Environment, Gas Prices Affecting Canadians’ Car Buying Habits: Poll

The environment and higher fuel prices have Canadians looking for environmentally-friendly options when choosing a new vehicle according to survey results released by Sympatico/MSN Autos. The study revealed that 75 per cent of Canadians polled believe driving an environmentally friendly vehicle is important and 89 per cent are looking at smaller vehicles because they are cheaper on gas. The poll of 1,200 online Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65 was conducted by OpenVenue e-Research Solutions between January 10-14, 2005 among visitors to the Sympatico.MSN.ca Web site. Results showed 83 per cent feel the recent increase in gas prices will impact their next vehicle purchase decision, and more than two-thirds (68 per cent) would seriously consider buying a hybrid vehicle now that there are several brands to choose from.

“The survey clearly shows a trend toward more environmental choices,” said Stephen Evans, Group Manager, Information Services, MSN Canada. “But interestingly enough, Canadians don’t want to sacrifice their creature comforts either.”

The survey also found 45 per cent of respondents considered air conditioning their most important car feature, while 17 per cent felt a CD player was essential. Just one per cent listed child safety accessories and ABS brakes as their most important features.

The results for the Sympatico/MSN Auto survey are accurate plus or minus 2.83 percent, 19 times out of 20.

Other Interesting Findings:

* 78 per cent of respondents have read in their car, 71 per cent have slept and half of all female respondents have applied their makeup in their vehicle. 14 per cent of men have shaved in their car.

* 68 per cent of respondents read car reviews published online before going to the dealership.

* 63 per cent of respondents usually/always go to the automakers web site to fully customize their car and decide on options before going to the dealership to buy.