Would you pay more for a 'greener' car?

Question

The European Commission wants to force car makers to make vehicles that are more environmentally friendly.

What is your reaction?

The proposals would mean cutting emissions from new models by nearly twenty-percent over the next five years.

European car makers have said this would push up the price of vehicles and any new rules need to be phased in slowly.

Would you be willing to pay extra to cut emissions? Do you think the EU proposals will work?

Some car makers want other measures, such as cleaner fuels, to play a part. Do you agree?

Answer 1

No I would not want to pay more because it will be a case of those who want to pay more, can. While those who can't, don't have to.

And what an example set by one of those unelected Eurocrats, with his top of the range Mercedes (paid for by the tax payer) and most carbon polluting vehicle of the lot, lecturing the rest of us what sort of cars we should have. This will be another increase in tax opportunity, under the guise of 'saving the planet'.

Answer 2

Yes, I fact I did. Last year I purchased a Prius, it was $2,000 more the the vehicle I originally thought I'd buy. It took me quite some time to decide, but I'm quite happy with my decision. I'm polluting less, conserving gas, and saving money in the long run (I purchase far less gas now).
I live in the U.S., and I wish the government would force car makers to produce more environmentally friendly cars, impose higher fees on the gas guzzlers, and speed up the research on cleaner fuels.
Global warming is not some irrational fear, it's a reality backed with scientific proof. If we don't stop abusing our planet and start using our brains it won't sustain us much longer.

Answer 3

Only if they can do it while keeping the size and power of vehicles. Living in the country as i do, large vehicles for towing and hauling are a must. Even for those that do not farm. 4 wheel drive is also a must, as some times it takes plow trucks 3 days to get to where we live. In this part of the country, a hybrid car does you no good unless you also have a big pickup truck or SUV.

Answer 4

Yes I would!

We all know that cars are one of the main source of pollution. I find it so selfish not to change its own behavior just for comfort because of some people not willing to quit driving in SUV with airco while gas reserves will anyway be over in 40 years... The so sacred car use has time limit and people tend to avoid thinking of it.

This initiative is a drop in the ocean but at least it is one first step, consumers would not change their behavior by themselves, they need the stick just like kids. don't you think?

US should follow the initiative but unfortunately most of the population is egocentric and ignore the externalities of their habits on rest of the world.

Answer 5

A complicated question... In theory I would be willing to pay more for a green car, but it would matter exactly how much of an increase we're talking about here...Most cars are already very expensive anyway.

Furthermore, would the environmentally friendliness of the car create any resulting decreases in cost (eg: lower fuel consumption etc).

An interesting question to ponder...

Answer 6

Cleaner fuels are good idea as well. But, to answer your question, yes, I would be willing to spend more money on a "greener" vehicle.

Answer 7

I think we need to do something to help reduce the crap we pump into d atmosphere, but costing more is just an excuse to get more money out of people.

Answer 8

No. But I don't think we are going to have a choice. That's just one way the myth of ''global warming'' is going to pay off!

Answer 9

yeah, i would

Answer 10

NO!