Apr 21, 2008 -- Datamonitor

RL Polk, a provider of automotive information and marketing solutions, has reported that the nationwide registrations for new hybrid vehicles rose to 350,289 registrations in 2007, a 38% increase from 2006.

According to RL Polk, while most of the market continues to see hybrid models enabled by various forms of gas-electric powertrains, the entire hybrid segment will evolve as other technologies are developed and tested. With the end-goal of providing more fuel-efficient vehicles, future offerings will expand beyond the current generation of hybrid models.

Polk's analysis shows that buyers of specific hybrid models predominantly come from the vehicle segment shared by their new hybrid purchase. In 2007, 55% of new hybrid buyers previously had a midsize car, midsize SUV or small car model.

The geographic trends for the segment remain largely unchanged in 2007, with California continuing to hold 26% of hybrid market share followed by Florida, New York, Texas and Washington. For the second year in a row, Oklahoma had the greatest increase, up nearly 148%. Similarly, Los Angeles and San Francisco led cities nationwide combined with more than 19% of the segment's market share.

Lonnie Miller, director of industry analysis at Polk, said: "Auto buyers are benefiting from new hybrid launches, and fleecing of old models that didn't work. There is a lot of excitement being generated within the industry as manufacturers adjust plans to adapt to consumer demand."

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