Analizing a Trend (revised)

America’s New Concern for Fuel Economy

Over the past decade, consumers have begun to show an increasing interest in the fuel economy of their cars. This is evident from records of truck and sport utility vehicle sales compared to compact and hybrid car sales in recent times. This trend in America’s yearning for higher gas mileage sparked a change in driving habits that allows for more efficient fuel use. There are also countless sources comparing many makes and models in the area of fuel economy.

The trend in consumers’ desire for more fuel efficient vehicles has been affecting vehicle production. Manufacturers are offering a wider variety of fuel efficient cars now than in previous decades. Today Toyota offers eight fuel efficient models and had only half that just ten years prior. (EPA, 1998) Nissan offers an affordable vehicle boasting a 34 MPG highway rating starting at under $10,000. Every major manufacturer offers a vehicle with fuel economy of 35 MPG or more. General Motors developed a compression and ignition system in 2007 to burn fuel with 15 percent better fuel economy because of this demand.

The fall of sport utility vehicle and truck sales is an occurrence that can be associated with America’s new concern for fuel economy. January through April brought a 32 percent decrease in SUV sales. (Lawrence) During those same few months, hybrid sales have risen 25 percent. (Zimmerman) General Motors said its truck and SUV sales dropped 27 percent from April 2007-08(Durbin), while small car sales are almost 19 percent higher. (Abelson) Some dealerships are giving less for sport utility vehicle trade-ins. There are even some dealers that are refusing to take gas guzzlers for trade-ins. A used car dealer, Ivan Hoyos says, “Nobody is buying used SUVs…The truth is, more and more dealers are staying away from used SUVs and large trucks — It doesn't pay.”

Following this quest for better gas mileage, over half the U.S. is taking steps to reduce the gas consumption by their vehicles or have considered buying a more fuel efficient car. (Saad) This is leading to an abundant amount of sources comparing gas mileage of vehicles or listing steps to become a more fuel efficient driver. Currently, there are over 2.5million websites offering their list of the “10 most fuel efficient cars.” There are even people called “hypermilers” who are committed to covering the greatest distance from their gas. (Woodyard) These hybrid drivers over inflate tires, coast to stops, and tailgate to gain precious MPG. There are many organizations and forums dedicated to helping them share tips for lowering fuel consumption.

One cause of this newly found fuel consciousness is the cost of gasoline. Ten years ago, in 1998, regular grade gasoline sold for $1.03 per gallon. (Taylor, Von Doren) With inflation considered, that has been the lowest selling price of this commodity for almost half a century. Between January and September of 2008 gasoline couldn’t be purchased for under $3.00 per gallon throughout most of our country. In some parts of the country, gasoline was reported to have cost $4.00 per gallon during the early summer. These numbers have sparked a fear of even higher prices in some Americans. After the passing SUV craze, people are trying to trade in their gas-guzzlers for fuel-sipping Hybrids and compacts cars.

An additional cause of Americans seeking more fuel efficient vehicles is tax incentives. The IRS now offers tax breaks of several thousands of dollars for owner of hybrid vehicles. (DOE, 2005) Owners of the popular Toyota Prius can expect a $3000 tax credit, but vehicles with greater fuel consumption like the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid will only earn owners an average of $250 though it possesses fuel conserving electric components.

Yet another reason many Americans are making the switch to high mileage vehicles is concern for our environment. Hybrid cars use electricity as well as gasoline for propulsion. This greatly reduces the amount of harmful chemicals that are in their exhaust. Those who are genuinely concerned with global consequences of human behavior are the consumers that jump at the chance to purchase a practical vehicle with low emissions. On average, hybrid cars only produce one-fifth of the harmful greenhouse gases and air pollutants that similar gasoline cars expel. (Hybrid Car Org. 2004)

Stemming from a long period of steadily rising gasoline prices, tax incentives, and environmental concerns, consciousness of fuel efficiency has become a trend among Americans. This has affected vehicle sales and production. It also gave cause for drivers to evaluate their driving habits. Despite the present leveling off of fuel costs, fuel economy concerns have become too widespread to disappear overnight.


Works Cited



Abelson, Jenn. "Frustrated owners try to unload their guzzlers." The Boston Globe 06 May 2008. 2 Dec. 2008 .

Durbin, Dee-Ann. "SUV and Truck Sales Plunge." The Washington Post 02 May 2008: D2. 30 Nov. 2008 .

Kintisch, Eli. "Physicists Support Conservation of Energy." Science 321 (2008): 1621. EBSCO Host. 1 Dec. 2008 .

Lawrence, Chris. "SUVs plunge toward 'endangered' list." CNN . 23 May 2008. CNN. 30 Nov. 2008 .

Taylor, Jerry and Von Doren, Peter . "Gasoline Prices in Perspective." Investor's Business Daily 17 May 2006. Individual Liberty, Free Markets, Peace. CATO Institute. 30 Nov. 2008 .

Vlasic, Bill. "As Gas Costs Soar, Buyers Flock to Small Cars." The New York Times 2 May 2008. The New York Times. 2 May 2008. 30 Nov. 2008 .

Woodyard, Chris. "100 mpg? For 'hypermilers,' that sounds about right." USA Today 27 June 2008. 2 Dec. 2008 .

"New Energy Tax Credits For Hybrids." Fuel economy. 31 Dec. 2005. United States Department of Energy. 30 Nov. 2008 .

"Model Year 1998 Fuel Economy Guide." Fuel Economy. Environmental Protection Agency. 30 Nov. 2008.

"Subcompact and Compact Cars." 2008. J.D. Power and Associates. 30 Nov. 2008 .

"SUV trade-ins no longer welcome." Washington Times 28 Apr. 2008. 28 Apr. 2008. 1 Dec. 2008 .


**post write**
I am very pleased with my conclusion. It sums up everything I have stated in the piece. Am feeling a lot better about the introduction now that it only states evidence suggesting the trend exists. It no longer goes in all directions. I am also liking the choice to put the effects of the trend before the causes. Again, I now know the importance of proving the trend exists and conveying a clear main idea of the piece right away.

Do you think I should take out the quote? It is by an "average Joe," but someone closely tied to the subject.

Is this piece harmed by having all those figures in text and not in a chart or graph? I don't want to have to read more sources to make a graph fit in. It justs sounds like I'd have to start at square one again.

Is this piece still too short?