Car buyers 'concerned about environment'

Many consumers looking to buy a new car are influenced by the vehicle's impact on the environment, new research has revealed.

According to a survey by Experian, one in four British car buyers – who may include car loans customers – take the environment into account when making a purchase.

The company found women to be more environmentally-conscious, with 30 per cent considering it to be a key factor in their decision, compared with 23 per cent of men.

Kirk Fletcher, managing director of Experian's automotive division, said the environment is "becoming a bigger concern for car owners".

"A car is the second biggest purchase a person is likely to make after a buying a house and customers concerned about the environment will have a lot of questions to ask before they make their final decision to buy," Mr Fletcher stated.

Dealers ought to be able to provide such information to potential buyers, he added.

Insurance firm esure recently reported that one in ten motorists it surveyed said they had used a personal loan to pay for their last car, while 14 per cent took out dealer finance.

A further one in 20 used their credit card to make their purchase.