If gas prices reached $5, $6, or even $7 a gallon, would you
respond by purchasing a hybrid? How about an electric car? Some
consumers are already contemplating their responses to those
questions. And the news is that alternative fuel vehicles have
apparently begun creeping into the mainstream consciousness. A
Consumer Reports survey conducted this year proves that. The
magazine didn't query its respondents about what they would do
if gas prices skyrocketed. It merely asked what they would look
for in their next vehicle. The responses showed that they are
concerned about the future of gasoline-burning cars. GM's Chevy
Volt: Are more consumers willing to switch to alternative
powertrains? (Source: General Motors) Thirty-seven percent of
the survey respondents told Consumer Reports that fuel economy
was their most important consideration -- more important than
quality, safety, value, performance, styling, or technological
innovation. The majority of those surveyed said they expect to
get better fuel economy fro