Hybrid electric vehicles represent a growing percentage of total vehicle purchases by corporate and government fleets around the world. A report from Pike Research of the U.S., says cumulative sales of hybrid vehicles in the fleet sector will total nearly 4 million worldwide between 2009-2015. They forecast that hybrid fleet sales will increase from 300,000 in 2009 to more than 830,000 in 2015. “The biggest growth categories for fleet hybrids are medium-/heavy-duty trucks and buses,” said Managing Director Clint Wheelock. North America will lead in terms of hybrid fleet penetration, with hybrids reaching 8% of all fleet sales in the next 5 years. Early adopters will include government, university, and utility company fleets. (SB)

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