Will High Gas Prices Put a Damper on Car Sales?

Will the volume of auto sales change because of those ever-higher gas prices?  

Some industry observers believe the high pump price may stifle some of the ardor of the public for new car buying. 

Jim Appleton of the New Jersey Coalition of Auto Retailers takes the opposite view. Appleton believes the higher gas prices may actually spur sales.

He also believes new car buyers may change what they buy base on those prices, opting more for economy. And if they go for a bigger vehicle, they may want one of the so-called, "crossover" vehicles that combine economy with utility.