Most new-vehicle buyers do not see diesel as a likely mainstream fuel source in the future.

The latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research study reveals that only six per cent of shoppers think diesel is the future, compared to 40 per cent predicting big things for hybrids.

One in five said hydrogen fuel cell would become a mainstream vehicle powertrain type, while 17 per cent opted for flexible-fuel systems.

The research also found that consumers increasingly associate diesel-powered vehicles with a poor fuel mileage compared to conventional gasoline engines and also think of them as not very fuel-efficient, noisy and dirty.

Some 61 per cent of respondents expressed interest in hybrids.

Rick Wainschel, vice president of marketing research and brand communications for Kelley Blue Book, said: "Knowing where shoppers stand on these issues also can help manufacturers devise successful marketing campaigns to ensure proper education about new technologies and ultimately, success in the sales of their future products."

The Honda Civic was revealed to be the most popular hybrid car in the study.

Source:

New-Car Shoppers Do Not See Diesel as a Likely Mainstream Fuel Source, 29/1/08
http://sev.prnewswire.com/advertising/20080128/LAM02728012008-1.html

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