-one would bat an eyelid at a female prime minister, president, army officer or doctor, the thought of a woman confidently changing the tyre of her car would be laughed at. Women are now ready to get their hands dirty and take control over their own cars."
Look out for it in all high street booksellers.
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