Clean Car Campaign Survey Results
Late last year, nearly 7,000 Clean Car Campaign pledgers took an online survey about their car purchasing habits, car care, and whether their views towards green vehicles had changed since taking the pledge. The survey response was terrific! From their responses, we have learned that you are a remarkable group that is highly committed to addressing auto pollution through your vehicle buying habits, driving behavior, and communications with friends and decision-makers. It was also apparent that the Clean Car Pledge has made an impact on your actions.
Pledgers who purchased new cars sought out green vehicle options.
- 22% of all those who purchased new vehicles bought cars that fit the Clean Car Standard. In the market as a whole such vehicles are still well under 1% of vehicles sold.
- About half of all vehicles purchased were from Toyota and Honda - the two
companies currently marketing hybrid vehicles. Together these companies
made up just over 20% of the US market last year. This disparity reflects
both the immense popularity of hybrids with pledgers as well as an apparent
"halo" effect for those companies.
- 85% of those who purchased new cars actively sought information on green vehicle purchasing options, while about half requested this information from their car dealership.
Pledgers who have not purchased a new car since taking the pledge still show increased awareness and interest in green vehicles.
- 68% of respondents indicated that as a result of signing the pledge they have incorporated information they have learned from the campaign to operate their existing vehicles more efficiently.
- 94% indicated that buying the greenest possible car for their particular needs will be a factor in their car purchasing decision.
The Clean Car Campaign has mobilized pledgers.
- Pledgers have sent nearly 406,000 emails, faxes, letters, and phone calls about green vehicle issues. In addition, pledgers have passed information about the campaign on to nearly 75,200 of their friends.
- Since taking the pledge, 70% of all pledgers have taken related actions such as discussing green cars with friends and/or family.
Additional Findings.
- 91% of those surveyed said that they trusted environmental organizations the most for information on green vehicles; 50% trust government organizations.
- 74% of respondents indicated that clear information on the web would make it easier to shop for green cars, as it is often difficult to find this information.
- 87% said that green vehicle "labeling" on cars would also make it easier to purchase green vehicles; 68% wanted additional information at the dealers.
We Are Listening to You.
Sending a Message to Automakers:
Survey participants asked that automakers be informed about their concerns on clean car issues. Shortly after the survey we helped clean car pledgers and activists deliver more than 16,000 emails to automakers asking them to clean up their products and practices rather than fight against environmental regulations.
Green Car Resources and Information:
Participants also asked for better access to information about green cars, both on the web and on vehicle labels. For useful web resources on clean cars, visit the Clean Car Campaign's Resources.
THANK YOU to those of you who responded to the survey and thank you all for your continued support for the Clean Car Campaign!
