Word has it Toyota is shifting production of its hybrid vehicles to the U.S. - not surprising, considering demand has been soaring, along with oil prices. Right now, the automaker can't make nearly enough to meet demand. Hybrid sales should keep growing, as Toyota launches gasoline-electric versions of popular products like the Camry and Corolla. The question is just how big will the hybrid market grow? The analysts at J.D. Power estimate demand could more than quadruple by decade's end. But that would still account for only about five percent of total U.S. car and truck sales. To become truly mainstream, manufacturers will have to continue cutting costs - and boosting mileage. While Toyota claims more than 60 miles a gallon for its Prius hybrid, the average driver is more likely to get less than 40. Hybrid technology makes sense on paper, but it's still not quite ready to meet the needs of most American motorists.
