Detroit's Big Three left behind as more drivers look for hybrids

Fuel-sipping hybrids have become some of the hottest vehicles on the lot this year as gas prices hover near $4 a gallon.

- GABRIELLE COPPOLA, BETHANY BENJAMIN AND DAVID WELCH

MIHO TAKAHASHI Associated Press ASIAN AUTOMAKERS are dominating the U.S. hybrid market as consumers face higher prices for gasoline.

The problem for Detroit's automakers is that they don't have many to offer.

Hybrid sales likely rose more than 9% during the first half of the year, compared with a roughly 3% decline in overall U.S. auto sales, according to forecasts by researcher Cox Automotive. Deliveries have jumped more than 80% since 2023, with hybrids accounting for a record 14% share of the market through the first quarter.

The trend has put a spotlight on the haves and havenots in the segment. Asian automakers dominate the hybrid market in the U.S., with Japan's Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. accounting for seven of the 10 best-selling hybrid models this year, according to Cox.

Just a single model from a U.S. automaker - Ford Motor Co.'s Maverick pickup cracked the top 10. With fewer hybrids by comparison, Detroit's carmakers risk missing out on the sales bonanza in the near term.

Hyundai Motor Co. on Wednesday reported record second-quarter sales that were helped by a 71% rise in hybrid deliveries, led by gaselectric versions of high-volume models including the Sonata sedan and Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs, the South Korean automaker said Wednesday.

The company plans to increase production of gaselectric vehicles in the U.S. in response to the strong demand, said Randy Parker, chief executive officer of Hyundai's North America business.

"Hybrids are definitely our growth engine right now," Parker told reporters.

Hyundai's sibling Kia saw sales of hybrid models jump 187% in June, contributing to a 3% gain in second-quarter deliveries.