Car Shoppers Steered By Environmental Fears

A new study shows that environmental concerns are leading drivers to make lifestyle changes.

The Kelley Blue Book study said that 75 percent of car shoppers have made lifestyle changes, with 46 percent of people who have said they are cutting back on driving and 31 percent interested in purchasing a more fuel-efficient car.

"Gas prices have created a permanent shift in the minds of American consumers and, more importantly, car shoppers," said Rick Wainschel, senior vice president of marketing and analytics for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

In an effort to protect the environment, 42 percent of consumers participating in the Kelley Blue Book study are willing to accept cuts in their standard of living, while 39 percent are willing to pay higher prices. In addition, 29 percent are willing to pay higher taxes.

The study was conducted on kbb.com among 619 shoppers during April 2008 and among 637 shoppers during June 2008.