A survey conducted for The Texas News
by Staple's and staff indicates
that Texans like their large and
medium sized cars and
many of them appear unwilling to
trade them for more fuel efficient
models, even if gasoline prices
continue to rise.
When asked if 75 cent a gallon
gasoline would encourage a switch to
a smaller car, 55
percent of Texas residents said no.
Even if the price on gasoline pumps
should go to one dollar per gallon.
Almost half of the Texans surveyed
said they still would not buy a
smaller automobile, while
51 percent said one dollar a gallon
gasoline would make them drive
smaller cars.
47 percent still indicated
a refusal to consider a compact
or subcompact model.
Analysis of the results reveals that
drivers who already own medium sized
cars are more likely to switch
to smaller cars in the future if
gasoline prices rise dramatically.
At the same time, most owners of
large cars appear determined to
keep the all of the talk about
gasoline prices, mileage ratings
and a proposed federal taxes on gas
guzzlers is having an uncertain
effect on new car sales in this
area.
While dealers say some buyers appear
to be waiting to see what Congress
does about taxes on fuel hungry
cars and rebates on gasoline
efficient cars, others are
going ahead with new car purchases.
And most car salesmen say they
aren't worried about the future of
the auto industry, regardless of
what happens to the price of
gasoline or what measures are
approved by Congress.
Most car dealers in this area say
they are confident that
manufacturers will be able to keep
up with or stay ahead of any demands
put upon them by Washington.
And car dealers in this area say
that all of the talk about the
energy situation has done nothing
except help their business.
Many of them are looking for a
record month in April.
Doug Adams, The Texas News.