Consumers might be changing their habits, by doing things such as combining trips, instead of forgoing their SUV's and other luxury vehicles. Automobile manufacturers are also looking at ways to encourage new buyers and current owners to continue to purchase these vehicles by offering smaller and more fuel-efficient versions in the future. Already on the market is a specialty vehicle, the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Right now they're a real hot commodity. Even with automobile sales holding steady in Oswego County, gasoline prices are still on everyone's minds.
Most people feel that the situation is a temporary one though.
If gasoline prices continue the downward trend they've been showing over the past month, or if they become stabilized at their current pump prices most automobile dealers don't think that sales will be affected. I don't think there are too many people who are too worried about it right now. It's pretty much stabilized. Laquidari feels that the economy is a more important factor in determining sales than the fluctuation of gasoline prices. But I don't see that right now.