Small drop

According to online auto researcher Edmunds.com, the recent downshift in gas prices might already be showing up in shopping. "There's been a rush to small cars, but that doesn't necessarily mean the shift is permanent," said Jeremy Anwyl, chief executive of Edmunds.com. The company's "consideration data" tracks consumer interest by measuring its Web site traffic to each vehicle segment. The data shows the trend toward small vehicles is leveling off, and interest in previously declining segments, such as compact crossover SUVs, is on the rise. Interest in hybrids is down 34 percent compared with June as gas prices have declined from above $4 a gallon for regular fuel nationally.