While gas prices in the U.S. have fallen by nearly half since May 2008, online interest in hybrid vehicles remains strong. The new 2010 Honda Insight was just released in March and is generating online interest from a younger audience than the Prius. The demographic composition of a hybrid shopper is moving closer to the mainstream vehicle shopper’s profile.
Some insights on the Insight
The 2010 Honda Insight is having a tough time breaking out of the Prius’ shadow as the majority of consumers often compare the two vehicles. However, …

Nielsen Online’s latest Automotive Industry Overview shows that gas prices and the economy were key topics of online discussion in 2008. More than one million messages focused on gas, as consumers discussed strategies for dealing with a $4 per gallon price tag. The financial crisis and its impact on the big three automakers also fueled conversation, as consumers began looking into more fuel-efficient vehicles. Though alternative fuel/hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt and Ford Fusion hybrid generated substantial buzz in 2008, high MPG was only one hot …

From October to November 2008, online consumer references to a potential government bailout of U.S. domestic automotive manufacturers grew by more than 380%, according to an analysis of auto-related blog discussions released Wednesday by Nielsen Online.
In mid-November, following GM released its quarterly earnings report – which highlighted the gravity of the Big Three Automakers’ financial situation, and online consumers began comparing the potential auto bailout to the U.S. government’s bailout of the financial industry or the Chapter 11 benefits/consequences of the airline industry.
Around November 21, the first Congressional bailout hearings spurred consumers’ opinions …