Smart Motors: Do hybrid car purchases eventually backfire?

New publication quells worries that a “rebound effect” cancels out efficiency gains over time.

Madison, WI. The science journal Nature on Jan. 23 published an article challenging the “rebound effect,” a pet theory put forward by critics of energy efficiency programs to suggest that hybrid cars and plug-in electric vehicles don’t save energy in the long run. As hybrid technology and gasoline come down in price, people may drive more or spend the extra money buying goods that require energy to make, but this won’t erase the benefits of energy-efficiency standards and alternative fuels, scientists say. That’s good news for Wisconsinites who are buying hybrids in record numbers. At the state’s oldest automotive vehicle dealer, Smart Motors, hybrids accounted for 40% of the dealership’s new car sales through December 2012. Compare that to 2008, when only 25.2% of the dealership’s car sales came from hybrid vehicles and their growing popularity and mainstream acceptance are clear.

“When these in-demand hybrids roll in, they almost immediately roll right out the door,” says Allen Foster, vice president/general manager of Smart Motors.

It’s little wonder. A new Consumer Reports study finds that hybrids offer the best value for those buying a new vehicle, with the Toyota Prius ranking No. 1. CR estimates the Prius costs owners 49 cents per mile — less than half the cost of operating an average car.

Like an uptick in real estate sales, stronger sales of cars in general and hybrids in particular are a leading indicator of our nation’s economic recovery. Overall, Smart Motors new vehicle sales were up 20% in 2012.

“A car is a big investment, yet for most people it’s also a necessity,” Foster says. “During the past few years, the entire auto industry saw customers scaling back on their purchases, but as 2012 came to a close, it was one of our strongest years. Hybrid vehicles have always been a solid product line for us, but it was exceptionally stronger last year.”

As a service to readers who own or are considering buying a hybrid, Smart Motors’ Foster is available to discuss: * Why hybrids sales have shot up so dramatically, if the trend will continue into 2013, and how this affects cost

* Questions first-time hybrid buyers should ask their dealer

* How buyers can protect their investment — do hybrids have different maintenance schedules and requirements?

* How to maximize a hybrid vehicle’s energy savings

About Smart Motors: Founded in 1908, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships and the Midwest’s largest hybrid dealer. In Wisconsin, Smart Motors is the No. 1 volume dealer for both Toyota and Scion. Located at 5901 Odana Road, in Madison, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service and sales volume. For more information visit http://www.smarttoyota.com