Consumers want more than fuels savings

While interest in alternative vehicles may be growing, consumers do not see ‘green’ as the only purchasing factor and are demanding more from automakers, according to an Accenture study released today.

Accenture’s survey showed that six out of 10 consumers are more likely to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle only when it is superior to gasoline-only models in every way, so while automakers are increasingly focused on addressing the demand for greater fuel efficiency and economy they should also address those areas that continue to influence the consumer. ‘Green’ is not enough by itself.

Source & Read More: Accenture]

Tags: Fuel efficiency, Hybrid vehicle

White House unveils $2.4 bn in grants

The US government will buy thousands of electric and hybrid vehicles. Government grants also would subsidize installation of electric-vehicle charging stations.  The move reflects the belief that current lower oil prices won’t last: In its models for the future, as part of the GM and Chrysler bankruptcies, the president’s auto task force assumed that gas prices would rise above $4 a gallon by 2015.

Tags: Business, Chrysler, Electric vehicle, Ford Motor Co, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Hybrid vehicle, United States