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Convenience store news | 16 October 2006

Survey: Americans want alternative fuel and advanced vehicles

Arlington, Va. – The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), released results from a national survey of Americans that found most personally believe that developing alternative fuel sources for cars, trucks, SUVs and buses is very important to them. Results that were presented at NAFTC's Alternative Fuel Vehicle Odyssey 2006 outline that 55 percent would consider an alternative fuel/advanced technology car, truck or SUV in their next vehicle purchase; 16 percent of which would be very likely to purchase such a vehicle while 39 percent said it would be likely. Consumers most likely to purchase an alternative fuel or advanced technology vehicle are between the ages of 25 to 34 and 45 to 59.

In addition, consumers are willing to pay more for a vehicle if it provided these benefits: 89 percent said better fuel efficiency; 83 percent said tax breaks; 80 percent said less dependence on foreign oil; and 80 percent said for less pollution and better health.  For the future, the survey found that 27 percent of those polled felt that hybrid vehicles are most likely to be a significant alternative to petroleum-based fuel for vehicles within 20 years. Also, 22 percent said that hydrogen and fuel cell technology is most likely to be a significant alternative by 2026.

NAFTC's survey, conducted by R.L. Repass & Partners Inc., polled adults ages 18 and older on their behaviors and views on alternative fuel vehicles.

"This proactive information campaign has shown over the years that when people understand the benefits of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, they begin to understand why these kinds of vehicles are so important," said Al Ebron, executive director for the NAFTC and co-coordinator of the National AFV Day Odyssey. "Our research shows that while 93 percent of Americans believe that developing alternative fuel sources for cars, trucks, buses and SUVs is very important to them, there are still major barriers to overcome for consumers."

Barriers include the number and availability of fueling stations, the increased cost of vehicles and the lack of information about the alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.

"More work needs to be done to give consumers the information they need to make an informed decision the next time they prepare to purchase a new vehicle," said Ebron. "Odyssey gives Americans exposure to these incredible vehicles and gives them the answers that the survey results show they are seeking."

The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Odyssey 2006 is a nationwide, multi-city, one-day event that features the advancement in alternative fuels and advanced technology vehicles. The event, which is part of National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day, will feature new alternative fuel vehicles, such as Hydrogen-Fuel Cell Vehicles, Neighborhood Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Biodiesel, Natural Gas and Flex Fuel Vehicles.

Odyssey began in 2002 and is being held in 60 locations in the U.S., Canada and Germany to celebrate the growth of alternative energy powered cars.

Source: http://www.csnews.com/

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