Movers And Losers: April's Hybrids

Hybrids are hot commodities, and the top 10 fastest-moving hybrids this month were all found in the list of the top 70 vehicles overall. Listed below is the name of each model and how many days it took to sell once it was delivered to a dealer. The industry average is 65 days. We excluded models that sell in very small numbers (though the cutoff number we use for the hybrids list is smaller than the one we use for the overall list) in order to give a better indication of the true popularity of these models. Also, there aren’t enough hybrids on the market to come up with a Losers list. 

• 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line: 12 days
• 2008 Toyota Prius: 15 days
• 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid: 15 days
• 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid: 18 days
• 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid: 21 days
• 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid: 23 days
• 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 23 days
• 2008 Lexus RX 400h: 24 days
• 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid: 27 days
• 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid: 39 days

Movers and Losers: April Top Ten
Movers and Losers: April's Top Compact/Economy Cars
Movers and Losers: April's Top SUVs

Comments

There have been a number of "Movers and Losers" posts lately and I don't think that demand of particular vehicles can be summarized soley based on number of selling days inventory numbers. For example, the demand for new models is far greater than the supply and thus a low inventory. Examples of this would be the new Forester and the Vue Green Line. Another example is that a manufacturer is limiting production of a specific model so as not to create a glut of vehicles to sell and so it seems like demand is quite high basing it on number of selling days inventory when actual demand might in fact be quite modest. I don't know for sure but I would say the GX470 would be an example of this. I say Toyota is limiting production of this model making it seem like the GX470 is a hot seller based on number of selling days inventory when in reality I would imagine its sales are plummeting like all traditional SUV's.

Keith,
This will be a regular monthly feature.

We have implemented a sales "threshold" that most lists have to meet to quantify exactly what you're addressing. That's why you don't see BMW's M Roadster as the most popular car on the Top Ten list.

The GX470 met that level and that's why it surprised us as well. If you follow sales numbers you know that Luxury SUVs are generally doing "ok" right now. As are compact SUVs. While full size SUVs aren't doing well.

These lists are to tell shoppers that if they're after a certain vehicle they may run into issues finding a large amount on lots to choose from, or they might not be able to negotiate a very low price etc.

We're not trying to address sales as the primary focus here. That is a number manufacturers release every month. That's why we think Cars.com producing its own Movers and Losers lists would be interesting and stand out.

FYI The GX saw sales decline 4.7% in April, but that was due to more selling days this year than last. It still sold 1,625 copies which is pretty darn good for that segment and in this economy.

I like it. The data provides a fair representation of supply and demand.

I am a little curious about the source. Is this a sampling or something from an industry trade group? If it is confidential, OK by me. Just curious.

Bob W.
Yes it's a secret recipe of sorts but is a rather large sampling I can assure you.

I've been trying to find a Hybrid Prius and can't find one to buy. I've even tried outside the state of OK and have had no luck. I've decided to try to Vue Green Line, but the computer says the local stores have sold out as well. I can't believe it takes 10 days to sell out, everyone I've talked to at the dealerships say they have a waiting list. I've been on their list a month now and have had one offer of a used Prius for $28,000. I keep seeing the price on the web sites as closer to $22,000 yet I can't get one for under $26,000-28,000. I was hoping you can send me in the right direction. I am willing to travel to get the right car for the right price. I ran into a guy who was driving a Prius and I asked him how he liked it and he smiled largely and said, "I love my new car! I've only had it a couple weeks and had to wait three months to get it but I just came up to OKC from Dallas and it costs me $14 in fuel." HE then told me that he was told Texas is sold out for the next 3 months. So Do I just have to wait?

I've been trying to find a Hybrid Prius and can't find one to buy. I've even tried outside the state of OK and have had no luck. I've decided to try to Vue Green Line, but the computer says the local stores have sold out as well. I can't believe it takes 10 days to sell out, everyone I've talked to at the dealerships say they have a waiting list. I've been on their list a month now and have had one offer of a used Prius for $28,000. I keep seeing the price on the web sites as closer to $22,000 yet I can't get one for under $26,000-28,000. I was hoping you can send me in the right direction. I am willing to travel to get the right car for the right price. I ran into a guy who was driving a Prius and I asked him how he liked it and he smiled largely and said, "I love my new car! I've only had it a couple weeks and had to wait three months to get it but I just came up to OKC from Dallas and it costs me $14 in fuel." HE then told me that he was told Texas is sold out for the next 3 months. So Do I just have to wait?