Hybrid Vehicle Sales Increase by 25 Percent in U.S. During 2003

Strong Growth Driving More and More Automakers into HEV Market

According to Michigan-based R. L. Polk & Co. (www.polk.com), self-described as "a premier provider of automotive information solution services to corporations worldwide,"

With the Honda Civic Hybrid making up the bulk of new hybrid vehicle sales in the United States, overall registrations rose over 25 percent in 2003. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

registrations for hybrid vehicles rose to 43,435 in the United States during 2003, which is a 25.8 percent increase in comparison to 2002 stats.

The Honda Civic Hybrid made up 50 percent of all registrations with a total of 21,750, beating Toyota's Prius that managed only 20,387 registrants amounting to 47 percent of total market share. Honda's innovative but relatively impractical Insight only managed three percent, with 1,298 total buyers.

"People are buying hybrids because of mileage benefits and environmental concerns. With the rising cost of gas in the U.S., hybrid registrations will likely increase in 2004," stated Lonnie Miller, director of

Toyota's Prius managed 20,387 registrants, amounting to 47 percent of total hybrid market share. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Polk's Analytical Solutions. "There are a number of new hybrid vehicles planned for the coming year from several manufacturers including hybrid versions of the Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra, Dodge Ram Pickup, Ford Escape, Honda Accord, Lexus RX 400 and the Toyota Highlander. These new hybrid offerings will expand the market and appeal of hybrid vehicles to a larger consumer base. More new hybrid vehicles are being planned beyond 2005 which will continue the growth of this new technology and market."

And Miller only tells a partial story, with yet more Hybrids announced, including the Mazda6-based Ford Taurus replacement (previously dubbed Futura), Mercury Mariner, Nissan Altima, and the list goes on.