Hybrid Cars - High On Hybrids - Forecasting Sales Trends On Hybrids (Part 1)
When analyzing sales trends on hybrids, there is no doubt opinions are mixed. Some of the most educated analysts are disagreeing about the forecast on hybrids. There is a deadlock between the experts, with each side unwilling to budge. We can wait for the results or make up our own minds. But in the meantime however, knowing how each side feels about the forecast can help the public form their own opinion on the matter.
Some researchers feel that the main variable in the trend of car sales is the rising prices of gasoline. While most consumers are complaining about their gas guzzling cars and sport utility vehicles, it is questionable whether car sales will be affected by the high prices. There is a group of experts that believe that even though gas prices are higher than ever, they are still not high enough to influence car sales substantially. They argue that consumers love their large vehicles so much that although they are complaining, they will still continue to drive them and purchase more like them. They estimate gas prices would have to increase to prices above $4 for there to be a substantial effect on the sales of hybrids.
Other experts however reveal that their studies show that at least one in six buyers have changed their minds about planned vehicle purchases due to rising gasoline prices. These studies suggest that the sales of vehicles that require less gasoline will raise at least enough to mimic this study’s findings. The experts on this side of the argument think consumers are most likely motivated to purchase hybrids by gasoline prices and are acting logically.