British drivers are calling for car manufacturers to provide more information on the environmental impact of their cars, according to new research by Gilbran, Europe’s automotive real estate company.

The study found that 86% of car buyers say they would like car manufacturers to provide standardised, easy to understand information on the environmental performance and impact of cars, rising to 91% of women.

This is despite the fact that an eco-labelling scheme ranking manufacturer’s cars by their carbon dioxide emissions has been in place since the start of 2005.

A further half of British drivers (48%) say they do not think manufacturers provide sufficient amounts of information on the environmental performance and impact of a car, with 18% stating that the environmental information supplied by car manufacturers is either useless or fairly useless.

In addition 86% of drivers said they would like to see evidence that the car dealer they buy the vehicle from is also improving its environmental performance.

Women were most strongly in favour of more environmentally friendly dealerships, with 89% of female buyers calling for this, compared to 84% of men.

"It is interesting to see just how many Britons take a keen interest in the environmental impact of the cars they buy and drive and how few of them believe that the information they currently receive is adequate," said Nigel Smith, managing director of Gilbran.

“Environmental concerns will inevitably continue to rise up car buyers agendas and our research suggests that those manufacturers and dealers embracing this demand and providing the information customers require will be well placed to win the battle for buyers hearts and minds, as well as their wallets,” adds Smith.