Sales of hybrid vehicles have grown rapidly in the USA since the launch of the Toyota Prius, a car which continues to dominate the market.

But according to market analysts RL Polk & Co, that growth is beginning to slow.

Sales of hybrids rose by a very healthy 28% in 2006 but in the last quarter growth was at its slowest since 2000.

With a number of major manufacturers soon to release their own hybrid vehicles, however, the market is expected to pick up in the near future as motorists are given more choice.

In January Toyota offered its first sales incentives for the Prius, in part to reinforce its position as market leader.

Sam Bond

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