CSHA
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Joined: 10 Nov 2006
Posts: 17
Location: Boulder, CO
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 Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2006 11:38 pm Post subject: The Increasing Popularity of Hybrid Car |
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The number of registered hybrid vehicles in Colorado in 2004 was 1,654, a significant 72% increase over the previous year. 2005 saw this trend increase with 2,618 new hybrids in only the first 8 months of the year.
Customers aren’t buying these $50K+ vehicles just for the fuel economy, as they only get about 30% better mileage than a comparable car. They are making a statement, that they want to be part of the environmentally friendly solution – and they don’t want the oil companies to hold them hostage anymore.
Helping the environment by lowering harmful emmissions and preserving the natural environment are high incentives for hybrid owners, but it extends beyond just that. These progessives want to express their vision of a better and greener world, with a desire for a society where people work together for these common goals. The initial buyers, the innovators, have more courage and drive than the average person – and it’s these people that will determine if the technology is adopted by the next, and much larger, consumer groups.
In a market-based society, the commodities we buy are more and more a symbol of who we are – or more importantly who we want to be see as or representing. Hybrid car drivers want to send a message that they are environmentally friendly and willing to pay a preimum to do so. This is what we must do with households, make solar a symbol that hybrid-card-type people want to display proudly.
Hybrid vehicle sales have increased over 90% a year over the past 4 years. From 7,781 in 2000 to 83,153 in 2004.
Hybrid owner characteristics:
• Slightly older and average income is higher than regualr vehicle buyers
• Women account for 38.8% of all hybrid registrations (36% of normal car registration)
• Average age of a hybrid vehicle buyer is 49.6 years
• Average income of hybrid vehicle buyer is $78,350
• A higher high level of education
The emotional reaction elicited by these consumers demonstrate that there is something else at work for people who purchase energy efficient products. Hybrid car buyers pay a premium of several thousand dollars over a comparable gasoline car. It’s a practical and brilliant technology to these buyers, as is solar energy.
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"Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" |
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