With the new 2008 car number plates released at the beginning of this month, new research conducted exclusively for FreeQuotes reveals that the most important factor for new car purchases is the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Research conducted by the iDFactor for FreeQuotes revealed that 84% of those considering a new car purchase this year regard fuel efficiency as the most important element of the purchase.

New car purchases feeling the crunch

A similarly revealing sign of the times is that over 55% of respondants were being pinched by the credit crunch this year and their ability to purchase a new car has been hampered as a result. Of those affected by the credit crunch, it was noted that the over 55's were least affected, with the 25-34 year old age group those most feeling the crunch.

Boy racers true to form

Equally interesting was the finding that the youngest age group, the 18-24 year olds were least likely to consider fuel efficiency when choosing a new vehicle. So far from the youth generation being most environmentally aware, it seems the senior citizens are showing up our youngsters with their green credentials.

Download the full press release (word document)