People who buy hybrids also want to support the innovative technology to spur a technological answer to the challenge of high fuel prices and dependence on foreign oil.
Crude oil is more expensive than it was after Hurricane Katrina. And we haven't had a natural disaster that is causing these high prices.
Prices are high -- the question is why? We have enough crude oil and gasoline to meet current demand, and yet the cost of fuel continues to cause budget concerns for many consumers.
This is not a lot to reassure the consumer. The only upside to high prices is that it should ensure a steady supply because there is an economic incentive to produce and ship it.
Consumers are numb to these high prices. Some of this is what the market will bear. Part of the problem with higher prices is we set a new benchmark in our mind and $3 is the new record.