Department of the obvious reports hybrid vehicle sales increasing
According to recently released sales data from The R.L. Polk Co., 1.5M alternative fuel autos were sold throughout the country last year, or 50% more than forecast in the period. In Colorado, alternative-fuel-auto sales in the state climbed 17% in 2006 from 2005, according to the data. The survey showed that “Sales exceeded our expectations,” said Monica Sakala of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers in Washington, D.C.
Some of the appeal clearly stems from the miles per gallon a hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicle can deliver. “Certainly, some of it is because of gas prices. But the government is also playing a role,” Sakala said of the incentives offered by state and federal government. Other motivating factors include being able to drive in high-occupancy-vehicle or HOV lanes. Increased sales of hybrids can also be attributed to some companies leasing hybrids for their sales force.
I wonder if these numbers will continue to increase once the new 2008 EPA estimated mileages go into effect. All of a sudden a Prius and a Civic hybrid have comparable mileage to a TDI(diesel) Jetta or Beetle.
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