Study Says Higher Gas Prices Are Driving Better Car Care

Motor,  Jan 2008  

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Consumers say that fuel economy is a much more important motivator for vehicle maintenance than it was five years ago, and 54% of both men and women feel they're capable of doing some of the work themselves, according to a recent study of motorists by Opinion Research Corp. for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

The biggest jump in car care motivations has been caused by rising gas prices. Some 62% more consumers said fuel efficiency was an important factor today, compared with 42% five years ago. While saving money at the pump experienced the greatest change, dependability (87%) and safety (80%) still rank higher among consumers, and both also rose in importance in the past five years.

"Having a safe and dependable vehicle have long been the top motivational factors influencing consumers' vehicle maintenance decisions," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO.

For more information on the survey, e-mail Rich White at rich.white@after market.org, or call 301-654-6664.

Copyright Hearst Business Publishing Jan 2008
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