DIED: Bill France Jr., the man who guided stock-car racing from a Southern sport to national prominence, died Monday following a long illness. France, the son of NASCAR founder William H.G. France, was 74 years old. France was president of NASCAR from January 1972 through November 2000.

SALE PENDING: HD Partners, a group headed by entrepreneur Eddy Hartenstein has entered into an agreement with the National Hot Rod Association to purchase the assets of the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, forming NHRA Pro Racing. The $121 million transaction, which could take months to finalize, will include the professional racing series, four race tracks owned by NHRA and other associated assets.

HALL OF FAMERS: Shane Carson, Jerry Daniels, Kenny Jacobs, Hal Minyard, Earl Gaerte, Ken Coles, Emmett Hahn, Bayliss Levrett, Joe Jagersberger, Glen Niebel, Rajo Jack and Bill White were inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.

COURTSHIP: A new track, Pacific Northwest Motorsports Park in Boardman, Oregon, is hoping to attract the International Speedway Corporation, which previously investigated building a track in Washington state, to build Oregon International Speedway on its site.

SUSPENDED: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Tyler Walker has been suspended indefinitely for violating NASCAR's substance-abuse policy.

STILL NO. 1: Donny Schatz remained atop the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings after third, fifth, and sixth-place finishes in three World of Outlaws sprint-car races. NASCAR Nextel Cup Series point-leader Jeff Gordon is second.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, click on the following link for a special industry rate: http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/subscribe.html?pid=NQ%2BVfhkepT4%3D.

NEWS NUGGETS

HD PARTNERS ANNOUNCES PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF NHRA PRO RACING: HD Partners Acquisition Corporation and the NHRA announced last Wednesday, May 30, the signing of a definitive agreement under which HD Partners will acquire all of NHRA’s Professional racing assets, including the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, together with a broad set of rights to commercialize the NHRA brand.  Details can be found on the web at http://www.nhra.com/content/news/20723.htm.

COUNTDOWN UPDATE: The Pro Stock class is renowned for its razor-thin margins of victory at the quarter-mile pole, and it’s no different at the halfway mark of the inaugural Countdown to the Championship. If the 17-race regular season ended today, it’d be a sad, sad day for Mike Edwards who finds himself one point below the cutline. Vieri Gaines currently holds the eighth position with 360 points and Edwards has 359. Fortunately for Edwards, there are still nine more races between now and August 19, when the field of eligible championship contenders will be set at eight (following the Toyo Tires Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania). Whit Bazemore also moved into the Top eight  this week, replacing Bob Vandergriff’s UPS team, which dropped from 7th to 10th place after a first-round loss. 

THERE’S A NEW LEADER IN TOWN: Brandon Bernstein’s torrid 2007 continued in Topeka, Sunday, as the pilot of the Budweiser/Lucas Oil dragster claimed his third win of the season to move into first place in the Top Fuel standings. He also improved to 15-5 in final rounds in his career, an impressive .750 winning percentage. 

I WANNA BE LIKE MIKE: The power of positive thinking has long been one of Mike Ashley’s trademarks, and after knocking on the door for a season and a half, the New Yorker knocked down the door to the winner’s circle Sunday at the O’Reilly NHRA Summer Nationals. The driver of the Skull Gear/Torco Racing Fuels Dodge Charger Funny Car earned the first win of his 35-race POWERade Series career in his third trip to the finals. 

NHRA DRIVERS GET DOWN AND ‘DIRT’Y: Ron Capps and Cruz Pedregon will be testing their dirt-racing skills against some of the best NASCAR drivers this Wednesday, June 6, at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. They will be participating in the Nextel Prelude to the Dream charity race, which raises money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Tony Stewart Foundation. Said Capps: “I know our NHRA POWERade Drag Racing fans are all going to be tuning in to see how well we do.” Added Pedregon: “I know that Capps and I will try to turn a few fans our way. I hope, when the dust settles, they’ll say, ‘Hey, those NHRA drag racers sure can turn left on dirt’.”  This is the third time that Capps will be participating in the race, which will be telecast by HBO for Pay-Per-View. In the previous two events, he has finished ninth and fourth while driving the dirt late-model stock cars for 30 laps. Pedregon is a veteran of the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, but he’s never raced in the Nextel Prelude to the dream. 

COMING ATTRACTIONS

TORCO RACING FUELS NHRA ROUTE 66 NATIONALS, JOLIET, ILLINOIS, ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, JUNE 7–10: NHRA legend John Force holds the track record here (4.665 seconds) and he has won three of his NHRA-record 122 races at the spectacular raceway, which hosted its first NHRA POWERade Series race in 1998.
 

NORTHEAST NHRA SPORT COMPACT NATIONALS, ATCO, NEW JERSEY, ATCO RACEWAY, JUNE 9–10: Defending champions at the popular stop on the Sport Compact circuit are: Brad Personett (Pro RWD), Bryan Jimenez (Pro FWD), Jorge Lazcano (Modified), Ron Lummus (Hot Rod) and Norris Prayoonto (Honda Tuning Magazine All Motor). 

PROCARE RX NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, ENGLISHTOWN, NEW JERSEY, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, JUNE 21-24: The legendary dragstrip will host its 38th NHRA POWERade Series race and this one will carry more meaning than ever as the first-ever Countdown to the Championship nears the final stages of the regular season and drivers on the bubble scurry for every last point needed to secure a spot in the Top 8. 

.INSIDE THE NUMBERS

56: Much has been made of John Force’s DNQ at Las Vegas that broke a string of 396 consecutive races of successfully qualifying into the Field of 16. To put in perspective just how impressive that was, consider that this past weekend, arguably the most consistent team in Funny Car over the past couple of years had its own streak end when Ron Capps’ Brut Dodge Funny Car failed to qualify. His streak, the next-longest at the time in Funny Car at 56, was one-eighth that of Force's; he was 15 years away from catching Force’s mark.

DRIVERS TELL ALL

NHRA FOUNDER WALLY PARKS (A FORMER DRIVER): In an open letter from the NHRA founder about the proposed acquisition of NHRA Pro Racing by HD Partners: “We now have an exceptional opportunity to do something that will open up new vistas of potential for all of drag racing. As it has been structured, NHRA could find it difficult to secure the resources essential to taking the professional side of our sport to the next level. The transaction we have announced today enables the POWERade Drag Racing Series and all related activities to be appropriately funded for unlimited growth.”

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

Egge Machine Co. announced that Shirley Hooper was appointed to director of sales and marketing, effective immediately. Since Ernie Silvers’ appointment as CEO in August of 2005, Egge Machine Company has undergone rapid growth. Hooper, first hired in November 2005 as administrative/marketing assistant, brings 14 years of marketing and sales experience to Egge Machine Company. "Shirley brings tremendous talent and ability to address any concerns her new position may bring, and I know she will be successful," said Silvers.

Raider Industries made several staff changes. Don Waite, who has more than 20 years of sales experience, was hired to handle sales for the East Canadian and Northeast US territories. Odette Grant was promoted from customer service representative to customer service supervisor and will now direct task assignments to a team of customer service reps and supervise the customer service department. Raider also hired Laurie Laverdure as a sales representative. Laverdure brings to the table over 7 years of customer service experience with a number of those years being spent in the truck accessory industry.

Beck/Arnley hired Anna Marsh as its new marketing coordinator. Marsh will work on promotional programs, tradeshow and event planning, marketing materials and website maintenance.

The COMP Performance Group purchased Inglese from Total Performance Inc. Previously branded as Inglese Induction Systems, the company is best known for its classic Weber carbureted induction systems and high-performance aluminum intake manifolds.

Hagerty Insurance announced that it is the exclusive automotive insurance sponsor of AutoWorld Radio, hosted by Bob Long. Hagerty offers collector car insurance, financing and roadside assistance. The company will have a monthly 20-minute segment on AutoWorld featuring relevant discussions, insight and tips regarding collector cars. 

Thule reported that its acquisition of Case Logic is closed after the approval of relevant anti-trust authorities. The transaction was originally announced in April.

The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• The 11th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is set for Tuesday, January 22–Thursday, January  24, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Hotel LAX South in Los Angeles. For more information on the MPMC Media Trade Conference, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
  
  
• MPMC members have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 MPMC Select Committee Election

• Rich Barsamian, Grant Products International Inc. – Incumbent
• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance – Incumbent
• Billy Carroll, Wilson Manifolds
• Bob Engel, Auto Meter Products Inc.
• Kyle Fickler, Aeromotive Inc.
• Geoffrey Gerko, Mr. Gasket Performance Group
• Joe Hige, Turbonetics Inc.
• Ryan Hunter, SCE Gaskets Inc. – Incumbent
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. – Incumbent
• Dan Qualls, Total Seal Inc.
• Bob Ritzman, B&M Racing & Performance Products Inc. – Incumbent
• Todd Ryden, MSD Ignition – Incumbent
• John Sonnefeldt, Eaton Performance Products

Election ballots were mailed to all MPMC members in May. Member are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballots. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the MPMC. Vote now!

If you have any questions, please contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289 ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. To learn more about the MPMC, visit www.sema.org/mpmc.

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

The following council members are the candidates for the ARMO Select Committee elections. There are six open seats for this year’s election. For information and how to vote, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

ARMO Select-Committee Candidates

• Melvin Benzaquen, Classic Restoration Enterprises, Inc.
• Todd Bidwell, Parts Unlimited, Inc. (Incumbent)
• Ken DeVries, Trader National Publishing
• Steven Moskowitz, Antique Automobile Club of America, Inc.
• Roger Niehaus, Auto Custom Carpets, Inc. (Incumbent)
• Sandy Patterson, Primedia (Incumbent)
• Curt Patterson, AMAA (Incumbent)
• Jim Vinarski, Carlisle Productions Inc. (Incumbent)
• Mark Vogt, Classic Industries/OER

To learn more about ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

The following council members are the candidates for the HRIA Select Committee elections. There are six open seats for this year’s election. For information and how to vote, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

HRIA Select-Committee Candidates

• Del Austin – Street Thunder magazine (Incumbent)
• Tommy Daniels – Yearwood Speed & Custom (Incumbent)
• Dick Dixon – Automotive Education Alliance, Inc.
• Mike Kinney – Las Vegas Rod & Custom
• Rick Love – Vintage Air Inc. (Incumbent)
• Bob Millard – Championship Auto Shows
• Ross Ortman – Dakota Digital Inc. – (Incumbent)
• Brian Reese – Comp Performance Group
• Eric Saltrick – Steele Rubber Products
• Janeen Webb - Primedia

To learn more about the HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• The DVD: “Why Paint Colors Vary?” This valuable resource is now available. TORA members now have a valuable new tool that will help educate consumers about the challenges of the paint color-matching process. Available for dealers and installers to play in their waiting areas, the video is presented in a professional format and brings a consistent message on why paint colors vary. The TORA “Why Paint Colors Vary?” DVD is available to TORA council members free of charge (or $49.95 for non-TORA members). Other tools available from TORA are the CHMSL and altered-height CDs. For details or to place an order, contact Staci Perricone at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacip@sema.org.

To learn more about the TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Monica Terlouw at monicat@sema.org.

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

• MRC members should mark their calendars for the following upcoming council activity:
  
  2007 MRC Rep Conference
  September 26–27, 2007
  Phoenix, Arizona

To learn more about the MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

To learn more about PRO, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

Members of the SCC have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 SCC Select Committee Election

• Ross Berlanga, KTC Media Group
• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance – Incumbent
• Jim Liaw, Formula Drift
• Kirk Miller, AEM – Incumbent
• Ahad Mirza, Auto Meter Products
• Oliver Rachlein, Eibach Springs Inc.
• Albert Reda, Vibrant Performance
• Brian Reese, Competition Cams Inc.
• Malen Reger, Motovicity Distribution – Incumbent
• Gary Rubio, Performance Motorsport Inc.
• Richard Schroeder, Eagle Vista Productions – Incumbent
• Tyler Tanaka, Turbonetics, Inc. – Incumbent
• James Yim, K&N Engineering Inc.

Election ballots were mailed to all SCC members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballot. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the SCC. Vote now!

If you have any questions, please contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289 ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

• Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, was elected chairman-elect of the SCC. Nuñez will start her role on July 1 when current chairman-elect, Eric Breslow, Power Slot/Power Performance Group, takes over as SCC chairman.

To learn more about the SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

• George Gillespie, Safety Compliance Engineer responsible for OVSCs tire-related standards, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), delivered a presentation at the 2006 SEMA Show regarding NHTSA's enforcement activity relative to tires for passenger vehicles and trucks. Gillespie provided overview and status of the agency's recent initiatives to increase tire safety, including compliance and enforcement actions for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (FMVSS No. 138) and passenger and light-truck tires (FMVSS No. 139). He also discussed the current increased enforcement to address concerns related to imported tires. SEMA members can now get a copy of Gillespie's PowerPoint presentation by contacting Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.

To learn more about the WTC, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

Members of the SBN have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 SBN Select Committee Election

• Emily Bailey, Racemark International
• Savitri Dhiman, Wheel to Wheel Powertrain
• Melissa Lawrence, Power TV Media
• Kristine Lindahl, ARP
• Nancy Loetfering, TD3 Products
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. - Incumbent
• Kristy Neukam, Meyer Distributing
• Linn Remling Mills, Street Thunder Magazine
• Jan Sica, Vince Sica and Associates
• Kathryn Wakeford, TEN Magazine
• Trina Wilson, Direct Communications

Election ballots were mailed to all SBN members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballots. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the SBN committee. Vote now!

If you have any questions, please contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289 ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

• Get expert advice on a business-related problem. The SEMA Mentoring program, powered by the SBN, is available to all employees of SEMA-member companies. Ask a one-time question or be matched with an established leader. Visit www.sema.org/mentoring for details.

To learn more about the SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

Members of the Young Executives Network have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 YEN Select Committee Election

• Mike Bolio, Scafidi-Bolio & Associates
• Ashley Chalk, Daytona International Speedway – Incumbent
• Casey Coker, Coker Tire Company
• S. Kellie Colf, Eaton Detroit Spring – Incumbent
• Zac Compton, Classic Instruments Inc.
• Jamie Cook, Wangs International/Pilot Automotive
• Bob Engel, Auto Meter Products Inc.
• Jason Fink, Advantage Truck Accessories, Inc.
• Nick Gramelspacher, Meyer Distributing – Incumbent
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas – Incumbent
• Derrick Johnston, Alliance Sales
• Brett Kinsfather, K&N Engineering, Inc. – Incumbent
• Greg Parker, P&E Distributors, Inc. – Incumbent
• Shawn Pitts, Considine Sales & Marketing
• Eric Saltrick, Steele Rubber Products
• Douglas Schriefer, Barry Grant, Inc.
• Melanie White, Hellwig Products
• Robert Wityczak, Grant Products International Inc.
• Mandi Woodell, Weather Auto Supply – Incumbent

Election ballots were mailed to all YEN members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballots. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the YEN committee. Vote now!

If you have any questions, please contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289 ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

• Did you know that the annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the SEMA Young Executives Network, raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in 2006? If you are interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

• Did you know that YEN has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the YEN for free. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.

• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas, was selected for the YEN Silent Auction Task Force Chairman. Hennings will assume the position when the current chairman, Dave Williams, Rampage Products, finishes his term with the YEN Select Committee in July. The SEMA Silent Auction, that is managed by the YEN, has raised more than $100,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in the past three years. If you are interested in participating in the SEMA Silent Auction on any level, visit www.sema.org/yen for additional information.

• Did you know that YEN sponsors networking events and mixers at most of the major trade shows and conferences? If you are interested in becoming a member of the SEMA Young Executive’s Network, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

• Becoming involved in SEMA at an early age will help you work your way to the top. Did you know that current SEMA Chairman of the Board, Mitch Williams, was once a member of YEN? If you are interested in becoming a YEN member, visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

• Lance Packard, Painless Performance, was elected YEN chairman-elect. Packard will assume the position when current chair-elect, Laurel Dasher, Uni-Marketing LLC, takes over as YEN chairman on July 1.

• Did you know that the YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

To learn more about the YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Industry response to announcements about the 2007 SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser has been phenomenal, and one of the most oft-asked questions involves attire for the event. While formal attire is requested, feel free to leave the black-tie at home.

The SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser is where outgoing Board members are recognized for their service, newly elected Board members are introduced and the newest selections for the SEMA Hall of Fame are announced. Beginning this year, the event was combined with charitable fundraising activities, and proceeds from the gala will be contributed to two very worthy causes: Childhelp and the Petty Victory Junction Gang Camp.

One of the fundraising activities held in conjunction with the annual banquet is the silent auction. The silent auction features a multitude of one-of-a-kind collectibles and memorabilia. Items that have already been graciously donated include a two-night stay for two couples at the Cibolo Creek Ranch in Texas, as well as passes to the Barrett-Jackson Auction. To donate an item for the silent auction, use the PDF donation form located here.

Click here for more information on the Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser.

Filler for eNews

SEMAs councils and committees are set to tee off on the greens of the Strawberry Farms Golf Club as part of Council Cup - Cash for Kids, a friendly game of golf to benefit children's charities. SEMA’s Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) and Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) have lead the momentum behind the inaugural SEMA Charity Golf Tournament and they’ve challenged other councils to follow suit.

“We currently have the ARMO, HRIA, MPMC, MRC and PRO councils involved with this worthy cause and are looking to have all of the councils on board" said HRIA Chairman David Stutts. 

All groups will compete in teams of four. The current teams are:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

• Ernie Silvers, Egge Machine Co. Inc.
• Jim Barber, Classic Automotive Restoration
• Dave Mihalko Jr., Restoration Specialties
• Alex Tainsh, SoffSeal Inc.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• Anne Johnson, California Truck Works
• Gary Long
• Dave Madison
• Corky Volp

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

• Larry Riggle, Webasto Product North America
• Kerry Howton, Arizona Sun Tops
• Bob West, Westin Automotive Products
• John LaBare, Westin Automotive Products

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

• Luanne Brown, eTool Developers LLC
• S. Kellie Colf, Eaton Detroit Springs
• Tammy Holland, Competition Cams Inc.
• Don Colf, Eaton Detroit Springs

American Technologies and Cap World Team

• Ron DiVincenzo
• Kelly Kneifl
• Charlie Holden
• Todd Yeoman

Even if you don't play, it's easy to support your favorite council by making a charitable pledge online. Click here to pledge anywhere from $10–$100 or the amount of your choice.

If you want to tee up to help Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang Camp's charitable activities, you can form your own team. If you've already formed a team, please send us the details. For information on the SEMA Charity Golf Tournament, contact Arlene Wood at arlenew@sema.org or 909/396-0289 ext. 110.

The Council Cup - Cash for Kids is just one event representing SEMA's charitable efforts to benefit two worthwhile organizations that have become favorites of SEMA-member companies—Childhelp and the Victory Junction Gang Camp.

This year, the association included charitable fundraising activities in conjunction with its traditional SEMA Installation Banquet to form the SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser. Proceeds from the gala event will be contributed to two organizations. For information on the event and activities, visit www.sema.org/gala.

Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:

>> SEMA Webinar: 10 Steps to Your SEMA Show Plan That Will Guarantee ROI and Success, June 10
>> Aftermarket eForum, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, July 16–18, Chicago
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, Irvine, California
>> MRC Rep Conference, September 26–27, Phoenix
>> SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.

SEMA-members companies have posted several new listings for job opportunities at www.sema.org/classifieds. Working for a SEMA-member company has many advantages. In addition to working for a company that supports and contributes to the success of the overall industry, being employed by a SEMA-member company enable the employee to participate in webinars, access free market research, join SEMA committees and more. The newest classified listings posted under Positions Available include:

• Sunroof Installer, San Antonio, Texas
• Financial Controller, Torrance, California   
• Graphic Artist/Designer, Norco, California
• Sales Manager, San Diego, California

According to a recent Consumer Reports poll, facing soaring gasoline prices, American car buyers definitely want more fuel-efficient vehicles but may not be ready to give up size, range, performance or other amenities to achieve that goal.

The Auto Pulse survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, polled a nationally representative sample of 1,804 people via telephone April 26-30, regarding issues concerning gas prices and trade-offs they might be considering. Participants had to live in a household that owned at least one vehicle.

The survey came just three weeks before the national average gas price spiked to a record $3.22 per gallon of regular unleaded gas on May 21. That is $.326 more than at the same time last year, and nearly as high, after adjusting for inflation, as the all-time record set in March 1981.

Even before the surge, gas prices were already on the mind of the roughly one-in-five respondents who planned to purchase a new car during the coming year.

Among that group, nearly seven in 10 said they would seek a vehicle with better fuel economy than their current model. Nearly half would consider a diesel, hybrid or flex-fuel vehicle (the latter can run on gasoline, E85 or any gasoline-ethanol blend), whereas only one in nine primarily drive such cars now.

Car buyers were wary, though, when asked what they would be willing to sacrifice in order to achieve higher miles per gallon. A bare majority (52%) said they would give up vehicle size or capacity. Somewhat fewer would trade off range (49%), performance (48%) or amenities (44%).

Forty-two percent said they would be willing to pay more for a fuel-efficient car, and 31% would pay more for special fuel.

The answers reflect the challenge consumers face in a market filled with large, gas-guzzling vehicles where buyers seeking to improve fuel economy often must pay extra-typically about $3,000-$4,000 more for a hybrid model as compared to a similar conventional vehicle. Selection is also limited; survey respondents in the market for a car but who aren't considering a hybrid said selection and price were the main reasons.

Indeed, the survey revealed a desire to be environmentally responsible. Among all car-owning respondents, some 60% said they were either concerned or very concerned about the environment versus only 6% who said they were not concerned. Nearly three-quarters said they would drive more slowly, or even drive less, to conserve gas because of high gasoline prices.

But consumers also said gas prices would have to go even higher before they would make major changes in behavior. On average, car owners said prices would have to rise to $3.90 per gallon before they would "drastically" reduce their driving. The survey found that drivers in the West and those with incomes of $75,000 or more would resist gas prices longer; for them, it would take a price of $4.50 per gallon to spur dramatic change. Older people and those with incomes under $40,000 were more vulnerable; the majority said they would make drastic cutbacks in driving at an average price of only $3.50.

As consumers are faced with higher gas prices, they shift towards buying vehicles that will help save them money at the pumps. However, SEMA research finds that enthusiasts continue to spend money on specialty equipment in times of fluctuating gasoline prices even though vehicle preferences change.

Source: Consumer Reports. (May 24, 2007). "Consumer Reports Poll: Car Buyers Seek Fuel Efficiency, But Remain Wary of Tradeoffs." Consumer Reports press release courtesy of PR Newswire