Affect gas high price

IRVINE, CA -- Rising gas prices across the country are forcing some buyers to look toward other fuel-saving options in their purchasing decisions. The April issue of AutoVibes, a monthly study from Harris Interactive and Kelley Blue Book, reports that 17 percent of in-market car buyers are unsure about what vehicle they will purchase due to high fuel costs, while 21 percent of buyers are considering vehicles they had not considered before.

The study also shows that 15 percent of new car shoppers would consider more fuel-efficient vehicles if gas prices increased by as little as 25 cents.

The survey was conducted over a five-day period with 1,076 U.S. adults who are in the market to purchase a new vehicle within the next 12 months.

"Buyers are looking at slightly more fuel efficient cars; it doesn't mean they are necessarily buying hybrid cars yet," says spokesperson Robyn Eckard from Kelley Blue Book.

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Energy report that average retail regular grade gasoline prices are steadily rising; as of May 10 the price for gas was $1.94 per gallon, up 45 cents from May 2003. Reuters reported that gas prices are supposed to reach a record high of $2.03 per gallon in June.

Eckard says buyers may consider other shifts in the same vehicle type versus opting for a different vehicle brand. For example, she says, SUV sales are not predicted to drop because there are many sizes and configurations available now such as the Ford Escape and new hybrid vehicles. Additional findings show that women and younger buyers are more likely to base their make and model decision on gas prices.