MORGANTOWN, W. Va. --- A new national survey concludes that Americans personally believe that developing alternative fuel sources for cars, trucks, SUVs and buses is very important to them. The U.S. National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) released the survey results. They were presented at the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day Odyssey 2006, which was held Oct. 12. The survey found that 55 percent would consider an alternative fuel/advanced technology car, truck or SUV in their next vehicle purchase. "This proactive information campaign has shown over the years that when people understand the benefits of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, they begin to understand why these kinds of vehicles are so important," said Al Ebron, executive director for the NAFTC and National AFV Day Odyssey co-Coordinator. "Our research shows that while 93 percent of Americans believe that developing alternative fuel sources for cars, trucks, buses and SUVs is very important to them, there are still major barriers to overcome for consumers." These barriers include the number of fueling stations available, the higher cost of the vehicles and the lack of information and knowledge about alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. NAFTC's national survey, conducted by R.L. Repass & Partners, Inc., polled adults age 18 or older regarding their behaviors and views on alternative fuel vehicles. Results show: -- Alternative fuel/advanced-tech vehicles are becoming more popular. Fifty-five percent said their next vehicle purchase would very (16 percent) or somewhat (39 percent) likely be an alternative fuel/advanced technology car, truck or SUV. Consumers most likely to purchase an alternative fuel/advanced technology vehicle are between the ages of 25 and 34 and 45 and 59. -- Americans are willing to pay more. Respondents said that they would agree to pay more for alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles if they provided the following benefits: Better fuel efficiency (89 percent), tax breaks (83 percent), less dependence of foreign oil (80 percent), and less pollution and better health for those around them (80 percent). -- More Americans are thinking alternatively. Twenty-seven percent said hybrid vehicles are most likely to be a significant alternative to petroleum-based fuel for cars, trucks, SUVs and buses within 20 years. Twenty-two percent said hydrogen and fuel cell technology is most likely to be a significant alternative by 2026.