Green motoring on the wane?

Survey reveals fewer Australian motorists ardently support eco-sensitive cars games

Buyers who factor environmental considerations into their new-car purchase decision number three per cent fewer than two years ago.

That's just one statistic revealed in research conducted by motor vehicle insurer AAMI. The insurer claims also that over the same period, the consumption of biofuels and ethanol blends has risen by just four per cent. With Holden building the SIDI-engined Commodores over that same period and Caltex selling E85, a four per cent rise is meagre.

According to AAMI spokesman, Reuben Aitchison, it's a sign that motorists are losing interest in the environment.

“Availability of biofuels and ethanol blends has increased over the last two years, and cost is not a major barrier according to AAMI’s research,” Aitchison was quoted as saying in a press release. “Even the belief that these fuels damage cars has fallen. Coupled with a dip in the number of drivers who say green factors are front of mind at the car dealer, as well as the number of drivers actively changing their driving style to reduce their environmental impact, it seems as though Green Fatigue has well and truly set in.”

Despite the fact the AAMI research shows a decline in buyers who make the environment a priority when they purchase new cars, the percentage of such buyers is still 51 per cent — just over half of all new-car buyers. But just 36 per cent bother to fill the tank with biofuels or ethanol blends.

“We know that Australians care about the environment and their impact on it, but it seems as though other pressures, like cost of living, are taking a priority,” said Aitchison.

Aitchison's belief lies in the large numbers of respondents who claim to do what they can to save fuel. According to the research, 77 per cent claim to drive smoothly, 60 per cent avoid speeding, yet shift into a higher gear as soon as possible and 70 per cent regularly check tyre pressures. We like our comfort, however, with the research indicating 48 per cent operate the air conditioning "sparingly".

“There are some simple things that drivers can, and are, doing to reduce the environmental impact of their car, and also possibly save a few dollars at the same time,” said Aitchison. “These simple techniques are easy to implement, and most should be followed for basic car maintenance anyway. We encourage all drivers to think about how they can reduce their environmental impact each time they get behind the wheel.”