Study: Global hybrid-electric car demand to hit 8.6 million by 2020

Demand for hybrid-electric vehicles will hit 4.3 million units by 2015 around the world and then nearly double by 2020, a new study reports.

Freedonia Group Inc. of Cleveland said the United States will lead all countries in demand for the vehicles. This is due in part to erratic fuel costs and Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements.

World demand was 227,000 units in 2000 and 1,580,000 last year, and it will hit 3.9 million in 2010, Freedonia reports.

More information about the report, titled "World Hybrid-Electric Vehicles," is available at www.freedoniagroup.com.