Fuel Prices Drive Interest in Hybrid Cars

The proportion of US consumers who are strongly considering buying a hybrid vehicle leapt from 17% to 29% over the last year, according to a Maritz Automotive Research Group study. Respondents were also positive about fuel cell technology, but less keen on diesel.

The survey found that reducing fuel costs was the main reason for considering a hybrid (cited by 97%), followed by being able to travel for longer between fill-ups (79%), reducing pollution (78%), and reducing Americans' dependence on foreign oil (74.5%). 27% mentioned better engine performance, and 19% were interested in having the latest technology.

Of the 87% of people who would give equal or more consideration to buying a hybrid vehicle, nearly 85% are willing to pay more for the hybrid - a 5% decline from 2004. The median additional amount they are willing to pay for the technology remained the same at approximately $2,000.

Vehicles equipped with diesel engines have been received with little enthusiasm by consumers. Nearly 60% of respondents said they would not consider a diesel-fuelled vehicle on their next purchase. Of these, 70% cited noise and smell, 56% didn't see the advantages, and 45% believed diesels produce too much pollution.

Awareness of fuel cell technology was 61% overall, with a significant gap between men (75%) and women (less than 50%). Of those who were aware, more than nine in ten felt it is important for manufacturers to develop fuel cell technology commercially, with most believing they should do so within the next five years (57%).

The top reasons for interest in fuel cell technology included reducing fuel costs (88%), reducing Americans' dependence on foreign oil (83%), environmental factors (83%); and decreasing the overall expense of operating the vehicle (66%).

David Ensing, Director of Research and Development for Maritz Automotive Research Group, says: 'The volatility of gas prices is changing buyers' decision-making. Buyers are feeling the pressure of rising gas prices and dependence on foreign oil, and they're hoping new solutions will be made available to them sooner than the 10 years many manufacturers are projecting.'

In August 2005, Maritz conducted an online survey of 1,009 adult owners and drivers of vehicles. The results were compared to a similar poll of 1,014 adult owners and drivers of vehicles conducted in August 2004. The US average price for regular gasoline was $1.85 per gallon in August 2004 and $2.58 per gallon a year later. The company is online at MaritzPoll.com.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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