While there are many motivating factors behind the green energy movement, for the average American “saving money” tops the list according The Nielsen Company’s latest Energy Trends report.

Two of the “Big Three” U.S. automakers have gone bankrupt.  Car sales continue to decline.  This would appear to be the most challenging period for the automotive industry in its history.  But despite the gloom, there are some bright spots for auto makers, according to new research from The Nielsen Company.
The re-designed Forester boosted sales for Subaru, while Hyundai and Kia launched new models appealing to younger drivers.  Existing models, such as the Sorento and Sedona posted strong sales growth (69% and 48%, respectively).  And Lincoln was the only U.S. …

San Francisco loves its green cars more than any other area in the U.S., according to new research from Nielsen. The new data from Nielsen Claritas’ PRIZM Market Potential Report finds that households in San Francisco are 60 percent more likely to buy a green vehicle than the average U.S. home, with Washington D.C. 44 percent more likely and New York City 31 percent more likely.
“These estimates help manufacturers and marketers better understand the markets that have ‘green’ potential, and help them focus their resources,” said Bruce Wilkinson, Vice …

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 …