Drivers seek mileage boost despite cheaper fuel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The sharp drop in gasoline prices since last summer has not erased concern about pump prices or U.S. dependence on foreign oil, and most American drivers list fuel economy as important in future vehicle purchases, a consumer group said on Tuesday.

“The persistence of great concern about gas prices and dependence on oil imports shows a strong base of public support for significant improvements in motor vehicle fuel economy,” said Mark Cooper, Research Director for the Consumer Federation of America.

The group surveyed 1,000 adult Americans and found 76 percent were concerned about gasoline prices and 76 percent worried about America’s dependence on oil supplies from the Middle East.

Reuters