Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
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Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/ea..._id=1002314621
Gallup Surprise: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
By E&P Staff
Published: April 10, 2006 1:45 PM ET
NEW YORK A Gallup poll released today shows that nearly half of all Americans have cut back "significantly" on their driving due to high gas prices--and in a surprise, 57% say they will consider buying a hybrid car when replacing their current vehicle.
About half of Americans report economizing in general in order to compensate for the increase in gas prices over the past year.
Those favoring hybrids show little gender or regional differences, but "hybrids appeal much more to younger and middle-aged Americans than to seniors," Gallup reports. Upper-income Americans are slightly more likely than lower-income Americans (62% vs. 55%) to say they would seriously consider buying a hybrid when purchasing their next car.
According to the poll, 48% say they have cut back significantly on the amount they drive and 54% says they have reduced their household spending on other items because of high gas prices.
"Cutting back on driving is particularly prevalent among lower-income Americans," Gallup reports. "The income dividing line for a majority striving to save on gas occurs at the $50,000 level. A majority of those living in households earning less than $50,000 per year say they have cut back on driving due to gas prices. Only 36% of those making $50,000 or more say they have done this."
The survey of 1,001 adults was taken March 10-12.
By E&P Staff
Published: April 10, 2006 1:45 PM ET
NEW YORK A Gallup poll released today shows that nearly half of all Americans have cut back "significantly" on their driving due to high gas prices--and in a surprise, 57% say they will consider buying a hybrid car when replacing their current vehicle.
About half of Americans report economizing in general in order to compensate for the increase in gas prices over the past year.
Those favoring hybrids show little gender or regional differences, but "hybrids appeal much more to younger and middle-aged Americans than to seniors," Gallup reports. Upper-income Americans are slightly more likely than lower-income Americans (62% vs. 55%) to say they would seriously consider buying a hybrid when purchasing their next car.
According to the poll, 48% say they have cut back significantly on the amount they drive and 54% says they have reduced their household spending on other items because of high gas prices.
"Cutting back on driving is particularly prevalent among lower-income Americans," Gallup reports. "The income dividing line for a majority striving to save on gas occurs at the $50,000 level. A majority of those living in households earning less than $50,000 per year say they have cut back on driving due to gas prices. Only 36% of those making $50,000 or more say they have done this."
The survey of 1,001 adults was taken March 10-12.
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From: Ohio
Re: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
I would not be opposed to having a hybrid for a daily driver, I suppose.... but I will not pay a premium for it that would take years and years to recover.
I typically keep a car 2-3 years, so at current pricing over non-hybrid versions of the same vehicles, there's no way I'll be getting one.
I typically keep a car 2-3 years, so at current pricing over non-hybrid versions of the same vehicles, there's no way I'll be getting one.
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From: Southern California (SoCal)
Re: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
Just as most people never really took their 4x4 truck or SUV offroading and bought them because they we a status symbol, I think Hybrids could end up being similiar.
Hybrids are more 'hype' then anything else at this time when you consider their additional cost and the fact it could take up to 10 years of ownership to recoup that additional money (as long as the hybrid doesn't have expensive electrical/computer repairs after warranty expires).
So while people bought 4x4 SUVs that never went offroading, people will by Hybrids that will never save them any money
Hybrids are more 'hype' then anything else at this time when you consider their additional cost and the fact it could take up to 10 years of ownership to recoup that additional money (as long as the hybrid doesn't have expensive electrical/computer repairs after warranty expires).
So while people bought 4x4 SUVs that never went offroading, people will by Hybrids that will never save them any money
Last edited by johnsocal; Apr 11, 2006 at 12:48 PM.
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From: Sterling Heights, MI
Re: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
It looks like the research into the economics of purchasing a hybrid has fallen on deaf ears.
If 48% of America has cut back "significantly" on their driving, wouldn't you expect a corresponding drop in gasoline demand (price)? Something tells me this poll was much less than scientific....what exactly qualifies as "significant?"
If 48% of America has cut back "significantly" on their driving, wouldn't you expect a corresponding drop in gasoline demand (price)? Something tells me this poll was much less than scientific....what exactly qualifies as "significant?"
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From: La Porte City, Iowa
Re: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
My 1994 Sunbird V6 gets almost 40mpg on the highway. A hybrid would do nothing but cost me more money. Plus, parts for my Sunbird are a dime a dozen. The only reason to but a hybrid is if you have to much money or you're completely ignorant.
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Re: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
Originally Posted by Z28Wilson
It looks like the research into the economics of purchasing a hybrid has fallen on deaf ears.
If 48% of America has cut back "significantly" on their driving, wouldn't you expect a corresponding drop in gasoline demand (price)? Something tells me this poll was much less than scientific....what exactly qualifies as "significant?"
If 48% of America has cut back "significantly" on their driving, wouldn't you expect a corresponding drop in gasoline demand (price)? Something tells me this poll was much less than scientific....what exactly qualifies as "significant?"
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Re: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
Originally Posted by Z28x
Bring back the 3 cyl. Geo Metro 
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Mack and Bewick
Re: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
Well if we take that at face value and its people making below 50k a year who will consider it...
I would assume they aren't rushing out to finance a new car anyway. Not only that I really think the cost would be prohibitive.
As said above, what people say they will do, and will actually do are often two very different things.
I would assume they aren't rushing out to finance a new car anyway. Not only that I really think the cost would be prohibitive.
As said above, what people say they will do, and will actually do are often two very different things.
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Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,368
From: OR
Re: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
Originally Posted by anasazi
because demand everywhere else on the planet has gone up dramatically
I've read articles that China is expected to rival the whole industrial wold when it comes to pollution and energy consumed.. Which is possible, if you think all those billions of people being brought "online".
Actually, which touches on a tangent point, if/when the US is no longer the #1 consumer market, and most sales of various product are made overseas there... what does it mean to US?
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From: Albany, NY
Re: Most Americans Now Say They May Buy Hybrid Cars
Originally Posted by Darth Xed
And add D.O.D. to it too! 
Those Metros get the same milage as a prius and are a fraction of the price.