April 15th, 2024, Janice Fernandes
Earlier last year the UK government announced £2 billion investment in the auto industry and EV ecosystem, supporting the manufacture, supply chain, and development of zero-emission vehicles.
Against this backdrop, insights from YouGov Profiles shed light on the automotive brands that consumers view as environmentally friendly and as leaders in sustainability. The survey compares the viewpoints of 'Planet Protectors'—individuals deeply concerned about environmental issues—with those of the broader British population.
Both groups rank Tesla as one of the top automakers in sustainability, with 15% of Planet Protectors and the general population each considering the brand a leader in sustainability. Recently, Tesla’s sustainability focus included constructing eco-friendly factories and integrating AI for energy efficiency.
While German powerhouse BMW holds a spot within the top 5 for both demographics, its recognition level as a leader in sustainability is significantly higher among the environmentally conscious group – 15% of Planet Protectors vs. 8% of the general population. BMW has commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions across its facilities by 2030.
Similarly, Audi garners recognition for its sustainability efforts, with 12% of environmentally conscious consumers and 7% of the general population acknowledging the brand's initiatives. Audi envisions becoming net carbon-neutral throughout the company by 2050. By 2025, operations at Audi production sites are to be net carbon-neutral worldwide.
Ford and Honda appear in the top 5 for Planet Protectors (9% and 8% respectively) but are absent from the general population’s top picks. In June 2023, the Cologne Electric Vehicle Centre opened Ford's first carbon neutral vehicle assembly plant globally to build its new generation of European electric passenger vehicles. Honda has stated that it’s working towards zero environmental impact and announced further progress towards its sustainability goals within the 2023 European Environmental report.
Toyota, a pioneer in hybrid technology, earns notable recognition for its sustainability efforts, particularly among the general population, where 8% perceive it as a leader. Toyota has an Environmental Challenge 2050, announced in 2015, which comprises six separate “challenges” that cover every aspect of their business.
Though garnering a small share of the votes, Hyundai rounds out the list of top automakers in sustainability among British consumers at 5%. By 2030, Hyundai aims to secure 30 percent of its global vehicle sales with zero-emission models.
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Methodology: YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data for Great Britain is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, education, region, and race. Learn more about Profiles.
Image: Getty Images