The price for a barrel of oil has nosedived over the past half a year or so, and that has started to be felt at the pump, with petrol and diesel prices being significantly lower than they were a year ago. Will this change drivers' behaviour, steering them toward gas guzzlers again because they'll be so much cheaper to run due to the lower fuel costs?

No, I do not think so, for those that already drive full size trucks and SUV's in the absence of a Hybrid version they will get new auto's but for more and more people, I truly see a trend to go to higher mileage hybrids, alternative fuels like CNG or electric.

 

Marketing has won in changing the minds of many that want their AWD or 4x4 but in Hybrid or alternative fuel form.

Canada's already had a major uptick in truck sales, with RAM being the country's second best-selling vehicle. Used SUV's are also flying off the lots in the States. 

 

Plenty of predictions say that oil prices will be low for the next three years; I'd bet plenty of people seeking new cars on 36-month leases are banking on gas prices staying low and are upsizing their vehicle choices, accordingly.

If they do, it will only be further proof that people buy what they want when there are no artificial restrictions placed upon them.

I think some people may change their habits when driving, and try and get more things done at once than driving around for just one shop and cost more petrol that way. Since petrol prices can change and may need to keep a eye on how much they use and, be careful when driving and lower speed in town and try to save fuel and try and get discounts when filling up at stations. Some people may buy cars which, are fuel efficient and, use less petrol and good to drive around town and also good for long trips and would consume less when driving.

If they do, it will only be further proof that people buy what they want when there are no artificial restrictions placed upon them.

 

It's also further proof that North Americans' don't learn. 

If they do, it will only be further proof that people buy what they want when there are no artificial restrictions placed upon them.

 

The price of gas is not an artificial restriction. 

What is it then.  It's a game.  Freedom of choice should never be squelched, as it will be when these overreaching CAFE standards take hold.

Edited January 16, 201510 yr by ocnblu

What is it then.  It's a game.  Freedom of choice should never be squelched, as it will be when these overreaching CAFE standards take hold.

 

The new CAFE standards actually have the reverse effect of what you're talking about... if anything, it will encourage automakers to build bigger cars.  For example, all Chrysler has to do to keep the Hemi in the 300 without possibly being subject to a fine is increase the wheelbase by 2 inches.

 

Gas prices are artificially low in this country even before they dropped because they aren't collecting enough taxes to pay for proper road upkeep. 

 

Fuel economy is important to car shoppers these days... no one trusts that gas prices will stay this low.