Hybrid Car Review

Despite being the third largest consumers of hybrid cars, most Britons are unaware of what hybrids are, how hybrids work or why they should buy one.

1200 drivers were surveyed in Britain in new research released Tuesday by Honda Motor Co. at the London launch of the new Civic Hybrid, available April 1st. The survey was run by TNS.

Seventy per cent of respondents admitted they don't know how a hybrid actually works. More than half were not aware of hybrids. Eighty two percent did not mention hybrid cars when asked to name an alternative fuel vehicle.

Very few of those surveyed were aware of any tax benefits in owning a hybrid in the UK. Only four percent knew hybrid ownership entitled you to a reduced company car tax. Two percent were aware of the lower road fund tax and two percent were aware of the discount from the London congestion charge.

Of the few who knew of and would consider buying a hybrid car, the top motivation would be lower fuel costs, not environmental concerns.