According to a new poll by the Consumer Reports National Research Center 77% of consumers believe that car manufacturers should produce more fuel-efficient vehicles and the government should increase standards and enforce them. Ninety-three percent of consumers support increased fuel efficiency. 

 

Over half of the respondents (56%) said they were considering hybrid or electric cars for their next vehicle.  If availability improves over the next 15 years, consumers are even more likely (72%) to consider them. 

 

“Eighty-nine percent of consumers who are considering these hybrid and electric models cited lower fuels costs as one of their motivations for making the transition,” said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center.  “This survey demonstrates there is strong support in the consumer market for more efficient vehicles that help you keep your costs down at the gas pump.” 

 

The poll findings suggest that consumers are willing to pay more for a fuel-efficient vehicle if it means they will save money on gas over the long term. Eighty-one percent of consumers responded that they are willing to pay extra if it would lower their operating costs. With CarLocate.com’s Green Search the consumers search for fuel efficient vehicles has never been easier. 

 

With the Green Search consumers are able to search for cars that have both an EPA Greenhouse Gas Score of 6 or above and meet an EPA standard of a combined fuel economy of 23.1 miles per gallon or better. The EPA Greenhouse Gas Score reflects tailpipe emissions that contribute to local and regional air pollution, creating problems such as smog, haze, and health issues. 

 

Eighty percent of consumers agree that fuel economy standards should require auto manufacturers to increase the overall fleet average to at least 55 miles per gallons by 2025, showing strong support for the CAFE standards recently announced by the White House. 

 

“Moving to a 54.5 mpg average by 2025 would save consumers thousands in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.  This survey makes it clear that there will be customer demand for these efficient vehicles as auto manufacturers continue to innovate to meet these standards,” says Champion.