The state of hybrid vehicle demand

The article Hybrid vehicle demand soars states, "Waiting lists are so long that many customers are paying extra just to move ahead in line. Others are paying full sticker price for a used hybrid -- a practice rarely seen outside the trade of Ferraris and other super sports cars." (DetNews)

In June, Toyota is set to release the Highlander hybrid, but don't expect to buy one anytime soon, unless you are already on the waiting list. By conservative estimates, the next 6 months of vehicles have already been pre-ordered. Toyota's other hybrid SUV, the Lexus RX400h is currently backlogged at 9,000 vehicles.

Can Toyota raise its hybrid production? I don't know, but will it matter? Demand for the Prius hybrid car, even after multiple production increases, still far outweighs supply, and on eBay used ones can sell for more than new ones. According to Fool.com, "In April, Toyota sold more of its hybrid vehicle than Ford's (NYSE: F - News) Mercury division sold of all Mercury-branded vehicles -- combined."

Even the Escape hybrid, which often carries dealer add-on fees as high as $7000.00, is flying off dealer lots. And the Accord hybrid and Civic hybrid set monthly sales records in April.

Americans like technology. Hybrids can go faster than conventionals, while saving gas and significantly reducing pollution. Hybrid vehicles are simply better technology than conventional automobiles.

Is there really any wonder why demand is rising?