Hybrid Cars -- recent news reflects a mixed message right now

Hi folks -- Right before exams I received an interesting forwarded article from one of my students.  Written by Paul A. Eisenstein from NBC's Detroit Bureau, a number of important issues emerged.

For example:
1) there is an issue of consumer loyalty related to hybrid vehicles.  Only about 1 in 3 hybrid owners by another gas electric model when they trade in.

2) "Pricing and range limitations remain critical factors."  Expectations are high, demand is far lower.

3) Manufacturer's claims do not match what owners are actually getting! The EPA is now getting involved in revising rating processes.

For those interested, consumers who financed these cars purchased them in the following order:

1. Toyota prius -- 37.2%
2. Toyota Camry -- 8.9%
3. Toyota Prius V -- 8.6%
4. Toyota Prius C -- 8.1 %
5. Chevy Volt -- 6.3%
6. Hyundai Sonata -- 4.8%
7. Lexus CT 200h -- 4.2%
8. Kia Optima -- 2.7%
9. Nissan Leaf -- 2.7%
Lexus RX450h -- 2.3 %

So far the Asians are leading the race, it seems.