American car buyers want to be green, but their motives are mixed. In a recent survey by car-shopping site Autobytel.com,
57% of those surveyed said they are likely to consider a hybrid or
other green car in the next year and 75% would consider it in the next 2
to 5 years. Of that group, about half said their lean toward green was
for economic reasons or higher gas mileage, some 40% for a combination
of environmental principle and reducing dependence on foreign oil — with
the balance liking cool new technology. Whatever your reason, if you
want to save money while reducing tailpipe emissions and oil use,
hybrids are not your only choice.
One disadvantage of hybrids is that they generally cost more than their gas-only counterparts. “The price premium for hybrids is still a deterrent for most car buyers,” says Michael Omotoso, senior manager for power train issues at J.D. Power and Associates. He expects hybrids to rise from their current 2.5% of total sales to about 9% by 2016 ( See What You’ll be Driving in 2016).
To read the full, original article click on this link: Green Cars: Five Surprising, Affordable Choices - CBS MoneyWatch.com
Author: Jerry Edgerton
