August Hybrid Sales: Some Decline

3 September 2004

Sales of hybrids in the US in August were not immune from the general drop in auto sales. Total hybrids sold declined from prior months to 6,232 units—the lowest number since February, but still well above the sales level of last year.

The chart below and to the left plots the combined sales of hybrids in the US in 2004 through August. The chart to the right shows a different view, highlighting the performance of each of the three models separately. Demand for the Honda Civic Hybrid (1,816 units) remained flat from the prior month and down from the peaks of earlier in the year. Buyers might be waiting for the Accord Hybrid later this fall.

The Prius posted the strongest sales (4,393), although off of its earlier performance this year. When data from the sales of the new crop of hybrids hits, we’ll begin to see whether or not the decrease in sales is in anticipation of the increasing selection of models.