Growing demand for hybrid vehicles putting some models in scarce supply

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Maryland ranks third in the U.S. in sales of hybrid vehicles, and with the spike in gasoline prices, hybrid vehicle demand is growing.

The problem: Though more automakers sell hybrid vehicles today than did so three years ago, supply remains tight, with waiting lists for some models.

Even so, Maryland is a hotbed for hybrid sales.

“We are third in the country in hybrid sales behind California and Virginia,” said Peter Kitzmiller, president of the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association.

“Any of my dealers would like to have more to sell.”

Toyota and Honda — two Japanese automakers — offer the most hybrid models for sale. Toyota sells the Prius hybrid sedan, the Highlander hybrid midsize sport utility vehicle, and the Lexus GS450h hybrid luxury and the RX400h luxury hybrid SUVs.

Honda sells the Accord Hybrid midsize sedan, the Civic Hybrid compact sedan and the Insight hybrid, a subcompact coupe.

Ford sells the Escape Hybrid compact SUV and its sister, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez told General Motors workers in White Marsh last week that President Bush wants Congress to approve a tax break for anyone buying a hybrid vehicle this year.

Hybrid vehicles, which are typically powered by both a gasoline motor and an electric motor, tend to get at least 30 miles to the gallon, with most getting 49 to 51 miles per gallon in the city and on the highway.

Dealers say they have waiting lists for the Prius.

“The Prius is hot,” said Jack Fitzgerald, owner of Fitzgerald Auto Mall in Annapolis.

“The Highlander is a little more expensive and it is not moving as fast. But we sell every hybrid we get,” he said.

eeldridge@baltimoreexaminer.com

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