4 Out of 5 Want the US to Become a Leader in Hybrids
A recent poll by Johnson Controls survey, conducted by Harris Interactive(R), shows that hybrid technology is seen as a must have for the US...

The study was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive between March 9 and March 11, 2009 among 2,309 adults ages 18 and older, of whom, 35 (2%) already own a hybrid car. Results were weighted as needed to reflect the composition of the U.S. population of adults ages 18+ using targets for region, age within gender, education, household income, race/ethnicity, and propensity to be online. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
According to the numbers, 81% of those surveyed want the US to become a leader in hybrid technology in order to reduce our reliance on foreign oil. 67% want to create jobs through the development of hybrid and battery technology. While 64% are motivated by environmental concerns.
But all is not rosy when it comes to how well hybrids can fare. 80% think cost will prevent people from buying a hybrid car. 49 percent of adults cite reluctance to sacrifice features such as size and horsepower. 42 percent express concerns that hybrids might mean inferior performance, lack of speed, or a poor driving experience.
4 out of 5 believe incentives and tax credits work to encourage people to buy hybrids, and 35% of those who do not already own a hybrid said they would be willing to buy a hybrid if it cost the same. 23% would be willing to pay more, while one-third would expect to pay less.
59% of those surveyed had no idea what the distinctions were between the different types of hybrids, showing that auto makers still have a way to go to educate the buying public. 47% believe lack of understanding about hybrids in general prevents people from buying them.