Efficient Driving
With high gas prices, fuel-efficient cars are drawing looks
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Friday, June 22, 2007
High gasoline prices are making buyers think a little harder about miles per gallon — but not enough to scare them off of a new car altogether.
According to a recent Consumer Reports poll of 1,804 people, nearly 70 percent said they would look for a car with better fuel efficiency. Only about half of those, however, would give up vehicle size, capacity, range or performance to get it.
That wouldn’t surprise John Kretsinger, who said he hasn’t seen a dramatic change in sales on the Longbine Auto Plaza lot so far. But gas mileage is definitely on everyone’s minds, he said.
“People are talking about it,” Kretsinger said. “When you go down to fill up the five-gallon gas can so you can run your lawn mower and it costs $17, yes, it’s a factor.”
Overall, the auto industry saw sales grow by about 5 percent in May, driven by a 14.1 percent increase in Toyota sales and a 9.7 percent growth by GM. Both automakers credited the popularity of fuel-efficient models.
Most customers are looking for cars that get at least 30 miles per gallon, Kretsinger said, a trend that has grown steadily over the last three years. Even on SUVs, people are looking for efficiency. Here are some of the fuel-efficient cars from Emporia’s new car dealers.
sciguy (anonymous) says...
How about some small diesel engines in cars and light trucks?
Why do you have to visit Europe to see large numbers of fuel-efficient small diesel cars?
June 22, 2007 at 11:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )