Archived press release

Car makers must go green, says public in new EU poll

28 August 2008

The results of an opinion poll out today (28 August 2008) show an overwhelming 87 per cent of people in the UK think measures to force car manufacturers to make smarter cars that use 25 per cent less fuel should be introduced urgently.

Two-thirds of respondents thought that requiring car manufacturers to reduce the fuel consumption of their vehicles by a quarter would boost the UK economy - because people would spend less money on fuel and so have more to spend on other things.

And the poll shows there is a clear public appetite for green motoring - over half of those questioned saying that apart from cost, fuel consumption was the most important factor in choosing a new or second hand car - ahead of safety and comfort.

The UK findings are mirrored in four other countries where polling was carried out. The results come days before key MEP votes in the European Parliament which will be critical in determining future emissions standards for new cars.

Friends of the Earth is calling on MEPs to vote for tough emissions standards for new cars in order to cut fuel consumption and tackle climate change. Reducing the fuel consumption of cars sold in the EU by 25 per cent would cut average carbon dioxide emissions from new cars to approximately 120 grammes per kilometre, the 2012 target being demanded by green groups. Friends of the Earth also wants MEPs to go even further by committing to a longer term target of 80g/km by 2020.

Friends of the Earth's Senior Transport Campaigner Tony Bosworth said:

"The message has come across loud and clear: people want car makers to produce cleaner, smarter cars that use less fuel, reduce climate change emissions and slash fuel bills."

"Politicians must act on public demand by standing up to the self-interested lobbying of the car industry and delivering the tough standards that people clearly want".

Alliance Against Urban 4x4s Managing Director Blake Ludwig added:

"These survey results mirror what people have told us on the streets: they are horrified by how much they have to spend on petrol and agree that they would be willing to pay more for a more fuel efficient car."

"Consumers urgently need our MEPs and UK ministers to have some guts and push for stringent carbon dioxide targets."

Notes

1. The poll, commissioned by Friends of the Earth Europe and undertaken by TNS opinion, questioned a total of 4885 people in the UK, Germany, Spain, France and Italy. The polling included male and females from all age groups and a range of backgrounds. 984 people were questioned in the UK.

• 66 per cent of UK respondents thought that requiring car manufacturers to reduce the fuel consumption of their vehicles by a quarter would boost the UK economy - because people would spend less money on fuel and so have more to spend on other things.

• 58 per cent of UK respondents said that apart from cost, fuel consumption was the most important factor in choosing a new or second hand car - ahead of safety (34 per cent) and comfort (18 per cent).

2. MEPs will vote on emissions standards for new cars in the European Parliament on 1 & 2 September (Industry Committee) and 8 & 9 September (Environment Committee). UK MEPs in favour of tough 2012 targets include Fiona Hall (North East); Mary Honeyball (London); Caroline Lucas (South East); Robert Evans (London); Claude Moraes (London) and Jean Lambert (London). For more information see mundo-cars.eu/spip.php?article46

3. For more information see www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/delivering_greener_cars.pdf

To view PDF files you will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Visually impaired users can get extra help with these documents from access.adobe.com.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust