SUVs out, fuel efficiency in after Katrina

If you have already been in the market for a hybrid car, then you know that finding what you want isn't easy - you pretty much have to take whatever is available.

Well, things are getting worse.

While I was watching CNBC today it was reported by Phil Le Beau, that SUV sales were down almost 10 percent last month as more car buyers moved into crossovers and cars. Additionally, more and more consumers expressed interest in fuel efficient cars. In particular, CNBC noted that interest in both the Ford Escape hybrid and the Toyota Prius hybrid has been increasing significantly as oil prices have risen, and especially since Katrina.

For prospective buyers, the news isn't great. Longer waits and less choices are sure to become even more common in the months ahead, and even in the years ahead. Unfortunately, there simply are not enough hybrid components to make enough hybrid vehicles to meet hybrid demand.

Even newer hybrids, such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, are essentially sold out, and the same can be expected when the Camry hybrid is released.

Even worse, the first full hybrid from GM is still years away. Why is it so hard to do the right thing?