Hybrids Hot, Hard To Find In Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS -- With motorists feeling the increasing pinch at the pump, hybrid vehicles are so popular that many models are nearly impossible to find in central Indiana.

The super-quiet Toyota Prius is making a loud statement in the automotive market. Gary Hohmann, new car manager at Butler Toyota, is driving the only Prius left on the lot -- one that is not for sale.

Hybrid cars account for just 3 percent of U.S. car sales, but there is little doubt that market share is growing as gas prices increase by the month.

Anyone who wants a Prius must wait from three to six months. Forty-two are on backorder at Butler Toyota.

"It's disappointing from the fact that we can't get the vehicle … in the people's hands, but it makes for good business," Hohmann said. "We are selling cars as fast as we can get them."

Michael Seidl is a sales representative who logs 1,500 miles a month in his car. Last Monday, he drove past the peaking gas pump prices and took possession of a new $23,235 Honda Civic hybrid that gets 45 miles per gallon.

"The best part is besides having a new car, you don't have to stop and fill up every week," Seidl said. "I was filling up my tank about twice a week. Now, I can go a whole week before I have to put any gas in the car."

In addition to the saving Seidl feels in his wallet, he also feels good about his environmental contribution.

Car shoppers were on the Penske Honda lot Friday looking for a gas mileage edge, but again found not enough supply to meet demand.

"When someone comes in, they want to buy a vehicle and they want to buy it right now," said Rod Ingalls, Penske's new car sales manager. "It's hard to tell them you have to wait six to eight weeks to buy that vehicle. I wish we had enough to fill our orders all day long."