Interest in hybrid vehicles accelerates

The gas-electric hybrid vehicles that automakers touted as the cars of the future only a few years ago are quickly joining the mainstream of American automobiles.

Consumers are making the fuel-efficient vehicles one of the fastest-growing segments of the automobile industry.

“If we had them in stock, we could sell many, many of them because of current fuel costs,” Harold Redden, general manager of Fitzgerald Auto Mall in Gaithersburg said about the Toyota Prius, the most popular hybrid car on the market.

Initial sales of hybrids were so encouraging that manufacturers are increasing production this year.

Americans bought 47,525 fuel-efficient hybrids last year, a number that’s expected to top 100,000 this year, according to the consumer research firm J.D. Power & Associates.

Adding to the momentum are average gasoline prices this week of almost $2 per gallon and Middle East political tensions that show few signs of easing.

Unlike traditional automobiles, the hybrids include both rechargeable batteries and a gasoline engine. Each power system contributes to run the vehicles.

At slow speeds, the vehicles operate on battery power. At higher speeds, the combustion engine kicks in to provide more speed. Friction from braking helps to recharge the batteries.

As a result, although hybrids cost more to buy, motorists can save at the gas pump.

So far, only Toyota and Honda sell hybrids for the mass market.

Detroit this morning was to display its first American-made competitor in a ceremony at the Department of Interior. Ford Motor Co.’s chief executive officer was to donate 12 hybrid sport utility vehicles to the National Park Foundation.

Ford says the 2005 Ford Escape hybrid SUVs can travel 576 miles in city driving on one tank of gas. They are scheduled to go on sale in the fall.

The first hybrid vehicles sold in 2000 often were intended as a statement of style by motorists rather than a well-planned investment, according to automakers.

“I think the earliest consumers have been those that have been interested in the environmental benefits,” said Joanne Krell, General Motors spokeswoman.

Others wanted to be the first to buy cutting-edge technology, she said.

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