Hybrids on road to popularity

This was next to a large article about rising petrol costs and the 'fear premium' paid by motorists:


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Hybrids on road to popularity
By Daniel Dasey
August 8, 2004
The Sun-Herald

Two years ago they were seen as risky, undesirable and a little bit odd. Now a growing number of owners of electric/petrol hybrid vehicles are laughing as they watch Sydney unleaded fuel prices climb towards $1.10 a litre.

Two leading manufacturers have reported booming sales for their fuel-efficient cars this year. Toyota has had trouble meeting demand for its Prius vehicle, which it claims uses less than half the fuel burnt by a typical family sedan. Honda recently made a quarter of the yearly sales target for its Honda Civic hybrid in a single month.

The manager of alternative fuel vehicles for Toyota Australia, Vic Johnston, said there was a three- to four-month wait for a Prius, which is popular with middle- to upper-income buyers.

Despite a waiting list of close to 400 people, orders are being taken for the vehicles at a rate of about 110 a month.

Mr Johnston said a range of factors were driving demand, including a better new model and the attraction of beating higher fuel prices.

"People are buying it firstly because it feels good, secondly to save money and thirdly because it's environmentally friendly," Mr Johnston said.

A spokeswoman for Honda said sales of its Honda Civic hybrid, which sells from about $30,000, were strong.
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