As yet there has been little focus on either dealers or garages but according to consultancy Network Automotive that is set to change. Managing director Colin Bruder said the automotive industry's thrust to clean up its act in recent years had mainly focussed on carmakers but dealers would no longer be overlooked.

“Customers are more and more concerned about the green impact of their motoring but it is a subject where dealers and other maintenance outlets have done little to show they are taking the lead,” said Bruder. “They may come under pressure to change this stance in the near future.” Bruder said that processes that dealers could be asked to look at might include everything from disposal of used parts and consumables in the workshop to basics like paper and power use. He added: "The question here is whether dealers should take a lead or wait for external parties like customers or their manufacturers to ask for them to meet stated environmental criteria?”