Who are the hybrid drivers? Maybe not who you think they are...
The Onion believes that stereotypes are a real time saver, but if your stereotype of hybrid drivers includes celebrities and young hipsters, think again. According to HybridCars, who's been tracking hybrid demographics for years, the reality is that most hybrid drivers are older than the average car buyer, have a higher income than average (the "cashed up greenies"), probably have a higher level of education than the average car buyer and likely live in California. You can read all the details at HybridCars, and it'll be interesting to see how these trends change now that "hybrid" can be applied to large SUVs and sports cars.
[Source: HybridCars]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Phil L. 3:14PM (5/10/2007)
No surprises here; their observations mirror what I've seen (sorry, I don't know any celebrities and don't spend time around "young hipsters").
Plus, let's face it: Current hybrid offerings favor the demographics they note. Every car I've ever purchased has been well under $20K; my finances pretty much lock me out of the hybrid market. Plus I have 3 kids in car seats, so small hybrid offerings aren't terribly useful, no matter what the cost.
So... I guess there's not enough demand for family-affordable hybrids that can handle 2 adults and 3 car seats?
Reply
Benson Leung 4:58PM (5/10/2007)
Have you looked at the Camry Hybrid? The back seat is standard-Camry sized.
Reply
Mulad 5:13PM (5/10/2007)
Of course, the Camry hybrid is well over $20k
Reply
Phil L. 6:58PM (5/10/2007)
I haven't been in a Camry in awhile, so I found a late-model Camry in the parking lot at work.
Hmmm - the distance between the seat belt hardware in the center position looks awfully tight to allow a third car seat. Anyone here familiar with using three child car seats in the back seat of a late-model Camry?
And, as you've likely guessed, I'm pretty much limited to shopping the used market, where hybrids are rare and command a hefty premium.
Reply