The market demand for hybrids and plug-in cars exceeded all months prior, with total March hybrid sales at 48,206 units compared to 36,222 last month, and 4,161 plug-in vehicles sold compared to February's 1,662 sold. The top-selling Prius hybrid – the three versions counted under "Hybrid" section, not including the plug-in PHV – hit an all-time high. Fuel prices drove this result, as did the availability of the new variants, the V and the C along with the original Liftback model. Fuel economy sells, but having vehicles that meet the needs of consumers (smaller and larger sizes) is also critical.
The Prius plug-in may be a strong success with 911 units in a partial first month available primarily in California. It is a comparatively low cost plug built on an established brand, and combines the allure of a plug-in with lower cost, albeit with reduced battery only range compared to the Chevrolet Volt.
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