In June alone, 17,756 Priuses were sold. That contributes to a total of 94,503 units sold for the first six months of the year. Although Toyota offers other hybrid models such as the Camry hybrid or Lexus GS, the Prius accounts for two-thirds of the company's sales in hybrid vehicles.
Other automakers did not fare so well. Sales of the hybrid Honda Civic for six months are fewer than Prius sales just for the month of June. The company has dropped the Accord hybrid. And only 11,444 Ford hybrid Escapes have been sold during a six month period. A total of 2,028 Mercury Mariner hybrids were sold.
So, what's happening here? Why is Prius doing so well when the rest of the hybrids are lagging?
Some say the style of the Prius is what is attracting consumers. It has its own distinct look. Other hybrids, on the other hand, are just versions of non-hybrid models.
The dilemma of hybrids that sell or don't sell is opening up the fuel efficiency market to all sorts of alternatives. For example, General Motors and Chrysler will be offering full-size SUV hybrids. There will be plug-in electric hybrids. The automakers are also turning to diesel. Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors will be offering diesel pickups in the near future. GM plans to offer diesel Caddies and Saturns by 2010. Finally, Honda plans to sell a small car in the U.S. that features a four-cylinder diesel engine.
Then there are the more high tech cars with fuel cells or the twin turbo technology from Ford.
Hybrids: Appearance Matters More Than Mileage
Toyota's hybrid Prius is selling. On the other hand, most of the other hybrid vehicles, regardless of the manufacturer, are not. At least, in any big numbers.
Our take? Is it good or bad? We say it's good. The consumers are offered a variety of technology and will ultimately reward the automakers who offer the mostest.
