October 2005

What drives you?

The recent increases in fuel prices sparked a great debate about fuel economy, alternative engine types and the daily usage of cars.

The latest findings from McNair Ingenuity's Online Panel Survey show that when it comes to the awareness of engine types Petrol and Diesel are known by most of the consumers in Australia. Even though John Howard kicked off a debate about blending petrol with Methanol it didn't help raise the awareness of Flex Fuel engines, only 29% were aware of this technology. On the other hand the recent success of the Toyota Hybrid cars in the US and media attention about this technology has lifted awareness of this engine type to three-quarters of Australians. Other engine types like Hydrogen and Fuel Cell powered vehicles are less well known, especially by women.

Respondents were also asked about which engine types they would consider for their next car purchase. Petrol engine cars were still the most likely to be considered but were not necessarily the only choice! More than half would consider a Hybrid powered car or a Bi-fuel car.

Given that a quarter of respondents had not heard about most of the alternate engine types, there was high level of interest in considering options beyond petrol for their next car. For example among those who had not heard of Hybrid cars 30% would consider it for their next car. Obviously those who had heard of the alternate engine types were much more likely to consider them with 72% of these people considering Hybrid engines for their next car.

This suggests that if the car manufacturers increased the awareness of engine types like Flex Fuel or Hydrogen engines, it would also increase their consideration rate.

When asked how the latest increases in fuel prices were affecting them, 42% of people felt that "it is annoying but I can't change my usage easily", especially amongst people who work full time. Nearly half said they were spending less on other things at the moment and 49% will reduce their amount of driving.

How This Research Was Conducted

This topic was included in the Quarterly McNair Ingenuity Online Panel Survey conducted by McNair Ingenuity Research in September 2005. The survey was conducted by means of an online survey amongst research panel members and weighted according to the Australian population. The research comprises a quarterly monitor of social and consumer trends.

The above information is copyright to McNair Ingenuity Research and may not be reproduced or published without McNair Ingenuity Research's express permission. Contact Matt Balogh ph 02 9966 9133.

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