Although the economy has delivered a T.K.O. to the overall auto industry, hybrid car sales have remained steady. Experts believe that sales will gradually drop but they will also out-sell the regular car market. The Toyota Prius – the third generation that debuted in January 2009 – continues to be the biggest seller among hybrids. However, the 2010 Honda Insight will definitely give the Prius a run for its money this year. Honda has a US sales target of 100,000 units this year but it seems they will have difficulty reaching that number.
There are currently 15 different models of hybrid sedans but with the new hybrid from Ford and Mercedes, along with other companies, the number of models could reach up to 20. Ford unveiled the 2010 Fusion Hybrid, which gets up to 41 MPG, early this February and has the potential of having sales equal to that of Honda. Also, Mercedes has climbed on the hybrid bandwagon by releasing the 2010 S400 Hybrid which gets an estimated 29 MPG. Luxury has definitely met efficiency.
Even though the car industry is down due to the economy, it seems that all car makers have unleashed their own version of environment-friendly, fuel-efficient, joyrides.
