End of the Gas-guzzler?

Side note: I am seeing more and more SUVs for sale on the route I bike to work on. A definite sign of change in the works. Hooray!

Source: New York Daily News

May 26, 2006

Tired of forking over so much cash at the pump, 37% of consumers in a nationwide survey of more than 2,400 adults said they were thinking of trading in their gas guzzlers for a more fuel-efficient ride.

Of those who may replace their vehicles, 50% said they were considering a gasoline/electric hybrid and 38% said they were thinking about either flexible-fuel or diesel vehicles.

Hybrids currently make up 1% of total new car sales, but dealers expect interest to grow.

"They are selling more because they run on a battery and not on gas, which means less gas money," said Sergio Vasquez, a sales consultant at Manhattan Ford-Lincoln Mercury.

The Consumer Reports survey also found 55% of consumers are downsizing to smaller vehicles.