Gas guzzlers out of fashion
British registrations of 4×4s fell more than 18 per cent last month marking perhaps an end to this country’s love affair with off-road vehicles. The trend appears to world wide – sales of this type of vehicle in America have dropped by about 30 per cent this year.
It is not only 4×4 cars that are languishing on garage forecourts. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, whilst Land Rover’s British registrations were down by 33 per cent last month, Porsche’s slid by 38 per cent.
Faltering consumer confidence and a recently-anounced revision to carbon dioxide-based car tax appear to be boosting the popularity of smaller cars.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association said: “Like all fashions, the vogue for a particular type of car comes and goes, but the signs are that gas guzzling cars may have had their day. The future kings of the road are more likely to resemble India’s Tata Nano than 2-ton off-roaders.”
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Record petrol prices as road tax doubles for some
Less interest in environment as economy falters
What car should I buy? See ETA’s Car Buyers’ Guide
The ETA is a not-for-profit ethical organisation providing motorists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.
