According to a recent study, American drivers are becoming increasingly interested in diesel-powered vehicles. A survey cosponsored by the Diesel Technology Forum and Mercedes-Benz USA found that 50% of Generation Y (18 to 29 years of age) and 46% of Generation X (30 to 41 years of age) would consider buying or leasing a new clean diesel car. The survey also determined that 70% of people still think that Americans are not doing enough to reduce fuel consumption, despite the fact that 69% of drivers surveyed reportedly took steps to change their driving habits during the past year in response to soaring gas prices.
The survey findings support recent predictions by J.D. Power and Associates that sales of diesel cars will nearly triple in the next ten years as advancements make today's diesels a greener, more fuel-efficient and socially responsible alternative to gasoline-powered cars.
The survey also revealed that many U.S. drivers still have misconceptions about diesel engines based on vehicles from 20 to 30 years ago. Nearly 65% of Americans know that diesel-powered cars are more fuel-efficient than gasoline-powered cars. However, many still think of diesel-powered cars as being noisier and less refined, a perception that has hindered widespread acceptance of diesels.
"We are seeing that younger drivers are eager to embrace new clean diesel as they look to reduce their fuel bill and their environmental footprint, thereby demonstrating that they're socially responsible," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "Yet it's also clear that while consumers want greener options that help them save money at the pump, they don't want to forgo the performance, reliability and innovative features they've come to expect in todays automobiles."
© 2007 Hearst Business Publishing Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Source: Motor
