New Car Buyers Opt for Hybrids
July 13, 2007 by George Skentzos
A recent survey of almost 30,000 potential new car buyers in Australia has revealed that more than half are seriously considering a petrol-electric hybrid vehicle as their newest purchase over the next four years.
The survey, conducted by Roy Morgan Research has concluded that an overwhelming 74 per cent of all new car buyers regard fuel efficiency as more important than high performance – and that women are a key driver for Hybrid purchases in higher income households.
Norman Woodcock, Roy Morgan Research Director of Business Development, says:
“As petrol prices continue to increase, global warming awareness rises and alternatively powered vehicles become more versatile and affordable we will continue to see a dramatic rise in Hybrid consideration and market share.”
The most affordable hybrid, the Honda Civic Hybrid at $32,990 combines a petrol engine with an electric motor to boost power and cut fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
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Interesting, 50% seems alittle high though. One thing for sure though, can either Honda or Toyota design a decent looking Hybrid!!! I have nothing against them, sure they aernt performance based but if your looking for a daily driver they are a viable option…. but the current options are either true hybrid imitations (the Civic) or ugly (the Prius).
I’ll agree to the looks. I reckon the Prius looks a little better then the Honda though. Those rims on the Honda hybrids I’ve seen around the place are horrid. It’s as if the car was designed in 1983, and this is what they expected cars to look like in 2007.
I’d still rather be in a Golf 2.0L TDi. Faster, better fuel economy. No batteries to maintain as such a critical level. No underpowered petrol engine.
Steve