Hybrids become more of a tough sell

Automakers are adding inducements to help sell some gas-electric hybrid models

Starting this month for the first time ever nationally, Prius buyers can get 0% financing for two years or lease payments as low as $219 a month, says Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong.

Until late last year, the model had been in chronic short supply. Buyers had to wait for months or pay premiums. Now Toyota is boosting production by about 75% to 175,000 this year.