I did a survey today... - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

MadisonMPG · 01-04-2010, 12:06 AM

The results were not surprising. I went to visit my sister, who lives in a pretty "hick" town. a.k.a. everyone has a lifted 4x4 or a big SUV. I showed them pictures of the aerocap that (crap I forgot his name, the one with the sliver f150) built. Told them it was of comparable price of a regular LEER type cover. I also told them that it would fold up and make a camper. I told them that it gave you 20% better gas mileage. (which I had to do tons of math for the...slower...ones)

Nearly 90% said they wouldn't put it on their trucks, ever. 5ish% said they would if it was cheaper than a regular cover. The remaining 5 said they would if they would. The 5% that said they would actually used their trucks on the farm, towing. They said it would be nice to be able to save some gas when you weren't towing and were just coming home.

I had a lot of people quote Mythbusters, I let them talk.

I also asked them about driving a smaller car. 80% said they felt safer in a big truck, they also liked the "power" so they could "merge" and "get out of a wreck". a.k.a. they can't drive. The remaining 20% were split up in tons of different reasons why they didn't drive small car. Most popular being "nerdy/lame"

We've got a long way to go.

mcrews · 01-04-2010, 12:26 AM

Amen.

But if it's any consolation, I have the same problem in my industry. Except I asked the question at an indusrty gathering!!!!!

I'd given some marketing ideas on his "MPG RECORD" thread.
The more I thing about it.....he needs to find some company (west coast ideally) that buys 10 + of those trucks for a fleet. and they don't modify the bed. Companies are constantly looking to reduce marginal costs. Heck, you present that to a bean counter/accountant and .....DONE DEAL!

mcrews · 01-04-2010, 12:32 AM

The market for his product is NOT people who own trucks. Too many idiots! lol
The market is NOT poeple who own trucks who want better mileage. Too broke.
the market is:
1. people who own trucks who CARE about the enviroment. (mainly west coast)
2. companies who own this type of truck and don't modify the bed.
He need to find the guy who sells the fleet deals. Get introduced. Makes the fleet guy look loike a friggin hero.

alohaspirit · 01-04-2010, 12:57 AM

thats why the aerocap needs to come in this color

MadisonMPG · 01-04-2010, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alohaspirit

thats why the aerocap needs to come in this color

lol

If you could sell them to all the NAPA/Autozone/etc places that have delivery Rangers...

Christ · 01-04-2010, 02:22 AM

They use Colorados out here.

Some of them also have very small cars that are used to deliver LTL-size loads. (Less than Truckload).

MadisonMPG · 01-04-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christ

They use Colorados out here.

Some of them also have very small cars that are used to deliver LTL-size loads. (Less than Truckload).

They use Colorados here too, I just didn't feel like typing them both.

Thinking about it, that's probably not a good idea to market it to those places.

Bicycle Bob · 01-04-2010, 05:58 PM

Maybe it should be shown on a NASCAR truck to get some cachet, and come witih some optional racing stickers. Advertise an increase in top speed, or faster passing times.

KITT222 · 01-04-2010, 06:07 PM

Sure they want big trucks, it compensates. GM has made an effort to combat that. A full size truck that gets an combined average of 21MPG: The Silverado/Sierra hybrid. Its a hybrid that also can haul large loads, just like any other large trucks.

Thise areas dont make sense to me. They're wholsome and respectful, but when it comes to the different, they cower away, and polish their trucks. My dads a "big truck" guy, but he uses it for hauling truck loads, BUT he is willing to modify his truck for fuel economy. I tried to get him a commuter, but my sister took it.