For the last couple of years, consumer groups have been discussing what it takes for people to change their driving habits. Late last month, Edmunds.com released a study that stated drivers will begin looking for alternatives when the national gas price average exceeds $2.80.
I think that time has come. At least where I live, the average price has been well over $2.80 for at least a year. And it’s dancing dangerously close to that amount in other parts of the country, too. So now the question is: What will happen if prices reach $4.00 per gallon? Edmunds.com came up with a few things that could happen.
• The demand for hybrids would spike by about 502 percent.
• Demand for midsized SUVs will drop by about 35 percent, with interest in large SUVs and large trucks dropping by at least 34 percent and 26 percent respectively.
• Luxury car and luxury SUV demand will drop by about 15 percent.
• Consumers would focus more on a vehicle’s “perceived fuel efficiency” than its “actual fuel efficiency.”
Do you think your habits would change much if gas prices reached $4.00 per gallon in your area? Have you considered buying a hybrid or one of the more efficient Ford vehicles lately? I don’t think I’d be dusting off my mountain bike, but I might start thinking about my driving habits more consciously. I’d probably take fewer road trips and make an effort to combine my errands. But other than that, I don’t think I’ll be walking anywhere soon.
Maybe if it reaches $7.00 per gallon, I’ll be thinking of other alternatives.
