Hybrids and Small Cars Staging a Comeback

California and the Washington, D.C. are the two hottest Prius markets in the country and there are ample supplies of the little car available. Hundreds of the cars languish in Washington-area dealerships poised to take advantage of the next sudden rise in gasoline prices.

A Toyota salesman complained to ConsumerAffairs.Com that just two years ago there was a waiting list for the car along with a price mark-up that provided the salesman extra income. Now lots are overflowing with the Pius.

The Japanese automaker is actively trying to expand Prius sales despite the vanishing tax credit and sales figures seem to suggest the Toyota marketing plan is beginning to work.

Toyota has linked Prius sales in April to Earth Month and the automaker is actively pushing for higher hybrid vehicle sales in April by placing up to $2,000 in incentives on the car. Toyota offered consumers lease incentives on the Prius in February and March and Prius sales were once again climbing along with gasoline prices.

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