Motorists across the UK have highlighted the real impact of the recession on their driving and vehicle habits in new research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

According to the SMMT's findings, drivers are now keeping their cars for longer – 7.44 years in total – while demand for more fuel-efficient models has increased, with 50.6 per cent of all cars on the UK's roads now diesels.

This is the first time this type of vehicle has made up the majority of models on the road, overtaking petrol models.

The publication follows recent comments from Julie Jenner of fleet organisation ACFO, who told Business Green that fleet operators across the UK are becoming more enamoured with fuel-efficient vehicles, in a bid to reduce costs and emissions.

She argued: "The focus of all fleets is still going to be on fuel efficiency and lower CO2. All good fleet operators must be pursuing a policy of fuel-efficient vehicles."

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Posted by Sarah Godfrey