Why Are U.S. Consumers Confused?

They are confused over hybrid cars.

45% of people surveyed said they don't have enough options when it comes to these kind of cars.

39% said they don't understand the differences between the types of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Despite our uncertainly however, 75% of us are willing to consider a more fuel-efficient vehicle when shopping for a new car.

But only 20% will actually purchase it while gasoline prices hovering between $3.50 and $4.00 per gallon. When gas prices hit $3.50 or $4.00 we will change our minds.

"These findings indicate U.S. drivers need to have a better understanding of the offerings available to them now as well as options that will become available in the U.S. market. This includes Start-Stop technology which has been marketed in Europe in recent years and will be offered to the U.S. market in 2012,"said Alex Molinaroli, president of Power Solutions for Johnson Controls, who funded the study done by the Opinion Research Corp.

The Start-Stop technology allows the engine to be turned off during stops such as traffic lights (similar to a feature of full hybrid vehicles) and automatically restart again when the driver engages the clutch or steps on the gas, thereby reducing emissions and providing fuel saving of 5%-12%.