Fact #440: October 23, 2006
Public Attitude on Hybrids 2005

Due to system upgrades, the Fact of the Week was not posted for the weeks of September 4 through October 16, 2006.

R.L. Polk and Company conducted an Internet poll in May 2005 on the subject of hybrid vehicles. Respondents were given some statements about hybrid vehicles and were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement. More than half of the respondents (59%) agreed that every vehicle sold today should offer a hybrid version. Only 13% of respondents thought that hybrid vehicles are a fad that will pass within five years.

Supporting Information

I believe…	Share of Respondents that Strongly Agree or Somewhat Agree
Every vehicle sold today should have a hybrid version offered	58%
Hybrid vehicles make our lives simpler	31%
The benefits I would receive would not justify the extra cost to buy a hybrid	29%
The government should not provide tax incentives for purchasing a hybrid	28%
Hybrid vehicles are a fad and will not be of interest to the public in 5 years	13%
Diesel fuel-based engines are just as fuel-efficient as hybrid vehicles	10%
Source: Polk Center for Automotive Studies, "Consumer Considerations for Hybrid Vehicle: Public Views on an Emerging Segment," July 2005. (Based on public opinion poll conducted on the Internet, May 6 – May 9, 2005. N=307 U.S. residents, age 21 and older.)

 

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