U.S. hybrid vehicle sales surge as fuel costs rise

The U.S. hybrid vehicle market is experiencing a clear rebound, fueled by a sharp rise in gasoline prices that is rapidly changing consumer buying habits across the country, according to industry data. Data from market research firm Cox Automotive showed that hybrid vehicle sales in the country surged in the third quarter, led by substantial gains among Asian automakers. Korean automaker Hyundai reported a 39-percent year-on-year increase in hybrid sales, while Kia, another Korean automaker, saw its hybrid sales more than double, rising 152 percent. In contrast, demand for fully electric vehicles has cooled over the past year, with Tesla...