THE vast majority of company car drivers have no idea what the CO2 rating is for their current company car and less than half know how to work out their benefit-in-kind tax bills, a new study has found.

The findings highlight the fact that left to their own devices, fleet drivers in the UK will not contribute to cleaner motoring as they have no idea how to pick a clean vehicle. It places even more onus on fleet executives putting together choice lists to do the job for them.

Produced by NOP World Automotive, the study quizzed more than 1,000 employees eligible for a company car.

About 800 were currently driving company vehicles and almost 260 had not taken up the entitlement or had opted out.

Asked if they know the CO2 rating for their current car a total of 74% of drivers said they did not. And 41% admitted they did not know how much their company cars cost them in tax.

Despite this, many employees will this year be choosing their company cars as 40% of respondents say their current vehicle will be up for renewal in the next 12 months. The report also suggests that drivers are moving towards non-mainstream vehicles and diesel.

It says: ‘There is clearly a desire to move away from the traditional saloon, hatchback and estate vehicles with 25% indicating that their next car will be a non-mainstream vehicle such as a 4x4, coupe, cabriolet or MPV, compared with the current ownership level of 15%.’

Jim Farrell, associate director at NOP World Automotive, said: ‘The corporate car market remains a key part of the UK’s automotive landscape and will potentially provide rich pickings for an increasing number of manufacturers.

No longer is it just the domain of the mainstream makes and traditional saloon and hatchback models. The dynamics of the market have evolved over recent years with increasing numbers of company car drivers enjoying greater latitude, whether it be the opportunity to opt out or the ability to choose a vehicle more compatible with their lifestage and lifestyle.

‘Those manufacturers that fully understand the dynamics of the corporate market are most likely to reap the greatest rewards.’

In terms of safety, 85% say they have not had an accident while driving on company business but 10% admit to still using a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel.