An overview is given of current knowledge concerning the behaviour of car purchasers. The purpose of this research is to assess policy measures which are aimed at reducing energy use by cars. In the Netherlands, and, indeed, in other countries, there is a trend towards bigger, heavier and more luxurious cars. Average car weight is increasing every year. Nevertheless, car efficiency increased in the period 1986-1990 by almost 11%. The behaviour of car buyers can be influenced in several ways.
Abstract