Democrats and Republicans Weigh in on Fuel-Friendly Driving

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It’s not November 4^th yet, but the Democrats already have an edge over the Republicans. Well, when it comes to supporting innovations in fuel efficiency, that is.

“The energy debate is just one of many hot-button topics this election season”

According to a recent survey by the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE—a multimillion dollar competition designed to inspire a new generation of viable, super fuel-efficient vehicles—Democrats are more likely than Republicans and Independents to say they’d buy a vehicle that got at least 100 miles per gallon or its energy equivalent (MPGe) if one were available today.

“The energy debate is just one of many hot-button topics this election season,” said Brian Silva of Progressive. “Preserving the freedom that driving gives us all is important to Progressive, which is why we’ve partnered with the X PRIZE Foundation to sponsor the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The competition will result in more fuel-efficient car choices, which can make it easier to take that drive to grandma’s house, to a Saturday night movie, or wherever you want to go.”

However, the survey did find that not all Democrats are ready to commit to buying a new super fuel-efficient vehicle. Drivers in the typically blue New England(a) states are least likely to buy a 100 MPGe vehicle while typically red state West South Central U.S.(b) drivers are the most likely.

When it comes to why they’d buy a 100 MPGe vehicle, there’s general agreement between parties. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents agree that “saving money on fuel costs” is the number one reason to buy a super fuel-efficient vehicle.

But Al Gore would be proud to know that Democrats are more than twice as likely as Republicans to say they would buy a 100 MPGe car “to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.”

About the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE Competition:

The goal of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, a project of the X PRIZE Foundation, is to inspire a new generation of viable, super-fuel-efficient vehicles that offer more consumer choices. Ten million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the teams that win a stage race for clean, production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 MPGe. Winners will be announced in 2010.

The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will place a major focus on affordability, safety, and the environment. It is about developing real, production-capable cars that consumers want to buy, not science projects or concept cars. This progress is needed because today’s oil consumption is unsustainable and because automotive emissions significantly contribute to global warming and climate change.

For more information about the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE, please visit www.progressiveautoxprize.org or e-mail progressiveautopress@xprize.org.

About Progressive:

Progressive, founded in 1937, is a leading insurer of cars, motorcycles, recreation vehicles, boats and commercial vehicles. The Company offers competitive rates and innovative products and services that meet drivers’ needs throughout their lifetimes as well as 24/7 online and in-person customer and claims service.

One of Progressive’s Core Values is Excellence. To the Company’s more than 27,000 people, it simply means seeking constant improvement. Over time, this has meant introducing revolutionary ideas that make car insurance easier to shop for, buy and use. It’s this same innovative spirit that’s behind the Company’s sponsorship of the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE. The Progressive Automotive X PRIZE will inspire innovation that will produce more fuel efficient vehicle choices, helping to make a difference in people’s lives.

Progressive’s products and services are available locally through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies in the U.S., online at http://www.progressive.com and by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737).

(a)New England: Conn., Maine, Mass., N.H., R.I., Vt.

(b)West South Central: Ark., La., Okla., Texas