Poorly worded statement by me. The reference to cheap gas prices should have been attached to our penchant for CUV/SUV's, not to the importance of the pepper or the tiger.
Yes, there are fair number of people who aren't affected by fuel prices. But for another pretty fair number, buying a Porsche doesn't necessarily mean you can afford a Porsche. Fuel pricing affects auto purchasing decisions for anyone buying at or above the top of their budget. It's not the be all end all, but it is a consideration.