Performance hybrid’s underperforming as expected.
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG.com - Mar. 4, 2007
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid “Special Edition” includes unique 16-inch alloy wheels, graphite finish, exterior "50th Anniversary Edition" badging, brushed stainless dash appliquι and illuminated front door sills. Given the recent addition of Toyota’s hybrid drivetrain to the Camry, will it prove to be yet another future Toyota Hybrid sales success?
With February automobile sales data available, hybrids are making inroads. The Toyota Prius posted all-time best-ever sales of 12,227 for the month of February, an increase of 87 percent over February 2006. The Toyota Camry Hybrid and Highlander hybrid reported sales of 3,332 and 1,892 units respectively. The Honda Civic Hybrid had an 8.1% increase in sales for the month of Feb. 2007 vs. the same month of 2006 at 1,924. The Lexus RX 400h hybrid reported sales of 1,249 units for the month. Ford does not report the breakout of Escape Hybrid sales from non-hybrid sales.
February 2007 Hybrid Sales Summary:
| | | Month to Date | | | Year to Date | |
| Make and Model | Feb. 2007 | Feb. 2006 | DSR* % Change | Feb. 2007 | Feb. 2006 | DSR* % Change |
| Toyota Prius | 12,227 | 6,547 | +86.8 | 20,526 | 14,201 | +41.6 |
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | 3,332 | NA | NA | 6,133 | NA | NA |
| Honda Civic Hybrid | 1,924 | 1,780 | +8.1% | 3,707 | 668 | 443.6% |
| Toyota Highlander Hybrid | 1,892 | 2,631 | -28.1% | 3,702 | 4,894 | -24.4% |
| Lexus RX400h | 1,249 | 1,803 | -30.7% | 2,494 | 3,280 | -24% |
| Honda Accord Hybrid | 312 | 783 | -60.2% | 560 | 334 | +64.2% |
DSR*: Daily Selling Rate - There were 24 selling days this sales month and last February.
NA: Not Applicable.
It was clear from the beginning that performance hybrid’s including the V6 equipped Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX 400h and Honda Accord Hybrid are not in the best interest of either the consumer or the manufacturer(s). Sales of performance hybrids to date may be considered dismal at best.
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