A recent survey conducted by research firm Synovate says that India is among the top few countries in the world where luxury cars are more popular than ‘green cars’. India comes second in the list, with 47 per cent respondents choosing luxury cars, and 30 per cent choosing environment friendly cars.

South Africa, where 53 per cent respondents picked luxury cars over eco-friendly ones, tops the list. The Indian car buyer’s preferences contrast sharply with those of European car buyers who are increasingly moving towards smaller and greener vehicles.

This is because Indians are relatively new to luxury cars, which are, for them, a symbol of success and prosperity. Also, while countries in the west are in the middle of a deep recession, the Indian economy is continuing to grow.