February hybrid sales spiked at two-and-a-half-times the increase of the also rising passenger vehicle market at 66.3 percent for hybrids, compared to 25.9 percent for the whole vehicle market. The proverbial rising tide raised most boats, and an overall increase in sales of hybrid, plug-in, and clean diesel vehicles was observed, with some exceptions, naturally.
Total hybrid sales of over 36,000 are at their highest level since March 2011 (35,000) and are likely to continue to rise due to increasing gas prices, improving availability, and additional models being offered. The share of total sales is 3.2 percent, which has only been exceeded by 3.3 percent in April 2008 (a time of rising fuel prices) and 3.6 percent in July 2009 (the beginning of the cash for clunkers program).
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