Civic and Escape hybrid sales up big in October
Sales of the Honda Civic hybrid were up 890% in October compared to October 2005, reaching 2,288 units sold. The Ford Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid hit 1,602 units combined, up 30.6% compared to October 2005. The sales of all other hybrid vehicles were down in October 2006 compared to October 2005.
So what is the story? Why are sales of the Toyota Prius, for example, down while the Civic hybrid is up? Or why are sales of the Highlander hybrid down, while sales of the Escape hybrid are up?
Well, I'd bet it all comes down to tax incentives. October was the first month that tax incentives for Toyota hybrids were cut in half.
While Prius sales were down about 12%, Toyota still sold 8,733 of the hybrid vehicles - far more than Honda's Civic hybrid. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see what happens over the next couple of months. If gas prices begin to again go up, I think Prius sales will be fine despite the lower tax incentive. If gas prices remain stable, this downward trend might continue.
(Source: Green Car Congress)
So what is the story? Why are sales of the Toyota Prius, for example, down while the Civic hybrid is up? Or why are sales of the Highlander hybrid down, while sales of the Escape hybrid are up?
Well, I'd bet it all comes down to tax incentives. October was the first month that tax incentives for Toyota hybrids were cut in half.
While Prius sales were down about 12%, Toyota still sold 8,733 of the hybrid vehicles - far more than Honda's Civic hybrid. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see what happens over the next couple of months. If gas prices begin to again go up, I think Prius sales will be fine despite the lower tax incentive. If gas prices remain stable, this downward trend might continue.
(Source: Green Car Congress)
Labels: Civic hybrid, Congress, Escape hybrid, Ford, Ford Escape hybrid, Highlander hybrid, Honda, honda civic hybrid, Hybrid Vehicles, Mariner hybrid, prius, toyota
posted by Dahcredyns at
10:09 AM
1 Comments:
The Civic hybrid sales being up some unheard of percentage is a fluke of statistics and should not be treated like some amazing thing. Honda was transitioning from the 2005 model to the 2006 model and dealerships ran short while waiting for the 2006 model. There is not some profound indication on the state of the hybrid market by looking at that >800% increase in sales, year over year.
Mike
Post a Comment
<< Home