Drivers Still Plugged Into Hybrids Despite Cheaper Fuel

CINCINNATI -- As gas prices are down to a more acceptable level for most consumers, many people in the auto industry are wondering if drivers are still plugged in to hybrid vehicles.

Local dealers said they’re expecting buyers to value better values even more and that interest in fuel-efficient hybrids is still there.

Sales directors at Courtesy Chevrolet in Oakley said that they can’t keep hybrids on their floor.

Other salespeople said that consumers are gearing up for GM’s Volt. It’s set for production in 2010.

The Volt is a car that can be plugged into a 110-volt outlet and charges overnight.

However, not everyone is sold on the idea. Some experts said people will have to weigh their initial expense against their annual fuel savings.

The Volt is projected to cost $30,000 to $40,000.

"When this vehicle hits the market, it’s absolutely going to make the current hybrids out there obsolete. They're talking about rating this vehicle at 100 miles per gallon,” truck specialist Art Jackson said. "We get calls every day. And we can't technically take an order yet because it's not in production yet.”

WLWT checked with dealerships, and the wait for a Toyota Prius hybrid is now down to about eight weeks depending on the package.