LaHood: Americans won’t return to guzzlers when gas prices fall

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Thursday that he’s not concerned that consumers’ interest in efficient vehicles will tail off when gasoline prices fall.

Automakers Ford and GM posted strong first-quarter profits in part due to sales of gas-saving models.

LaHood told reporters that today’s models have enough comfort and pickup to keep consumers’ interest even when prices at the pump retreat, and also expressed confidence in preferences for alternative-fueled and electric cars.

“I think this is the direction the American people are heading in,” he said. “I don’t worry about people going back to their old ways, so to speak.”

LaHood spoke to reporters on a conference call ahead of President Obama’s visit Friday to Allison Transmission, an Indiana company that specializes in hybrid propulsion systems.

The Transportation Department is working on the next round of fuel economy standards that will cover model years 2017-2025, and a proposal is expected in the fall.

“We are taking our time, we are not going to rush, but we believe that based on the work we are doing, we will have an announcement in the fall,” LaHood said.