It seems as if the ever increasing cost of fuel is inevitable. With no end in sight this begs the questions: How much is too much? At what point will American consumers stop buying fuel and start thinking about alternate modes of transportation? The first “outrageous” gas hike occurred in 1974 when people were forced to pay $.50 a gallon. In the decade to follow, the cost for fuel had reached $1.25 and by 1997 the price point hit $1.50 a gallon. The new millennium saw the introduction of $2.00 per gallon and current prices are hovering around the $3.50 mark, about $.81 more per gallon than last year. For many, these exponential increases are enough to justify new thinking and changes in the way we get from one place to another.

As hostility flares in Libya and oil prices shoot up in electronic trading, the cost of fuel is sure to increase in the months to come. Economists predict that gas prices will reach around $5.00 per gallon by summer in some parts of the U.S. While it is shocking to spend between $50 and $100 for a full tank of gas, things could always be worse. Our neighbors in Europe are currently shelling out about $9.00 per gallon for their “petrol”. European countries do not reap the benefits of government fuel subsidies that we do here in the states.

As many Americans are trading in gas guzzlers for economy vehicles auto sales are expected to be about sixteen percent higher than last year. Popular hybrids like the Toyota Prius, Honda CR-Z, Nissan Leaf and Ford Fusion are all selling like hot cakes. While plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt are quickly catching up. Dealerships across the nation are sold out of many of these models and pre-orders are at an all time high. The recent disaster in Japan has caused concern that production of hybrid batteries and other parts needed for Japanese vehicles may be significantly slowed. Consumers are reacting by placing orders to secure their choice of vehicle before availability decreases.

Retail dealerships that sell two wheel vehicles are also reporting a significant increase in sales. Harley Davidsons, Mopeds and Vespas are now more popular than they have been in years. Although not approved for highway travel, mopeds and Vespas can travel up to seventy miles on a single gallon of gas. Even the largest Harley can get about fifty miles to the gallon. For those who live in warm, mild climates getting around on two wheels is becoming a sensible solution. For those who reside in more frigid parts of the country two wheels are not really an option. Who wants to hop on a Vespa and cruise to the grocery store in thirty degree weather?

Auto manufacturers as well as parts suppliers are also doing their part by exploring new technologies to improve fuel efficiency. The Ford Motor company is experimenting with a technology that injects tiny air bubbles into the molded plastic parts used to build Ford vehicles. If successful, this process could reduce vehicle weight by 250 to 750 pounds. Tire companies, Michelin, Cooper GFE and Goodyear have developed and are now offering fuel efficient tires. Although these tires, with less roll resistance, only deliver a one to two percent difference in fuel economy, every bit helps. New advances in engine technologies for combustion engines are constantly being made, all with the goal of lighter, more efficient fuel consumption.

Author Bio: Written by Windy Reigns. If it is time for you to trade in a gas guzzler for a more economical solution then visit a Dallas Ford Dealer to see the new lineup for 2011. Or, if you are looking for a reliable new car or SUV in Southern California go to Los Angeles Subaru for a full inventory of innovative new vehicles.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: hybrid cars, economy cars, gas prices, fuel efficient, fuel costs, oil prices