Hybrids are hot commodities on both coasts and in large urban areas where buyers wait 6-months

US made, large vehicles dominate heartland

50K hybrids sold in US last year of 17M total vehicles sold

100K sales expected this year as several new models become available

Current $1.5K tax deduction doesn’t cover incremental cost and being phased out

Ford Escape SUV, Lexus RX 330, Toyota Highlander SUV and Honda Accord hybrids all scheduled for release in next 9-months

Much of the hybrid popularity is dictated by how few Toyota and Honda make

Improved mpg comes during slow city traffic driving not on open road

Higher up front costs only offset by many city miles driven at high gas prices

$4k tax credit currently being considered would defray the typical added upfront cost of the vehicles

Environmental groups say hybrid technology will spread if given a serious chance by more automakers as volume goes up and costs come down

JD Power & Associates views upper limit for hybrid growth at just 3% of US market for the foreseeable future; other analysts see 10%+ potential