Hankook: US Drivers more willing to buy eco tyres than eco-cars

ERJ staff report (TB)

Wayne, New Jersey -- About 61 percent of US drivers would be interested in buying eco-friendly tyres, with 68 percent of them citing better fuel economy and gas savings as their top reasons, according to a Hankook Tire America Corp. survey.

The Hankook Tire Spring Gauge Index reported that nearly half of Americans would consider buying a hybrid or electric car, but only 3 percent actually own one. Men would be more inclined to purchase a hybrid or electric car-56 percent of men surveyed would consider buying one, compared with 38 percent of women.

The price of a hybrid is the main stumbling block. When asked why they would not purchase an eco-friendly car, 55 percent said the cars are too expensive and 23 percent said they are not very cost efficient, according to the Hankook survey.

However, drivers are more inclined to invest in eco-friendly tyres, according to Hankook. About 73 percent of those drivers willing to buy eco-friendly tyres are young adults (ages 18-34), and 54 percent have a household income less than $25,000.

“Americans are looking for ways to help the environment while also saving on gas,” said Henry Kopacz, Hankook's product marketing specialist.

The Hankook Tire Gauge Index is a quarterly survey of Americans on their attitudes and opinions about all things related to driving. The spring installment of the survey, conducted March 7-8, polled 1,016 randomly selected drivers on spring driving.

From Tire Business (A Crain publication)