For quite some time if someone said hybrid most of us thought Honda Civic hybrid or Toyota Prius - those more in the know may have been aware of Honda's 2-seater Insight. Canada's Insurance industry Top 10 list of hybrids in Canada, based on the cars that received the most insurance quotes, would support these thoughts:
1. Honda Civic Hybrid
2. Toyota Prius 5 Dr
3. Ford Escape 4WD Hybrid
4. Honda Accord Hybrid
5. Toyota Prius 4 Dr
6. Honda Insight 2 Dr
7. Ford Escape 2WD Hybrid
8. Lexus RX400h AWD
9. Toyota Highlander Hybrid Ltd.
10. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
With only two exceptions the list is entirely Toyota and Honda. However, Ford and GM have made hybrids part of their revitalization strategy which will bring many more options into the market. All of these options are great for consumers as it allows greater choice. But are Canadians desperate for choice. My limited and new experience as a dealer is that Canadians are a compact car lot. We like our small cars. This observation is supported by Richard Cooper the Executive Director of J.D. Power and Associates Marketing Group. The problem faced by the hybrid market, according to Cooper, is that if you're already driving a fuel efficient car why would you pay up to $10,000 or more for a maximum 25% savings in fuel?
The answer to this slow penetration may lay in the influx of the typically more affordable domestic models. It will only be a matter of time before imports either lower their hybrid pricing or introduce and new economy hybrid.
In the meantime if you're looking for the most environmentally friendly option that doesn't include sharing your ride with 200 other passengers, I would suggest buying a previously loved fuel efficient economy car. Previously loved suggestion is not entirely self-serving - it's also re-using - one of the three R's!
Happy Driving!
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