(The Associated Press)
Pumping less
Americans have bought less gas every week for the past year. During those 52 weeks, gasoline consumption dropped by 4.2 billion gallons, or 3 percent, according to MasterCard SpendingPulse. The decline tops a 51-week slide in 2008. The main reason is higher gas prices, but better fuel efficiency across autos is also cited as a factor in the drop.
— NWautos staff
(Toyota)
Sales jumps
Sales of the Toyota Prius hybrid (shown) jumped 54 percent in March, while the Camry midsize sedan saw sales rise 35 percent. Other automakers also saw big sales gains for fuel-efficient cars. Sales of the Chevrolet Cruze were up 20 percent, the Ford Focus was up 65 percent and the Nissan Versa rose 41 percent.
— The Associated Press
2 Comments
By Carfield on April 11, 2012 6:05 PM
It doesn't matter how much less gas you are pumping and whether you drive fuel efficient cars or not. By the time the majority of people will drive a 50-80mpg car, gas prices will be $10/gallon so you will still end up paying just as much without being able to save a penny. You think "they" have not figured this out...?
By John on May 17, 2012 5:30 AM
Its great news. I'm glad more people are realizing that they can spend less and save gas by purchasing more fuel efficient cars. I just downgraded from a Chevy Tahoe to a Hyundai Sonata and think it was a great decision.