Consumers are wary of hybrids, according to a new survey by the Polk Center for Automotive
Studies, Southfield, Michigan. Ninety-seven percent of the 307 respondents said they had
heard of hybrid vehicles, and 78 percent would consider buying one. The survey revealed,
however, that 61 percent said cost would be a concern and 30 percent think the extra cost
of a hybrid may not be worth it. Hybrids generally cost several thousand dollars extra
compared with similar gas-engine-only models.
