FLEET car drivers are more concerned with making cars safer and 'greener' than concentrating on speed or performance. Of 500 drivers questioned by pollster NOP, including 50 company car drivers, 90% said that they wanted technology to be applied to safety and environmental improvements

Only one in five rated using technology to make cars faster and improve their performance. Overall, drivers recognised a need to improve fuel economy, cut down emissions and expected to see more use of solar, gas and electric-powered cars in five years' time. They also wanted more standard equipment, ranging from navigation systems to all-round electric windows.

Several said they wanted systems by early in the millennium telling them they were too close to the car in front, along with reversing aids including improved lights. Chris Buck, director of NOP Automotive, said: 'Car manufacturers may have to achieve a balance between the demands in order to satisfy their customers' expectations.'