Want to save Gas?
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Originally published 01:50 p.m., June 6, 2008
Updated 01:50 p.m., June 6, 2008
Higher gasoline prices helped drive sales of smaller cars during May, according to industry figures cited in Wednesday’s USA Today that showed smaller cars were driving off the lots ahead of trucks, SUVs and larger models.
At GM, the Chevrolet Aveo and Cobalt and Pontiac Vibe all saw increased sales, and the new midsize Malibu sold out, according to Mark LaNeve, GM vice-president in charge of North American sales.
The hybrid Toyota Prius also is hard to come by. Its sales dropped 37 percent because it’s in short supply, Toyota Group Vice President Bob Carter told USA Today.
Ford has had increased sales for its Ford Focus. Focus sales topped 30,000 for the second time in car’s nine-year history.
If you are wanting to get better gas milage here are some options from Emporia’s new car dealers.
Tim North,
John North Ford
Make/Model:
Nissan Versa
MPG:
Automatic transmission: 27 city, 33 highway. Six-speed manual transmission: 26 city, 31 highway
Features that make this car stand out:
Prices start at $12,550, Best in class horsepower (122) and torque (127 ft./lbs.) Available: Bluetooth, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), Class-leading interior room, Standard side airbags.
Options: satellite radio, anti-lock brakes, convenience package, sport package, premium audio package, cruise control, many more.
What trends have you noticed on your lot? Are more people buying smaller cars or inquiring about fuel efficiency?
Yeah, small cars are up over last year. In the last 90 days, Versa has almost overtaken Altima as our best-selling car. In the last 90 days, cars have made up 72 percent of our total Nissan sales, and Rogue, the small cross-over or CUV, accounts for another 17 percent. Fuel efficiency is at or near the top on customers’ lists of wants and needs.
What price per gallon do you think will spark customers to trade in cars for a more fuel-efficient ones?
I think $3.50 is the starting point for a lot of customers, but it will be higher for customers with needs that only larger vehicles will satisfy, like towing, hauling, or a large family.
Anything else?
Some customers are still concerned about the safety of smaller vehicles, but crash test results often contradict this concern. Declining market values for larger vehicles make it a great time to find a bargain in the used-vehicle market. Also, rebates and incentives are huge on large vehicles in the new-vehicle market.
Jeff Longbine,
Longbine Auto Plaza
Make/Model:
2008 Chevrolet Malibu LT
MPG:
22 city, 30 highway
Features that make this car stand out:
The Malibu stands out because it is a full size car that gets good gas mileage. Built on GM’s Global Midsize Platform, fully independent suspension, standard 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brake system (ABS), dynamic rear proportioning, standard dual-stage frontal airbags with passenger-sensing system, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, front and rear head-curtain side-impact air bags, tire-pressure monitoring system, OnStar’s Directions and Connections plan with OnStar Turn-by-Turn, Navigation, Hands-free calling, StabiliTrak, All-speed traction control, Power driver’s seat, Speed-sensitive electric power steering, Backed by the best ownership package in the industry: 100,000-mile or 5-year powertrain warranty with roadside assistance and courtesy transportation.
Options:
V6 with 6-speed automatic transmission, leather seats, sunroof, remote start, 110-volt power outlet.
What trends have you noticed on your lot? Are more people buying smaller cars or inquiring about fuel efficiency?
Everyone is talking about fuel prices. Families still need to get everyone where they are going.
What price per gallon do you think will spark customers to trade in cars for a more fuel-efficient ones?
It happened at $3 and even more as it approaches $4.
Scott Miller,
Emporia Motors
Make/Model:
Toyota Prius
MPG:
48 city, 45 highway
Features that make this car stand out:
Fuel economy, hybrid technology
Options:
Standard equipment all the way up to leather and navigation
What trends have you noticed on your lot? Are more people buying smaller cars or inquiring about fuel efficiency?
Definitely. Last month was our best new Toyota month in the history of our store.
What price per gallon do you think will spark customers to trade in cars for a more fuel-efficient ones?
That is already happening. Those people who are MPG conscious have already traded. When will the next wave occur? $4 per gallon, $4.50 per gallon. Who knows? What I do know is that people are more concerned about the fuel efficiency of the next car they buy more than at any other time.
Anything else?
Don’t run in expecting to pick up your new Prius. The Prius in the picture is already sold. We currently have a waiting list of about three months for a new Prius.