One in Three Europeans Would Spend More for a Green Car Despite Weak Economy, Ford-Sponsored Survey Shows

• 35 per cent of Europeans would pay more for an environmentally friendly car; even though 71 per cent have reduced spending due to the weak economy*, according to a Ford-sponsored survey of 6,000 people
• The survey also shows 71 per cent consider fuel-efficiency a major factor in buying a car; 60 per cent prefer to choose models from carmakers that have targeted a reduction in environmental impact; 68 per cent are fuel-efficiency conscious when driving
• Ford commissioned the poll to better understand public opinion and attitudes on a range of mobility issues; more than half polled say climate change is world’s biggest issue and want to lead a more environmentally conscious lifestyle
• Ford is delivering green motoring advances. Fiesta and Focus ECOnetic variants are company’s most fuel-efficient cars ever; seven-seat Grand C-MAX is among models offering acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine; Focus Electric goes on sale in 2013

CORK, Jan. 11, 2013 – More than one in three Europeans would spend more to buy an environmentally friendly car even though 71 per cent say they have reduced overall spending as a result of the economic recession, a Ford Motor Company-sponsored poll shows.

The survey also showed 53 per cent consider climate change to be the world’s biggest issue and 57 per cent would prefer to lead a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

“The survey shows that even in economically difficult times there is a clear desire for vehicles that are more environmentally friendly,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Ford is extremely focused on meeting this demand now and in the future, and this goes hand-in-hand with delivering products that help reduce running costs.”

Ford commissioned the survey conducted by “The Futures Company,” a leading consultancy, to better understand the opinions and attitudes of Europeans across a range of mobility issues – from car sharing to green driving to the future of the internal combustion engine.

The survey showed that for 71 per cent, fuel-efficiency is a major factor in choosing a car; 60 per cent prefer to choose models from carmakers that have targeted a reduction in their environmental impact; and 68 per cent consider fuel-efficiency when driving.

Ford is delivering significant advances in green motoring:

• ECOnetic variants of Fiesta and Focus are Ford’s most fuel-efficient vehicles ever in Europe, returning 3.3 l/100 km and 3.4 l/100 km respectively**
• Ford’s fuel-efficient and powerful 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, 2012“International Engine of the Year”, is available in models including the seven-seat Grand C-MAX
• In 2013 Ford will introduce to Europe its first ever zero-tailpipe emissions passenger car the Focus Electric to be later joined later by hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles

Also, the new Ford Fiesta offers more engines that can achieve sub-100 g/km CO₂ emissions than any other small car nameplate. Its combination of advanced new engines, fuel-saving technologies and aerodynamic improvements ensure an unrivalled seven powertrains achieve sub-100 g/km CO₂ emissions and deliver optimised fuel efficiency.

The Ford Eco Mode coaching system, now available in the Fiesta as well, rewards drivers for using fuel-efficient driving techniques by displaying up to five “petals” on each of three “flowers” that represent gear-shifting, speed and anticipation. Ford customer training has found that eco-driving skills can result in 10 per cent long-term fuel savings.

“The majority of car buyers prefer fuel-efficient vehicles, even if only a minority feel they can afford to invest in one given the current economic climate,” said Andreas Ostendorf, vice president, Sustainability, Environment & Safety Engineering, Ford of Europe.

* Survey carried out by The Futures Company, between July and August 2012. 6,028 people were questioned across six European countries; Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and U.K.

** The stated fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 as last amended. The results may differ from fuel economy figures in other regions of the world due to the different drive cycles and regulations used in those markets.