LowCVP webinar presents results of survey into accessibility of CO2 information on car makers' websites
Wed 27 January 2010
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A new study into the presentation of CO2-related information on car makers' websites finds that, on average, only 52% of participants’ attempts are successful in finding the official CO2 rating for a particular car. Even in cases where users are able to retrieve a CO2 value for a particular model, only 68% of these are correct. The survey was commissioned by the Energy Saving Trust, FoE Europe and We are Futureproof and the results of the survey were presented in a webinar run by the LowCVP.
The study found that the best websites for accessing CO2 information were those of Mini, Kia, Lexus and Honda.
The research found that even manufacturers of lower carbon vehicles were no more successful in accurately informing users of their websites of CO2 information than manufacturers of high emission vehicles.
It also found that few companies are using the fuel economy label, which now exists for both new and used cars, on their websites.
Earlier research shows that about 40 per cent of people use manufacturer and independent websites when choosing a new car. The research also showed that three quarters of people say a fuel economy label is important in helping them choose the make and model for their new car.
Blake Ludwig, Managing Director, We Are Futureproof, said: "More and more people want to choose greener, more efficient cars, but our study shows that some car-makers expect them to spend time hunting around confusing websites for information. Other car-makers have got it right, putting the data up-front and easy to find, and we think all companies should have to follow this model.
"Our previous research showed that a fuel economy logo on billboard advertisements doubles the chances of the public correctly identifying emissions. Fuel economy and emissions data needs to be clear and accessible everywhere cars are promoted, including websites.”
Fiona McLean, European Coordinator, Car Fuel Efficiency Campaign, Friends of the Earth Europe said: "Over the past two years, we have been working with our European partners to examine the accessibility, reliability and understandability of fuel consumption and CO2 information in car advertising and at dealerships across the EU. This research shows that carmakers are failing yet again, and even on their own websites they are not doing enough to provide this information to consumers to help them make informed decisions.”
The full research results are available from the Energy Saving Trust website (see associated link). Dr Ben Lane (Ecolane) presented his findings during the webinar based on research involving 363 participants.This LowCVP webinar can be viewed again via the associated link.
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