Musings
 Hyper Hybrid Sensation

Hybrid vehicles seem to have taken California by storm! I am all for being a good steward of our host, planet Earth. Afterall, we all are just guests. I like to treat her like I would any host. I can't help but notice an incredible influx of hybrid vehicles where I live, most specifically, the Toyota Prius. Attached to this increased hybrid presence is an air of superiority that I don't particularly care for. Now, before I proceed, I must disclaim that this is a general observation and not all hybrid (ahem, Prius) drivers are offenders.

Why are hybrid owners choosing the Prius over some other, less conspicuous, option? Aside from any technology arguments (many feel Toyota has seized the market b/c of their difference in technology) the answer to me is clear. Hybrid drivers want to deliver a message. They want to make it obvious to all others that they are driving a hybrid and taking the steps they feel are helping to improve the environment. If the hybrid driver chose to buy an inconspicuous hybrid, say a Honda Civic, or Accord, or even a Ford Escape, it would not be obvious to others that they drive a hybrid, save a humble "hybrid" symbol above the rear bumper.

Personally, the Prius does not strike me as a stylish and attractive car. If I were in the market for a hybrid car I'd much rather purchase a more "humble" option. One that doesn't scream "Look at me! I care! I'm doing something! I'm better than you!"

To answer Prius' popularity, Honda, Toyota's main competitor in hybrid technology, has resorted to creating a brand new hybrid model. Honda's sales of their inconspicuous hybrid versions of the Civic and Accord cannot touch the Prius. California consumerism has made it clear to manufacturers that buyers want a car that telegraphs hybrid. If that does not scream smugness, I don't know what does.

Perhaps my observations are unfounded in certain other parts of the country. For example, on a recent trip to OH I saw a whole 2 Priuses. The sensation of smugness that has seized California has, thankfully, not (yet) reached all places. To put it into perspective, California led all states in 2006 for hybrid registrations at 67,533. At #2 was Florida at a scarce 12,900. I'd also like to note that Monterey ranks #3 (right behind San Francisco) in metro areas where hybrids are most popular (http://www.hybridcars.com/market-dashboard/feb07-regional.html).

Back to that smugness, The creators of South Park magnificently portray all that I have mused in this episode ... a must see:
Smug Alert!

As South Park hints, perhaps a better name for the Prius is Pious!