TORRANCE, CA - Automotive Fleet conducted an unscientific poll to get a general impression of how professionals in the fleet industry believe new fuel economy standards will affect vehicle prices. Respondents all agreed acquisition costs will increase, but the question is to what degree?

Nearly half of respondents, 46 percent, said they believe new fuel economy standards will cause a dramatic increase in vehicle prices in the short and long term. More than one-third, at 34 percent, said they believe vehicle prices will increase moderately in the short and long term. No respondents said prices would not be affected. Here are the results (also shown above in the pie chart):

Poll Results

• Cause a dramatic increase in vehicle prices in the short and long term – 46%

• Cause a dramatic increase in vehicle prices in the short term, but not over the long run – 6%

• Cause a moderate increase in vehicle prices in the short term, but not over the long run – 34%

• Prices will not be affected in the short term or over the long run – 3%

Poll methodology: Automotive Fleet conducted the online poll via our newsletter and our website from August 19 through August 30, 2011.

By Greg Basich