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Nationally Recognized Automobile Expert Provides Forecast and Tips to Keep Road
Travel Costs Down
Story Background:
Even though gas prices are predicted to accelerate reaching new highs this summer, the
Energy Department says consumer demand for gasoline won’t be hitting a speed bump any time soon. The government predicts two percent more gasoline will flow out of pumps this summer as both the number of vehicles taking to the highway and the per-capita vehicle miles driven continues to
increase.
For a family vacation of 2,500 miles, that means about a $50 increase in fuel costs for a vehicle that averages 20 miles to the gallon. But with the popularity of SUVs and other large vehicles in family garages, getting 20 miles to the gallon may in itself be a luxury.
In fact, increasingly drivers say they appreciate having access to vehicles other than the ones they own for various reasons, included getting better gas mileage. The just released 2005 “Poll of the American Driver” finds 37% of drivers age 25 and older, or some 62 million Americans, say they have occasional needs for an additional or different vehicle than their own. The survey also shows one in three drivers are more likely to rent a vehicle for their own personal needs than in the past.
Dr. Michael Marsden, professor, author, and nationally recognized automobile and popular
culture expert can guide viewers down the right road to help ease the pain at the pump as summer vacation season comes into full swing.
Topics Marsden can address, include:
Ø How to make sure your vehicle is primed for a road trip.
Ø When it may make “cents” to rent a more fuel efficient vehicle or test out a different vehicle.
Ø How to estimate your total fuel costs on-line before you leave home.
Ø Why Americans love taking to the open road despite the high price of gasoline.
Ø How to make your journey as much fun as arriving at your destination.
Marsden has contributed to stories in Parade, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today Weekend, The Detroit News, NPR’s “All Things Considered,” and other publications and broadcast outlets.