WASHINGTON – With no let up in sight for the continuing increase in gas prices, American consumers are starting to show signs of shifts in attitudes toward the vehicle they drive, with a growing number of people making fuel economy a primary concern.
According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, more new cars shoppers are looking for four-cylinder engines, whiles sales of V8-powered vehicles have fallen off.
Other data show cars continue to regain market share from fuel-inefficient trucks.
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This trend is underscored by results of a survey by Consumer Reports that show 37% of people in the market for a vehicle want a more fuel-efficient model than they currently own, an increase from Consumer Reports' previous survey.
According to the consumer publication, for the past decade fuel efficiency has only been a minor concern for new vehicle buyers who voted with their dollars for larger vehicles and more powerful engines. But now with gas prices showing no sign of reversing their upward trend, consumers' attitudes and priorities are changing.
NADA Chief Economist Paul Taylor reported that the most frequent consumer adjustment to higher gasoline prices is to select a more economical drivetrain. NADA Industry Analysis Research shows more car shoppers are selecting four-cylinder engines, when they have that option.
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