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Consumer Myopia in Vehicle Purchases: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

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Listed:
  • Kenneth Gillingham
  • Sébastien Houde
  • Arthur van Benthem

Abstract

A central question in the analysis of fuel-economy policy is whether consumers are myopic with regards to future fuel costs. We provide the first evidence on consumer valuation of fuel economy from a natural experiment. We examine the short-run equilibrium effects of an exogenous restatement of fuel-economy ratings that affected 1.6 million vehicles. Using the implied changes in willingness-to-pay, we find that consumers act myopically: consumers are indifferent between $1 in discounted fuel costs and 15-38 cents in the vehicle purchase price when discounting at 4%. This myopia persists under a wide range of assumptions.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenneth Gillingham & Sébastien Houde & Arthur van Benthem, 2019. "Consumer Myopia in Vehicle Purchases: Evidence from a Natural Experiment," NBER Working Papers 25845, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:25845
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • L62 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Automobiles; Other Transportation Equipment; Related Parts and Equipment
    • Q4 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy

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