Tesco's plans to sell cars at its stores look set to be opposed by its customers.

A survey for Marketing magazine by Taylor Nelson Sofres shows that 56% of consumers would not buy a car from a supermarket. Those most opposed to the idea were those aged 16-24 (59%) and those aged 65 and over (72%). Acceptance was higher among the middle-aged with a peak of 54% of 35-44 year olds saying they would buy a car from a supermarket.

Of all those surveyed 40% said they would buy a car from a supermarket, 56% said 'no' and 4% 'don't know' to the question 'If you were thinking of buying a new car would you consider buying your car from a supermarket if it were possible, or not?'.

Tesco said this week that its plans to sell cars were in the advanced stages, but it was keeping a close eye on the Block Exemption review.