Hybrid Owners Loyal to Brand, Manufacturer, AIADA Study Shows

Washington DC - August 7, 2006: The AIADA newsletter (published by the American International Automobile Dealers Association) reported that hybrid owners are very loyal to brand and manufacturer, according to a recent study by the Power Information Network (PIN).

The study found that nearly three out of four Toyota Prius owners trade their vehicles in for another Toyota vehicle. "An even higher percentage (of Prius owners) trade for another vehicle within the Toyota Motor Corp. family of brands," explained PIN executives. "Both results are the highest rates among all Toyota nameplate vehicles."

The same is true for owners of the three Honda hybrids. According to PIN, Six out of every 10 owners of a Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid trade for another Honda or Acura.

In a separate announcement, PIN named the top-selling models for drivers 25 and younger for the second quarter. The top ten include: Scion tC, Hyundai Tiburon, Acura RSX, Subaru Impreza, Mazda 3, Volkswagen GTI, Mazda 6, Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Yaris, and Chevrolet Cobalt. The Toyota Yaris was the only new model on the list this quarter, replacing the Dodge Neon.