The Auto Writer

Automakers have a big area of concern when it comes to high gas prices — not only will low Miles Per Gallon (MPG) vehicles have a tougher time selling (Toyota Sequoia, Ford F-150 & Chevy Tahoe to name a few) but consumers may be ready to ditch their brands in favor of the best MPG cars on the market.

At least that is the findings of a AAA consumer survey shared by the Detroit News today.

Consumers Want Federal Intervention

Consumers who embraced larger and less efficient vehicles until gas prices shot up are now calling on the federal government to require automakers to produce fuel efficient vehicles (61%) while 56% of those surveyed want the government to fund research for alternate fuels.

Is $4 Per Gallon The Tipping Point?

The AAA survey revealed that fuel costs is the top concern for motorists who are feeling the pain at the pump with prices hovering around $3.30 per gallon. Some are suggesting that the tipping point for consumers will be when prices hit $4 per gallon, forcing consumers to migrate to crossover and four-cylinder powered vehicles across the board.

SUVs & Trucks Power Profits

Although each of the major automotive manufacturers have fuel efficient vehicles in their respective folds, it is the larger trucks and sport utility vehicles which are the most profitable to them. No manufacturer can hope to make a profit by selling a fleet of small cars exclusively.

Ford Focus photo courtesy/copyright Ford Motor Company.