Hybrid Market Share Continues to Increase

According to the most recent Power Information Network (PIN) Insights (pdf), hybrid market penetration is once again reaching record levels. Through the first 20 days of May, 3.4% of all retail transactions were hybrids. With 12 hybrid models on the market, hybrid car penetration has continued to increase each year.

	Percentage Hybrid Retail Sales	Number of Hybrids
May-04	0.40%	3
May-05	1.30%	6
May-06	1.90%	10
May 1-20, 2006	2.10%	10
May 1-20, 2007	3.40%	12
Source: Power Information Network (PIN)

Higher gas prices and federal tax breaks, as well as an aggressive marketing campaign from Toyota have kept hybrid car sales increasing each year. Despite the increase in the number of hybrid models available, almost half of those sold are Prius, while almost three quarters are Toyota/Lexus.