edward loh, editor in chief for "motor trend" magazine says auto makers are paying close attention becausenow, the average age of a car opt road is 11 years, a record high. >> now, they're in these old cars. they want to buy a new one. they're going to start thinking about, hey, how much am i going to pay at the pump? >> reporter: overall consumer interest in alternate-fuel vehicles is up 54% so g.m. is renewing its commitment to pure electric cars with the chevy spark ev. ford is rolling out eight vehicles that deliver 40 miles per gallon or better including the 2014 fiesta, that has a breakthrough three cylinder engine. ford spokesman mike levine. >> the engine is so small you could it fit it in the suitcase but has the performance of a standard engine and expected to get best fuel economy of any non-hybrid car in america. >> reporter: rebecca lindland said he have seen a rebirth thanks to advances in technology. >> in many cases we're seeing upwards of 25 30, into the 40s mile-per-gallon arrange which is similar to a hybrid. so the argument consumers are making is i don't need to get a