Automakers are ramping up plans for more gas-electric vehicles, just as consumer interest appears to be waning. Demand for hybrids has fallen as fuel prices have eased off historic highs.
CNW Marketing Research says that a year ago about 30% of car shoppers considered buying a hybrid, and they were willing to pay a premium of nearly $2,500 more than they would have for a conventional vehicle.
Now, however, hybrid consideration is at 12%, and shoppers are willing to fork out only an additional $1,152.
"People aren't as driven by fuel prices when there isn't a scare factor," CNW President Art Spinella said, adding that there are nice, fuel-efficient "vehicles in the market that cost a lot less than a hybrid."
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