McLEAN, Va. — Capital One Auto Finance recently completed a survey to learn more about how truly interested consumers are in fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles. Turns out, the majority of consumers who participated are concerned about these attributes of their future unit.

In fact, Capital One indicated that its survey revealed that more than half of respondents (53 percent) said their next vehicle will be more fuel efficient than their current unit. Furthermore, the company learned that 55 percent of poll participants would be very likely or somewhat likely to give up a larger vehicle for a more fuel-efficient model when they buy their next vehicle.

More study results mentioned that the vast majority of participants — 96 percent — currently do not own an alternative-fuel vehicle such as an electric unit or gas-electric hybrid. Also a strong majority, a total of 76 percent, had never driven or test-driven one of these types of vehicles.

However, again the majority ruled when asked about whether these kinds of vehicles are here to stay and are not just a passing fad. A total of 80 percent of respondents agreed with that stance.

"Drivers' preferences and features that were once ‘must haves' seem to be shifting somewhat as consumers try to balance their needs with a desire to do their part to help the environment and save money on fuel," noted Sanjiv Yajnik, president of Capital One Auto Finance.

"While consumers are showing significant interest in gas-alternative models, our survey suggests that pricing is holding many buyers back from purchasing one," Yajnik added.

More study findings reinforced Yajnik's comments.

A total of 34 percent of respondents said it is somewhat or very likely that their next vehicle purchase will be an alternative-fuel vehicle. Moreover, a slight majority (54 percent) think they will own an alternative-fuel vehicle in their lifetime.

In other survey details shared by Capital One, 42 percent predict that in just 10 years, 25 to 50 percent of vehicles on the road will be gas-alternative models. Meanwhile nearly a quarter of participants believe that more than 50 percent of vehicles in use will be alternative-fuel units by 2020.

In the near term, Capital One contends that consumers say pricing is the primary factor holding them back from purchasing an alternative-fuel vehicle.

Bob Tomes, president of Bob Tomes Ford Lincoln Mercury of McKinney, Texas, shared his experiences about how these kinds of vehicles are moving at his dealership

"We are definitely seeing growing consumer interest in hybrid cars. Not long ago the environmental advantages of hybrids were the primary reasons customers gave for shopping for alternative vehicles," Tomes explained.

"Today, the ‘green' advantages of hybrids, coupled with continued high gas prices are causing more customers than ever to consider alternative fuel options," he went on to say.

"More and more of our customers are focused on fuel-efficient transportation, and hybrids are really seen as the ultimate in fuel efficiency," Tomes added.

To cultivate dialogue further about interest in hybrid vehicles, the survey went on to probe participants about their awareness of government rebates. Capital One found that 41 percent of respondents did not know about rebates on hybrid purchases.

The survey also asked participants if they ever calculated the savings on gas with a hybrid over a traditional vehicle. Capital One said 71 percent of respondents had not conducted such an investigation.

Capital One wrapped up the survey by asking participants about comparing financing options online and applying for a loan for a vehicle. Among young adults ages 18 to 24, the company found that 44 percent of this demographic did not know those tasks could be completed on the Web.

Capital One explained that its report data was compiled from a telephone survey conducted by opinion research firm, Braun Research of Princeton N.J. Executives noted Braun Research completed 802 interviews between March 22 and 25 among an audience of adults age 18 and older in the United States.

Yajnik made several recommendations to consumers no matter what kind of vehicle they might buy.

"When considering the purchase of any car, whether it's a traditional vehicle or one of the newer alternatives, it really goes back to the basics of doing your homework," Yajnik stressed, "Do your research, shop around for the best deal and make sure you have all of the necessary information to select the best car for you.

"Buying a car is a big decision, and we encourage all drivers to stay as up to date and informed as possible so they can select the best option," Yajnik concluded.