Car sales reached impressive levels in August, and a large part of that stemmed from the high demand for alternative fuel vehicles. According to data from HybridCars.com, the month saw a 41.8 percent jump in the sales of diesel automobiles and a 38.1 percent growth for hybrids.
In total, new car sales increased 17 percent on the month from 2012 to 2013. The 1.5 million vehicles sold was the biggest number in more than six years, propelling brands like Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Honda, General Motors and Chrysler to double-digit growth. Much of this jump can be attributed to the demand for diesel and hybrid automobiles.
"This new sales information illustrates that Americans are not only accepting but embracing alternative fuel and new technology vehicles in record numbers," said Allen Schaeffer, the executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "While there has been steady growth in both the clean diesel and hybrid markets over the past three years, this summer's diesel and hybrid sales have been exceptional."
All of this growth occurred despite falling gas prices, which is good news for alternative fuel vehicles, The Associated Press reported. However, motorists will still have to come to terms with other expenses tied to these automobiles, such as costlier car repair, while also getting used to a different pattern of vehicle maintenance.