Despite the general popularity of hybrid vehicles, GM’s Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid are seeing dismal sales. Interestingly, as the price of gasoline continues to rise, consumers are not warming up to the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC cousin. Instead, consumers are continuing to snap up Toyota Prius hybrids and other small car hybrid models.
The Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid have both been available at Durango CO Chevy dealers and other Chevy showrooms since January of this year, yet they have sold barely over 1,100 units. This number is dismal considering that General Motors predicted yearly sales to be about 12,000 units. National wide Hybrid sales so far this year, according to the New York Times, has included 100,000 units.
One factor that may be causing slowing sales of the Tahoe Hybrid could be attributed to the price tag admits Chevrolet dealers Valparaiso. The base price of a Tahoe hybrid begins around the mid $50K range and goes up from there. In addition to the premium price, the mileage is comparable to the regular gasoline powered four-cylinder Toyota Camry, so for consumers looking to achieve maximum fuel efficiency, a Tahoe needless to say may not be the best option.
As many buyers looking to hybrids to save money, a Tahoe hybrid is simply an unusual choice says Bob Watson Chevrolet car buyers. After spending $53,000 or more, a consumer may not see huge savings at the pump when compared with other hybrids or even regular gasoline powered sedans or compacts.
What many consumers are realizing is that more money can be saved by buying a smaller vehicle or hybrid, rather than a full-size SUV hybrid. In addition, for buyers needing an SUV, a crossover may be a better choice versus the Tahoe Hybrid, which is why Spokane Chevy crossover sales are more competitive than the larger Hybrid ‘ute. Interestingly, aside from the slow sales of the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids, Chrysler is also having a bit of difficulty with their full-size SUV hybrids, the Aspen and the Durango. With gas prices down slightly this month, perhaps these sales will pickup a bit.
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Learn more about Chevy’s Hybrid vehicles right here.