No fluke: new survey finds $4 gas is the tipping point

Last year, the reality of $4 gallons of gasoline (and, of course, economic uncertainly), caused a lot of changes in the auto industy in the U.S., from a drop in vehicle miles traveled to a decrease in big vehicle sales. Looks like that $4 level is the tipping point for any future changes in driver behavior as well, according to a new survey put out by Car hire.com.

The survey found that if gas were to shoot to over $4 a gallon again, 40 percent of car shoppers would “consider purchasing a new fuel-efficient car right away.” About the same amount, 41 percent, said that $4 gas would make them choose a “more efficient car the next time they were ready to buy a car.” Even at $3.75, 29 percent of car shoppers thought buying a more efficient car “right away” was the right move. Takeaway point: when gas prices go up, people will want to have greener cars. The question is what kinds of vehicles will be available then the inevitable happens through retailers and car rental services.