Demand for gas-electric hybrids has been surging overall as consumers increasingly opt for fuel-sipping cars to combat high gasoline prices. Hybrids have become more of an economical option for car buyers with gasoline at current levels. Whereas in the past it took several years to recoup the cost of the premium charged for the advanced technology, that cost can be recovered much more quickly now thanks to fuel-expense savings.

 

Hybrid versions of Saturn’s Vue sport-utility vehicle sold during the April- May period were on dealership lots only about 17 days, compared with about 63 days a year ago, according to J.D. Power. Saturn is a unit of General Motors Corp. (GM).