Hybrid sales dip due to lower gas prices, consumer doubts

Americans are turning away in large numbers from hybrid cars at a time when automakers are preparing to flood the marketplace with even more of them.

Hybrid sales were off by 10 percent in 2008, and things aren’t getting get any better so far this year.

Nationwide, Toyota Prius sales dropped 30.8 percent last month, compared with February 2007. Toyota Camry Hybrid sales were off for the month by 47.4 percent, Honda’s Civic Hybrid sales were off 21.5 percent, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid sales were off 48.6 percent, according to CleanMpg.com, which tracks sales of “green” cars.

Most analysts believe that slow hybrid sales are mostly due to the drop in gasoline prices, and say all it will take is another spike in gas prices to send consumers shopping for hybrids.

But there are other factors depressing hybrid sales.

Fuel economy ratings are improving for cars with conventional engines — the Honda Fit can get mileage well into the 30s. Even intermediate and large cars have highway ratings as high as 25 to 30 miles per gallon.

And despite educational efforts by the auto industry and others, there still are some consumers who question the reliability and durability of hybrids.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette