A gallop poll suggested 40% believe the price drop is politically motivated, either directly by the republicans or indirectly by the oil and gas industry which want republicans in office. Looks like the republicans have a rough future if their popularity is linked to gas prices (I wonder what the peak price will be in 5 years and where the rep. are in popularity polls?)

Another survey showed 42% of respondents would use the current gas pump savings to save up for future prices rises and another 27% said they would put it toward utilities expenses. Doesn't sould like they're saving up for a SUV this christmass.

Car manufactures do not respond to these short term fluctuations when deciding what type and how many cars to produce. They have already scheduled more hybrid cars and fuel efficient car production.

Even with this sudden dramitic decline in oil prices the consumers normally short memory is showing signs of painfully memories of sky high prices and not changing their buying habits towards gas guzzlers.

So far the hybrid cars and fuel efficient cars future looks good even with this recent price drop. Some say they are expected to increase from 1% to 1.6% of total US sales in the next year, I'm betting they meet that target.



Mr Fezziwig, administrator of Green Cars Now a site devote to promoting fuel efficient vehicles

Newsweek had a recent article stating the oil "experts" assumed the Chinese economy would continue to grow at 10% a year.

This would be a good time to buy a hybrid.

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I think you will notice all cars increasing their FE, not just hybrids... even if gas prices go down. I think people know in the long run the prices will go up and prefer to have a car that doesn't dent the wallet at every fillup.

I think that fuel economy is permanently on the consumer radar, and the degree to which it is a priority will vary seasonally with the cost of gas. Sales of hybrids, diesels, and other fuel efficient cars will be frantic as we approach a new spike in fuel prices. As the prices decline, so will sales of those cars.

My prediction is that the other end of the market...monster SUVs and the like...will not experience the same kind of fluctuation. Rather, sales will slow down and stay there unless something seriously unforeseeable happens with the fuel supply.

Sales of FE vehicles has already slowed. People have very short term memories.

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Yep, there was a drop in Hybrid sales in September over August. And trucks and SUV sales went up also.

See why I want gas prices to STAY UP !!!! It ripples across the economy in a good way for conservation and the environment when gas prices are higher.

Which is why I want the hybrids to jump in their FE by 2 fold at least (and price remain around the same). Nobody will be hesitant whether the premium is worth it or not, as is the case now.

You are correct Livvie, and reports are saying the next gen Prius is supposed to hit 90 MPG and the hybrid system is supposed to be 50% smaller.

If Toyota can really do that, and keep the premium the same or even lower, then there should be no reason why they can't sell 500,000 hybrids in the USA or even hit their goal of a million a year.

Hybrid Premium cut in half by 2009?

What I think will happen is that the efficient cars will not be in super high demand as they have been, but that demand for them will not drop all the way back to where it was before. Regardless, people tend to be shortsighted. That's why if you have a large truck or SUV, the best time to sell it and buy an efficient car is when gas prices are at a temporary low.

I'd like to see a poll on how many Americans believe gas prices will go back up after elections. I'm betting more than 75% would say yes. I don't think anyone is forgetting. Hybrid sales may slow, but it won't go away by any means.

Also, I'd like to see the source of the poll data. It's kind of rediculous to tie a price drop in gas strictly to Republican election-year scheming. So what, Democrats support an increase? If someone wants to talk about the political element of oil prices, fine. But don't make it sound like Republicans are sitting in a room somewhere in plush lounge chairs smoking cigars turning a dial that raises and lowers the price of gas because they feel like it. Democrats are there in the room too...

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