California Still Sells More Hybrids, But MidWest Shows Biggest Growth

According to the latest study by R. L. Polk & Co., the Western region, especially California, still sells more hybrids than any other region. But the Midwest showed the biggest increase in sales over the first seven months of 2007.

Midwest:
Table 1 - Regional Hybrid Growth
(Percent change from Jan. - July 2006 to Jan. - July 2007)

1. Midwest 56.9%
2. West 51.8%
3. Northeast 49.3%
4. South 41.5%
5. Total U.S. 49.3%

With almost 50% growth in registrations, R. L. Polk & Co. is projecting over 300,000 by the end of the year which is over 2% of the U.S. vehicle market.

Toyota and Lexus continue to dominate the marketplace, with 78% of registrations. That is in comparison to 74% through the first seven months of 2006.

Oklahoma saw the biggest gains (143% growth), while Hawaii was the only state to decline (down 5.3%). All other states saw hybrid registration increase by at least 9.9%.

Bottom 5 Hybrid Growth States
(Percent change from Jan. - July 2006 to Jan. - July 2007)
Rank State Percent Change

1. Hawaii -5.3%
2. Mississippi 9.9%
3. Virginia 12.1%
4. Montana 15.2%
5. Louisiana 21.5%