{"id":9765,"date":"2015-03-13T05:00:52","date_gmt":"2015-03-13T10:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.paristn.net\/articles\/?p=9765"},"modified":"2015-03-12T20:54:11","modified_gmt":"2015-03-13T01:54:11","slug":"aaa-reports-lower-gas-prices-expected-to-fuel-car-sales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paristn.net\/articles\/2015\/03\/13\/aaa-reports-lower-gas-prices-expected-to-fuel-car-sales\/","title":{"rendered":"AAA reports Lower Gas Prices expected to Fuel Car Sales"},"content":{"rendered":"

1 in 5 plan to purchase a vehicle in 2015<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\"AAA\"Tampa, FL <\/strong>– Compared to last year, auto sales rose 14 percent in January and five percent in February, due in part to lower gas prices.<\/p>\n

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is expected to be $2.33 in 2015, down more than a $1.00 per gallon from last year’s average, according to the Energy Information Administration.<\/p>\n

\u201cLower gas prices will save the American family $755.00 this year,\u201d said Duane Williams, product manager, Financial Services, AAA – The Auto Club Group. \u201cThat\u2019s extra money that can be put towards a vehicle purchase. We expect to see car sales increase in the next month or two as the snow starts to melt and tax refund checks begin to arrive.\u201dNearly 1 in 5 (19%) consumers in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee plan to purchase a new or used vehicle in 2015, according to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse\u2122 survey.<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> for the complete survey.<\/p>\n

Auto sales are expected to rise from 16.4 million to 16.94 million vehicles in 2015, says the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).<\/p>\n

Top reasons for purchasing a vehicle:<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Current vehicle is reliable but want something new \u2013 44%<\/li>\n
  2. To replace an unreliable\/older vehicle \u2013 23%<\/li>\n
  3. To replace out of service\/damaged vehicle \u2013 13%<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Interest in sports utility vehicles and light trucks has increased as gasoline has become more affordable. One-fifth (21%) of consumers are more inclined to purchase a less fuel-efficient vehicle, like an SUV, due to cheaper gas.<\/p>\n

    The price at the pump would have to hit $3.50 a gallon to dissuade one-third (32%) of those car buyers from purchasing a larger vehicle. SUVs and light trucks are expected to account for 56% of vehicle sales in 2015, according to the NADA.<\/p>\n

    Top factors when selecting a vehicle:<\/h3>\n
      \n
    1. Cost \u2013 76%<\/li>\n
    2. Fuel Efficiency\/MPG \u2013 59%<\/li>\n
    3. Vehicle make\/model \u2013 53%<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      “No matter what type of car you buy it is important to do your research,” said Williams. “Purchasing a vehicle can be stressful, researching your purchase and a having a plan in place will lead to a better shopping experience and ultimately save you money.”<\/p>\n

      AAA Car Buying Tips:<\/h3>\n