CFA report shows increase in concern over gas prices and fuel efficiency

The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) released today its first quarterly report, which tracks U.S. gasoline consumption, expenditures, oil imports and consumer attitudes. According to the press release, the report found that “expenditures and oil imports have moderated but consumers want and need more fuel-efficient choices which automakers have been slow to supply.”

Jack Gillis, CFA director of public affairs, said the good news is that consumer indifference has ended, and that consumers are looking for changes. He said the survey also shows that Americans responded to increasing gasoline prices by driving less and by saying they want their next vehicle to get better milage, meaning over 30 miles per gallon. The report claims that “consumers are looking for cars that are much more fuel-efficient than the auto manufacturers are providing.”

Gillis said auto makers will become more competitive, and the manufacturer that produces more fuel efficient cars will “win.” He also said it is important for consumers to make some changes of their own to cut gasoline costs and reduce oil consumption, such as replacing dirty air filters or properly inflating tires. Mark Cooper, CFA research director, said the good news is people are trying to use less gasoline, but the bad news is it is a slow and difficult process to change people’s behavior.

Gillis said in the press release that to decrease oil imports and gasoline prices “Congress must continue to raise the standards; the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration must establish aggressive interim rules; automakers have to build and market more fuel-efficient cars, and consumers must buy them.”