How to sell hybrid cars to America

Prius hybrid
Originally uploaded by Leonid Mamchenkov

Toyota has rolled out (literally, the exhibit is in trailer) a traveling show aimed at educating America about hybrid cars. Despite their popularity, hybrids remain small sellers.

Still, hybrid vehicles overall remain a niche product, mainly purchased by affluent consumers on the coasts. Hybrids of all kinds made up just 1.5% of all new vehicle sales in 2006, with the Washington, D.C., area, Oregon and California ranking in the top three for the highest percentage of hybrids sold among new cars, according to R.L. Polk & Co.

In Indiana, where Toyota made a stop in July, hybrids made up about 1% of new car sales last year. Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma ranked in the bottom three, with hybrids making up a maximum of 0.6% of new car sales, according to R.L. Polk.

What I really need is a truck that gets 50 mpg, but that can still haul all my cargo.