Fuel costs force drivers to downsize

Published: 7:12AM Wednesday April 05, 2006 Source: RNZ

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Car companies are starting to notice the impact of high petrol costs as sales of smaller, more fuel efficient cars take off.

The Motor Industry Association says sales of small cars have increased by 44% this past year, compared with the previous six years.

Toyota's general manager, Alastair Davies, says small car sales have been much stronger than anticipated since petrol prices started to rise, and there has been a decline in the resale value of bigger used cars.

Davies says there is a six month waiting list for a hybrid car, the Prius, which is powered by both electricity and petrol.

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