Huge Spike in Hybrid Use
In the first seven months of 2007, registration of new hybrid vehicles has shot up 49% nationwide from the same time frame last year. According to R.L. Polk & Co., the Midwest saw the largest gain, at 56.9%, while California remains the state with the most registrations.
Most of the gains came from hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry Hybrid, while registrations of the Lexus RX 400h and Toyota Highlander Hybrid declined. After the Prius and Camry, the Honda Civic Hybrid was the most popular hybrid registered. Toyota, and Lexus, still maintains a heavy slice on the hybrid pie, though, with 78% overall.
Unfortunately, R.L. Polk doesn’t break down all the vehicle sales, or how domestic automakers like Ford and GM are faring. A breakdown of the increase in hybrids can be found below.
Regional Hybrid Growth (Percent change from Jan. – July 2006 to Jan. – July 2007)
- 1. Midwest: 56.9%
- 2. West: 51.8%
- 3. Northeast: 49.3%
- 4. South: 41.5%
- Total U.S.: 49.3%
Top 5 Hybrid Growth States
- 1. Oklahoma: 143.4%
- 2. Minnesota: 97.7%
- 3. Arizona: 86.3%
- 4. Connecticut: 73.7%
- 5. Kansas: 71.9%
Bottom 5 Hybrid Growth States
- 1. Hawaii: -5.3%
- 2. Mississippi: 9.9%
- 3. Virginia: 12.1%
- 4. Montana: 15.2%
- 5. Louisiana: 21.5%
Source: R. L. Polk & Co. U.S. New Hybrid Registrations. January – July 2006/2007.
