Report: Hybrid sales fell 48.4 percent in Sept.

Posted: Oct 06, 2009
Filed under: Hybrids, Green News, Industry News

2010 Toyota Prius

Hybrid sales were on a steady month-to-month rise until the government’s Cash for Clunkers program came along. Basically, the Cash for Clunker pulled so many hybrid shoppers into the market earlier than they’d intended to “go green,” that September saw a huge decline in sales of gas-electric hybrid cars and trucks – a huge decline of 48.4 percent.

According to Green Car Advisor, only 19,977 hybrids were sold during the month of Sept., down from 38,701 in August. The decline was the first in several months and was worse than that of a conventional vehicle segment – which saw a decline of 40.9 percent in September.

Sales of the popular Toyota Prius were down 42 percent. Overall, Toyota saw a 39.7 percent decline in its Toyota and Lexus hybrids.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Green Car Advisor (via AllCarsElectric)

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  • Emma
    Agree with Mike. Adding to the low number is the Cash for Clunker program. People who are on the fence looking to buy a vehicle had probably already bought one the month before because of the Clunker program.

    I would not be surprise the number will drop more this coming Nov and Dec (obligation from other holiday buys). I don't see a turn until probably March or April when spring time hits and many more new 2010 or early 2011 model hit the showrooms.
  • zermatt
    I don't see a real increase in sales until the lots are full and the incentives are high.
  • Comparing month-to-month sales for cars is ridiculous. Seasonal difference dominate the figures. Comparing sales to last September shows basically a wash, and that's despite the several models going through the changeover to new model years.
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