Issue date: 6/9/04 Section: News

"We've noticed that since people have started becoming more conscious of the gas prices, they've started expressing the need for vehicles that get a little more gas mileage," Jackson said. "We have a lot of people with bigger vehicles that are looking to get smaller ones."

According to Jackson, that's led to an increase in sales of vehicles that are a little bit more fuel friendly.

"We have seen a huge increase in sales of the Toyota Prius," Jackson said. "It's a hybrid vehicle; it's half gas and half electric. We have nearly 27 of the hybrids on order right now."

Jackson said the hybrid vehicle gets about 60 miles per gallon in the city and 55 miles per gallon on the highway.

"The miles per gallon is high because the gas engine will shut itself off automatically and turn on the battery power in the city," Jackson said. "It's virtually the only (nearly) zero-emission vehicle on the road, and that's about as low as you can get in a vehicle right now."

Those wanting to invest in a 60-miles-per-gallon vehicle better save up.

The 2004 Prius starting price is $20,810, about the same as most hybrids.

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