Hybrid sales up 82 percent in Nov. 2007 vs. Nov. 2006

Gas prices impact car-purchasing decisions in the U.S.

Posted by Joseph Romm (Guest Contributor) at 8:17 AM on 09 Dec 2007

Read more about: cars | hybrids | consumerism | business | electric vehicles

Hybrid sales are taking off again as gasoline prices soar:

Reported sales of hybrids in the US in November rose 82% year-on-year to reach 33,233 total units, representing 2.8% of all light-duty vehicles sold during the month. GM does not break out its hybrid sales separately, and so is not reflected in the hybrid number -- thus, the actual hybrid total and new market share will [be] slightly higher.

Toyota posted a strong month, with Prius sales hitting 16,737 units, up 109% from the year before.

Still a small fraction of U.S. vehicles sold, but gas prices clearly do have some impact on purchasing decisions.

This post was created for ClimateProgress.org, a project of the Center for American Progress Action Fund.

For story: Hybrid sales up 82 percent in Nov. 2007 vs. Nov. 2006
5 Comments | Post a Comment

price

I like the graph found here, as an explanation for why people might be getting serious:

One Perspective on Gasoline Prices

by odograph at 8:29 AM on 09 Dec 2007

What Is A "Hybrid Car"?

Call me dense, but I'm not really sure what a hybrid car is. Does it have two engines, or an engine that charges a battery...or what? Doesn't having two engines make it more complicated to fix? Doesn't it add extra weight...or not?

by jabailo at 10:03 AM on 09 Dec 2007

parts count

I think if you just graphed automobile "parts count" over time you'd see it fairly explode. Power windows, air conditioning, CD players - these things were not always "standard equipment."

When air conditioning becomes standard, why not hybrid drive?

by odograph at 10:42 AM on 09 Dec 2007

Two hybrids.

Call me dense, but I'm not really sure what a hybrid car is. Does it have two engines, or an engine that charges a battery...or what?

Yes to both.

The first one is a parallel hybrid, the second is a series hybrid.

Parallel hybrids work best with minimal battery range.

Series hybrids work best with substantial battery range. (Since the gasoline parts are deadweight when driving in all-electric mode)

There's also "Mild Hybrids" which are just a very small battery plus a special kind of alternator that can run in reverse, which only do the regenerative braking part.

Arguably, a Diesel-Mild-Hybrid would be better than a Gasoline-Hybrid at the same pricepoint. For instance, like those which Citroen puts out.
http://www.greenfleetawards.co.uk/awards/car-manufacturer ...
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-David Ahlport

by GreyFlcn at 12:46 PM on 09 Dec 2007

Donate your old car, save on taxes, helps air qual

If you personally have an automobile that you no longer want or use, why not consider donating it to a charity? The American Lung Association has rolled out their vehicle donation program for 2007, and there are many reasons why a donation through the ALA is the perfect route:

* You will be eligible for a tax deduction for the current year;

* It's virtually hassle free, as the ALA takes care of all the details, all you need to do is send them the title in advance;

* You will save the cost of maintaining and licensing a vehicle you no longer need or want;

* If the car is a "clunker", it still has value as a donation, and you don't need to pay for costs of towing or salvage yard fees;

* You will be supporting a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing air pollution, promoting asthma education and the research of key lung diseases that afflict millions of Americans daily.

If you are in possession of a car that you might like to donate, please take a moment and view the information about Lung Association vehicle donation programs in your area by visiting http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=2365 ....

For anyone out there who may have a car that is simply taking up space, this program is truly an ideal avenue for disposal, and it is a win-win situation for both the owner and for the millions of people who benefit from the services and information that the American Lung Association provides each year.

by BTStrategies at 4:05 AM on 14 Dec 2007

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