This evolution has prompted leading insurer AAMI to commission the inaugural Green Motoring Index i, showing the extent to which drivers are ‘thinking green’ by changing their driving behaviours and choosing vehicles and fuels that minimise their car’s impact on the environment.
The Index’s release comes as sales of lower-emission four-cylinder vehicles are at record levels in Australia, in contrast to sales of traditional six- and eight-cylinder vehicles that typically use more fuel.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries data show large car sales are 20.1 per cent less than this
time last year, while light, small, and medium car sales are slightly higher (9.6, 6.8 and 3.1 per cent higher, respectively)
While sales of hybrid cars remain comparatively low (representing 0.7 per cent of the 2007 passenger car market), cleaner-burning diesel cars comprised 16 per cent of sales in Australia last year (175,022), which is considerably more than the 130,403 diesels sold in 2006.
AAMI Public Affairs Manager Geoff Hughes said the Green Motoring Index revealed more than half of all Australian drivers (53 per cent) considered environmental factors - such as the vehicle’s air pollution rating or its fuel efficiency - when purchasing a car.
“With easy access to resources such as the Green Vehicle Guide (http://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au), motorists are becoming more demanding and better informed about their car’s impact on the environment,”
“Motorists are increasingly aware that thinking green before choosing a new car can save many tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over the vehicle's life and can also save them thousands of dollars in fuel costs.”
AAMI’s research also canvassed motorists’ willingness to adjust their driving for the benefit of the environment.
“Just by changing the way they drive, motorists can reduce their fuel consumption, and therefore their impact on the environment, by as much as 20 per cent iii. Two in five Australians (42 per cent) said they consciously adjusted their driving behaviour for this reason,” he said.
“Across the country, more than three-quarters of drivers (77 per cent) said they planned ahead and drove smoothly without hard breaking or acceleration, while 63 per cent said they avoided both high speeds and driving in a lower or higher gear than needed. These subtle but effective behavioural changes can prevent a car’s engine from overworking and reduce fuel consumption.”
In addition, the AAMI Green Motoring Index found almost half of all drivers (44 per cent) removed unnecessary weight from their car, such as roof or bicycle racks or heavy cargo in the boot, in order to reduce wind resistance and their car’s weight.
i AAMI’s Green Motoring Index comprises findings from a telephone and internet survey of 2501 Australians independently conducted by Sweeney Research in every Australian state and territory.
ii Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Vehicle Sales April 2008, http://www.fcai.com.au
iii Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, http://www.environment.gov.au/
“And almost half of all Australian drivers (49 per cent) said they used their air-conditioner sparingly, in order to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions,” Mr Hughes said.
“But the most effective way to reduce your car’s emissions is to leave it at home. Two in five Australian drivers (40 per cent) said they only used their car when absolutely necessary – preferring to walk or cycle wherever possible.
“However, only three in 10 Australian drivers (28 per cent) are willing to go a step further and reduce harmful emissions levels by carpooling.”
Not thinking green at the bowser
Despite claims that ethanol blends and biofuels are less polluting and better for the environment than petrol, only 26 per cent of Australian drivers said they chose to use these fuel alternatives.
Two in five drivers (41 per cent) said the main reason for not using these fuels was that they were unaware about their suitability for their car, while one-quarter (26 per cent) said they were concerned about the negative effect they may have on their vehicle.
Reluctant to offset their vehicle emissions
Offsetting carbon emissions is an easy way to reduce a car’s impact on the environment through financial contributions to projects that reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. “But while there are a number of organisations that allow motorists to offset their vehicle emissions, only 13 per cent of Australian drivers currently pay for this service.”
Greenfleet’s efficient driving tips
1. Ensure your car is tuned and serviced regularly. The worst polluters on our roads tend to be old cars. If you do drive an older car, help the environment by making sure it is tuned according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Reduce your speed. Driving more slowly reduces fuel consumption. In fact, travelling at 110kph uses up to 25 per cent more fuel than cruising at 90kph.
3. Travel lightly and remove unnecessary items from your car to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics.
4. Consider how much you use your air conditioner - it can use up to 10 per cent extra fuel.
5. Make sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, as soft tyres cause higher rolling resistance.
6. Avoid peak hour. If traffic is stationary, switch off the engine, even if you stop for a short time. Idling wastes fuel.
7. If you have a manual transmission, fuel economy typically improves when shifts occur at lower speeds.
8. Filling up past the first click of the fuel nozzle means that fuel can be lost through the overflow pipe when you accelerate or go around corners.
9. Drive smoothly, keep an eye on your revs and change gear before reaching 2500rpm (petrol) and 2000rpm (diesel). Harsh acceleration and braking can use up to 30 per cent more fuel.
10. Whenever possible, carpool, use public transport or ride a bicycle.
For further information or to arrange an interview contact:
Brian O’Neil, Public Relations Exchange, 03 9607 4500 or 0411 055 284
