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2007 hybrid sales up 34% - budget subcompats up %48 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22709709/)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_Mercury_Mariner_Hybrid.jpgJim Gorzelany - Forbes - Jan. 23, 2008

Thank you for the find, JimboK!

Hybrids are still niche vehicles, but at their current rate of growth, they could dominate the roads in another five or 10 years.

U.S. hybrid sales jumped more than 34 percent to a total of 338,851 in 2007, according to CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Ore. The only other vehicle segment that grew faster than hybrids in 2007 was what CNW calls “budget cars.” Sales of these small, inexpensive models, which include the Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris, grew at an astonishing rate of nearly 48 percent.

With rising gas prices and higher fuel economy standards mandated by the federal government, analysts expect hybrid technology to proliferate in the coming years. “You’re going to see wider availability of hybrid powertrains as options on more and more vehicles,” says David Wurster, president of the Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based market research firm Vincentric. “I don’t think they’re going to be the ‘unique’ vehicles for much longer because it’s going to become commonplace technology.”
…http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22709709/

The tax credits have already expired for Toyota and Lexus models and are in the process of being phased out for the Honda Civic Hybrid. The Civic Hybrid’s credit was cut in half to $1,050 on January 1, and will be reduced to $525 after July 1.

This is just dumb. The full tax credits should be re-instated immediately and made permanent.

Harry

I'll not deny the tax credit put some urgency into my timing for buying my HCH on 29 Dec 07 - but I would have bought it whether there was a tax credit or not.

As soon as the tax credits expire, the prices will be lowered by the same amount! Just watch it. So keep on shopping. H

I never believe anything that CNW says. First they hybrids are less cost effective than a Hummer and now they think hybrids are awesome. I'm not impressed.

I never believe anything that CNW says. First they hybrids are less cost effective than a Hummer and now they think hybrids are awesome. I'm not impressed.On a side note - I've put these items in the Glossary so we don't waste too much time on the myths:
Art Spinella
CNW Marketing
Dust to Dust

The tax credits have already expired for Toyota and Lexus models and are in the process of being phased out for the Honda Civic Hybrid. The Civic Hybrid’s credit was cut in half to $1,050 on January 1, and will be reduced to $525 after July 1.

This is just dumb. The full tax credits should be re-instated immediately and made permanent.

Harry

I'm inclined to believe a Democratic president will do more to reinstate/expand credits.

Too bad they won't do anything to fix the federal reserve, and the bankers who get rich off of our tax dollars.