BMW Finds That Most People Want Cars That Save Money

A survey recently conducted by BMW shows that potential new car buyers are more interested in vehicles that save money than they are in those that are more friendly to the environment. Seventy-five percent of respondents said that they would only buy a car that saved them money. Further, only 13 percent of respondents said that other people bought environmentally friendly cars out of a genuine desire to reduce carbon emissions.

This report bolsters a survey recently conducted by AutoTrader.com which showed that nearly half of that site's visitors were considering downsizing to save money. In that survey, 21 percent of respondents said they were considering a vehicle downgrade to improve their carbon footprint.

The BMW survey also showed that drivers favor diesel engines over hybrids for highway driving. The survey results are not surprising, since BMW will offer a diesel-hybrid line that offers reduced carbon emissions and better gas mileage. The company also announced earlier this month its plan to offer an all-electric MINI E with a 150kW electric motor. The MINI E will operate from Li-ion batteries and has a range of about 150 miles. The car will be tested in a pilot project in New York, New Jersey and California. The company is considering offering the vehicle in Europe as well. BMW will debut the MINI E at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.