Two Of Three Americans Will Buy A Hybrid Before 2012

A new survey by Ruder Finn Insights shows that two out of three Americans say they are likely to purchase a hybrid vehicle in the next three years. The survey also shows that the lower cost of acquiring gasoline-only vehicles is a barrier to faster hybrid adoption. More than 80 percent of the survey's 500 respondents indicated that they would like to sell their current vehicles and switch to a hybrid car but about 70 percent of the survey's respondents say that they cannot afford to make the switch.

Consumer perceptions of hybrid vehicles indicate that potential buyers believe hybrid vehicles are more expensive to purchase and maintain, and are also less capable of long-distance driving. About 50 percent of respondents also believe that hybrid vehicles are currently priced too high.

The survey results also show for the first time that Americans are willing to sacrifice luxury, performance, reliability and comfort to get better gas mileage, despite the fact that gasoline prices have dropped significantly in the past few weeks. Survey results also revealed that most Americans believe gasoline-only vehicles offer better luxury, design, and comfort than hybrids do.

Analysts at Ruder Finn Insights say that consumers are largely unaware of technological advancements that are now incorporated into hybrid vehicle designs, and that a program of re-education is needed to bring consumers up to speed on the latest hybrid technology. Based on the survey results, Ruder Finn Insights says that consumer perceptions of hybrid vehicles are about ten years out-of-date.