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Prius is still on top by a rather unusual margin still. (http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070821/BUSINESS/708210315)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2007_Toyota_Prius.jpgCari Merril – Ft. Collins Coloradoan – Aug. 21, 2007

The popular 2007 Toyota Prius is on target to surpass its 150,000 unit sales goals set earlier this year.

If you're in the market for a hybrid car, you may be hard-pressed to find a local dealership that has any.

That's because a national trend of strong hybrid sales is playing out on the lots of Fort Collins dealers.

Global marketing information firm J.D. Power and Associates reports an estimated 187,000 hybrid cars were sold during the first six months of 2007, setting a course that could make this a record year for hybrid sales.

Even though the hybrid car market is small compared with all new vehicle sales - about 2.3 percent - the market for the more environmentally friendly cars is making progress.

Despite an expected slow in sales for the rest of the year, J.D. Power still projects sales of 345,000 cars this year, a 35 percent increase from 2006.

Mark Pedersen of Pedersen Toyota said sales have been "extremely steady," with much of the interest surrounding the Toyota Prius.

According to the J.D. Power research, the Prius continues to be the best-selling hybrid model, accounting for more than half of all hybrid sales …http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070821/BUSINESS/708210315

Tell me about it. I've been waiting for my 08 FEH since 5/19. According to Ford Customer support there are 2 FEHs in the entire state (one 4WD and one bare bones FWD).

I'm assuming this is market strategy and not production limitations. Either way it's too bad for Ford because it's tough to sell what isn't on the lot or even within 150 miles. In this case it definitely ISN"T easy being green.

I'll bet you can get one of those "environmentally friendly" E-85 Tahoe's with very little wait!

I hate to be cynical (correction, I lie, I don't hate being cynical-- it runs in my DNA) but it sounds like this is on purpose, that they are under producing them so that shortage will mean highest dollar (or yen).

--des

Hi Des:

___I did not know the FEH’s were in short supply until this thread. Not sure why Ford is doing this but I am sure there are more then a few reasons we will never know about? The Prius was being held in short supply a few years back but about a year ago, they opened up the flood gates somewhat and they were on the lots. With gas prices settling down a bit, they should re-appear because it looks to me that Toyota is trying to meet the 150 – 200K demand this year vs. last.

___And then we have Honda. My local dealership has one HCH-I on their lot and it was the only one coming off two car carriers that came in. There are more Accord’s, Pilot’s and Ody’s then they can possibly sell but only 5 Civic’s, 1 Fit and 1 HCH-II? This has been the allotment I have seen there all summer long in fact! Looking at the Honda sales numbers month over month, Honda appears to be holding back Civic supplies but it is probably due to a lack of manufacturing capability, not because they necessarily want to?

___I do hope Ford can somehow step it up but the dealers have to be involved in the decision as well? I am just not sure to what extent the problem has reared up? I will do some searching from my local Ford dealerships here in IL. to see what they have on their lots tonight as well?

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Hi All:

___Boy, I just checked FEH availability using the Ford website purchase and locator utility and there was not a single 08 FEH in my county given the search criteria? Weird given Ford’s recent push for ever increasing Hybrid sales by all appearances?

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Ford talks a good talk about the FEH (and loves to brag about "producing" the most fuel efficient SUV on the planet) but everyone who wants one seems to have a hard time getting hold of it. Maybe Ford still isn't turning a profit on them? That might be on explanation for them keeping production volumes down. Of course WE know that the way to solve that is to increase production, but Ford may have different ideas.

Well, I got my FEH today (well, yesterday) after a little more than a three month wait. My sales guy, whom I trust pretty well at this point, says he has 4 more on order (2 of which are paid for) but absolutely no idea when they will arrive.

I checked again and there is now, ONE 4wd and NO 2wd FEHs available in SC. Not sure where FORD is sending/holding them or why they are not making them. I'm just glad to have finally gotten mine.

57 miles on the ODO. so far... and I love it!:)

Hi MyPart:

___Congratulations on the purchase and I know you will have quite a few miles of smiles in your new FEH :)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Well, I got my FEH today (well, yesterday) after a little more than a three month wait. My sales guy, whom I trust pretty well at this point, says he has 4 more on order (2 of which are paid for) but absolutely no idea when they will arrive.

I checked again and there is now, ONE 4wd and NO 2wd FEHs available in SC. Not sure where FORD is sending/holding them or why they are not making them. I'm just glad to have finally gotten mine.

57 miles on the ODO. so far... and I love it!:)

Last weekend I was talking to a young couple in the Colorado Springs area - they might even join here. They are considering the FEH.

A commentator on the radio mentioned that Ford has mortgaged about everything they have, and will sell Jaguar, maybe Volvo...they need to do everything possible to climb out of a hole. Ramping up FEH production is a no-brainer.

Is the FEH even profitable for Ford yet?

Hi Noflash:

___Unfortunately, it appears not to be the case :( Although this info is ancient, two years ago at the Chicago Autoshow (IIRC?), one of the FEH/MMH project managers mentioned to the press they need to sell 70,000 units/year to become a profitable line and to date, they have yet to sell 70,000 total units (of the FEH/MMH that is) since its inception. A google search for this piece of info will bring up the discussion I am sure.

___Good Luck

___Wayne