THE region's business owners and managers rank environmental impact, fuel efficiency and safety as key factors when buying a car, according to a study.

The research by Bibby Financial Services shows only 21 per cent of business people rated image and status above more practical issues when buying a vehicle.

A total of 77 per cent said they took into account the environmental impact, while 79 per cent said fuel efficiency was important.

Rising fuel prices encouraged many drivers to become more environmentally-friendly, with 11.5 million motorists cutting back on road journeys over the past year.

Glen Callander, of Bibby, said: "While during the last decade, a high-profile car may have been the ultimate accolade to be achieved at all odds, business owners now have a more balanced perspective, with factors such as family, the environment and cost all featuring more highly.

"There are a wealth of options for businesses keen to look at the environmental option, from car share schemes to hybrid or electric cars.

"And for those that are looking to make an immediate difference, simple steps such as driving to the speed limit and removing the roof rack all help reduce fuel consumption."

Last month, Conservative leader David Cameron committed his party to slashing carbon emissions from British cars by almost a third.

He pledged to encourage environmentally-friendly cars and to ensure that, by 2030, all cars reduce emissions from today's average of 170g per kilometre to 100g.

Published: 2/05/2006