Car dealers are reporting a rise in the number of consumers asking them for CO2 information as part of the used car buying process, according to a new survey. 

The new research confirms that cost is the driving force behind consumer interest in CO2 data. Savvy dealers, who are meeting the needs of their customers by providing this information, are securing more deals.

Around 77 per cent of the dealers surveyed by HPI said there is a greater awareness of CO2 emissions among customers, although, 85 per cent of dealers believe this is because of lower tax benefits.

A staggering 49 per cent said lower running costs are the reason for ‘going green’. Interestingly, 37 per cent said that CO2 emissions would frequently affect a customer’s decision to buy a vehicle. Only 13 per cent of dealers say that CO2 emissions are not an important factor.

Despite this, 15 per cent of used car dealers said they rarely obtain CO2 Certificates for the stock on their forecourt, with 28 per cent never doing so and one fifth saying they sometimes do. 

The majority of dealers, who do obtain the certificate, display it and 61 per cent said that the certificate does aid the sales process. 

Daniel Burgess, Managing Director of HPI, said: “It’s clear to see that CO2 now has more of an impact on a customer’s purchase decision, but many dealers are missing a trick by not offering this data, or only doing so when prompted.

“While we might not be at the stage where customers choose their vehicle based solely on its emissions, CO2 is now a key piece of data that a buyer will use when considering a vehicle.”

Of those surveyed, 44 per cent were independent dealers, 27 per cent were single franchise and 23 per cent were multiple franchise.