May 4, 2006
IF IT DOUBLES EVERY YEAR DOESN'T IT REACH 1 MILLION PERCENT SOON?:
U.S. hybrid vehicle sales more than doubled in 2005 as choices increased (AP, 5/04/06)
U.S. hybrid vehicle sales more than doubled last year, according to data released Thursday, although they still only comprise slightly more than 1% of U.S. vehicle sales.Registrations for new hybrids rose to 199,148 in 2005, a 139% increase from the year before, as more models came on the market, according to R.L. Polk & Co., a firm that collects and interprets automotive data. The Lexus RX 400h and hybrid versions of the Toyota Highlander and Mercury Mariner were among the new models from which consumers had to choose.
Hybrids accounted for just more than 1% of all vehicles sold in the United States, up slightly from the year before. The U.S. hybrid market has grown exponentially since 2000, when 7,781 were sold.
Posted by Orrin Judd at May 4, 2006 8:09 AM
Great recent South Park episode where the increased sales of Hybrids led to lethal levels of SMUG (particularly from George Clooney) that threatened South Park.
Posted by: AWW at May 4, 2006 9:44 AMHybrids are currently designed are suited for short distance stop-and-go driving, but not for highway travel, where the gasoline engine takes over. Fine for commuter cars, but owners would be in for a surprise in their wallets if they take the Prius or the Escape SUV on a trip to Disney World for the summer.
Posted by: John at May 4, 2006 9:58 AMJohn: Buying a Prius has nothing to do with sensibility or economics. It's all about image.
Posted by: b at May 4, 2006 11:44 AM