With economic concerns still top of mind, Chinese consumers opt for ‘quality of life’ and ‘ease of transport’ when purchasing a new car, but still want a stylish and sporty design. Now is the time to increase incentives on alternative energy vehicles—consumers are ready for the switch.

In 2007 being ‘green’ went mainstream with rise in the number of people wanting to shop in a sustainable way. Then the global recession hit and holding down jobs and paying the bills became a consumer priority over “ethical consumerism.” How will shoppers react when the economy rebounds?

Nearly eight in 10 Chinese automobile owners showed intention to purchase an electric vehicle. Environmental and economic advantages play an important role in the buying decision.

San Francisco loves its green cars more than any other area in the U.S., according to new research from Nielsen. The new data from Nielsen Claritas’ PRIZM Market Potential Report finds that households in San Francisco are 60 percent more likely to buy a green vehicle than the average U.S. home, with Washington D.C. 44 percent more likely and New York City 31 percent more likely.
“These estimates help manufacturers and marketers better understand the markets that have ‘green’ potential, and help them focus their resources,” said Bruce Wilkinson, Vice …

Mediaweek reports on a reversing trend in the magazine business: a cooling towards “green” issues. Just a few years ago, magazines were sprouting a multitude of green-themed issues, but the economic downturn has many publishers including Time Inc. (”Sunset”), Conde Nast (”Domino”), and Mariah Media (”Outside”) shelving such plans for 2009.
“Editors insist readers are still interested in green themes, although some said they are evolving coverage in response to green’s maturation. Hachette Filipacchi Media’s Elle—which made a statement by publishing its green issue on recycled paper this year—plans a water-themed …

Compared to the rest of the globe, Latin America’s consumers place the highest importance on how environment standards and labor conditions impact products they purchase. In North America, consumers come in just below the global average when considering the importance of those factors according to a Nielsen report on Corporate Ethics And Fair Trading, done in partnership with Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute. In addition to Latin and North America, the report details consumer perceptions in the Asia/Pacific region, Europe, and emerging markets. “A global social conscience is one of …

Corporate care of the environment and support of socially responsible programs play an increasingly influential role in consumer purchasing behavior, according to the first global survey on company ethics and corporate responsibility released by The Nielsen Company. Half the world’s consumers (51%) consider it very important that companies improve their environmental polices.  In addition, 42% of consumers place high importance on fostering other programs that contribute to improving society.
The 51-country survey polled 28,253 online consumers in May 2008, providing the first global overview on consumer attitudes towards company ethics and …

Among the many winners at the recent Summer Olympic Games: the city of Beijing.
According to a survey conducted by Nielsen after the closing ceremony, seven in 10 viewers across 16 countries and territories said Beijing appeared more “modern” and “high-tech” than they had expected.
Beijing also looked cleaner and greener than many viewers expected — 56% said the city’s physical environment exceeded their expectations.
Nine in 10 foreigners who visited Beijing for the Olympics also told Nielsen the city’s Olympics venues were “good” or “very good.”
View the full press release.
Read The Wall …

Although it often costs more to buy green products, environmentally-friendly living is more popular than ever in the U.S.
The Daily Texan writes that, according to a report by Nielsen and the Natural Marketing Institute, consumers with a green shopping agenda have generated $209 billion in profits this year so far.
If the trend continues, green consumers will likely generate $400 billion by 2010.
Read the full Nielsen press release on green consumers.