(May 23, 2011) The auto industry has found a difficult time selling the American public on diesel engines even though they provide better fuel economy than the typical gas engine. But in a surprise finding coming from the diesel-oriented UK, gas cars beat diesel models in a recent study of UK motorists.

ContractHireAndLeasing.com asked over 1,700 people: ‘When you next change your car, what type of fuel will you opt for? Thirty-five per cent opted for a gas model compared to 25 per cent for diesel.

High diesel prices may be making car buyers think twice about running a diesel car despite the typically strong fuel efficiency of these cars. Such efficiency capabilities are helping to boost interest in hybrid models however, as 10 per cent said they would buy a hybrid. This is impressive as alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrids, claimed just 1.1 per cent of the UK’s new car market in 2010.

Diesel cars attracted a higher percentage of the male vote, however, with 29 per cent of men compared to 22 per cent of women saying they would choose a diesel car. A further 4 per cent said they didn’t care about fuel type. A worry for the auto industry, almost one in four (24 per cent) respondents said they didn’t have any plans to change their car currently   — a sign of the ongoing fragility of the UK economy.

Electric cars are failing to spark much interest with the public with just 2 per cent saying they would opt for an electric car.

Spokesperson for ContractHireAndLeasing.com Richard Lawton said: “Although diesel took 46.1 per cent of the new car market last year, this figure included registrations from fleet buyers and business car users who favor diesel because of its fuel efficiency over long trips. Private buyers have shown that they still prefer petrol; for its lower pence per liter cost, suitability to smaller cars and the quietness of petrol engines.

“It is interesting to see an increase in the number of motorists considering hybrid cars however. With a host of new hybrid models launching in the UK , the hybrid sector is starting to attract mainstream interest,” he concludes.