Irrelevant numbers aside, hybrid registrations in the States are falling. Some of the 17% drop between 2007 and 2009 has naturally been blamed on the recession, but the Wall Street Journal proposes a few other factors that may have affected interest in the smug-mobiles (specifically in the San Francisco/San Jose/Oakland area).
Automotive industry analyst, R.L. Polk & Co., has this theory: Some of the "relevant" reasons to buy a hybrid, such as getting to drive in the carpool lane, are gone due to a change in Bay Area laws. If anyone actually bought a hybrid for that specific purpose, though, you're nuts...just get a mannequin.
Another "relevant" reason? Alternatively-fueled vehicles such as full-electric cars are taking away some hybrid buyers (do a lot of people cross-shop Priuses and Tesla Roadsters?). At least one executive does: Cisco Systems' Tom Gillis. He bought a Tesla Roadster instead of a hybrid because hybrids, unlike electric cars, are "boring"; fair enough on the opinion, but not exactly a purchase most people can relate to.
Without a legitimate reason offered for declining sales, at least Mr. Joel Fugazzotti (retiree and Prius owner) shoots it straight. He bought a Prius for likely the same reason most people do: "I just like them a lot...It's a good way to save on gas, and I figured I wasn't polluting the environment as much."
I'm not sure how a carpool lane or a sports car played into that decision, but it appears as if he bought a hybrid because it made sense to him.
Perhaps hybrid interest is falling because people don't like what's offered, or maybe perceptions have simply changed. Who knows? It's happening, and there's a catalyst somewhere, but fishing around for reasons like lane privileges and writing up fun-factor opinions from upper-level suits is silly.
By Phil Alex
Source: WSJ
