Automakers Focus on Fuel Efficiency as Market Changes Towards Green Vehicles

A change is taking place in the automotive industry. No, it's not the usual changes such as Toyota raising to the top in sales, or a merger between two major companies. This change is unlike anything ever seen before. The major change in the automotive industry right now is a push towards fuel efficiency unlike anything ever seen before.

There were periods of time back in the early 70s and even into the 80s when automakers made an effort to bring forth fuel efficient vehicles. However, fuel prices were still relatively low and demand for fuel efficient vehicles was not strong. Automakers made fuel efficient vehicles, but buyers did not buy them.

Today is a different story. Buyers are demanding fuel efficiency. In fact, according to recent surveys, fuel efficiency has become the number one consideration when buying a new car. If buyers want fuel efficient vehicles, automakers are willing to meet the demand.

However, it's not just a push towards fuel efficiency that we are witnessing. We are witnessing a changing industry where automakers are focusing on new, and entirely different technology. Mention the word hybrid 15 years ago and nobody knew what you were talking about. Mention it today, and everyone takes notice. It doesn't end there though. Now there are plug-in hybrids, extended range electric vehicles, and electric drive vehicles.

Automakers are focusing on numerous different technologies to meet the fuel efficiency requirements of the federal government and to meet the growing demand from the buying public. Witnessing this changeover is simply amazing. At no previous time in automotive history has there been such a selection of vehicles. You can purchase vehicles that run on gasoline, ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen, bio-fuel, diesel fuel, or electricity.

What can buyers expect in the coming years? Expect to see fuel efficiency continue to be the driving force for new automobiles. Government mandates go into affect and will increase CAFE standards for all automakers across the board by 2016. These mandates will force automakers to come up with fuel efficient design. Vehicles will have to achieve over 35 mpg. The drive towards this efficiency will result in several additional hybrid and plug-in hybrid models as well as the releases of many upcoming electric vehicles.

With a newfound focus on efficiency, the automotive industry is changing right before our eyes and we have a chance to watch it all unfold. Whether you ponder about owning the first electric vehicle in your neighborhood or just can't wait to get a new Prius, or maybe the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt intrigues you, the industry is changing rapidly and new, efficient vehicles are here to stay.