Consumers Prove Green Will Through Hybrid Sales

Sales of hyrbrid cars in the US have increased by 35% in the last year, according to reports by business market research company JD Power and Associates.

High gas prices and new incentives by vehicle manufacturers such as Toyota have been behind the rise, which has put the market on target to sell 345,000 hybrids throughout the year.

JD Power and Associates senior manager of global powertrain forecasting Mike Omotoso says the market is likely to see a slight lull in the second half of this year, but intensifying competition in future years will only help it grow further.

"While consideration for hybrids is falling, interest in hybrids is still strong among consumers, and projections indicate steady growth for this segment in the coming years," Omotoso says.

Nine new hybrid vehicles models entered the market this year – seven of which will go on sale between now and the end of the month, which should, according to Omotoso, increase consumer interest.

Reported by staff writer