Brent Brown Toyota

As gas prices continue to rise, many car buyers are shying away from the full-size trucks and SUVs, in favor of hybrids or fuel-efficient cars. Brent Brown Toyota Scion's Larry Terry broke down the numbers and explained the trend to KSL Radio's Scott and Maria of Utah's Afternoon News.

Listen to the whole interview here.

Among the Brent Brown Toyota sales figures that illustrate the trend:

• Sales of the Prius (53 city MPG), the world's top-selling fuel-efficient car, are up 23 percent.
• Sales of the Camry Hybrid (43 city MPG) are up 230 percent.
• Sales of the Tacoma (21 city MPG), Toyota's smaller truck model, are up 18 percent.

This reflects national trends. HybridCars.com and Baum & Associates reported this month that February sales of hybrids nation-wide increased 2.5x more than the passenger-vehicle market as a whole.

That's no surprise given the average American household spent a record $4,155 at the pump in 2011 -- about 8.4 percent of the median family income -- according to the Associated Press, and prices continue climbing this year, with no end in sight.

Toyota is the top producer and seller of hybrids, nationwide. Since its U.S. introduction in 2000, Prius -- when compared to the average car -- has saved American consumers an estimated $2.93 billion in fuel costs*, 1.1 billion gallons of gas* and 16.1 million tons of CO2 emissions*.

In addition to their wide selection of fuel-efficient cars, Brent Brown Toyota Scion also carries an extensive inventory of pre-owned vehicles, so customers can find the car that is just right for them. They offer the very best fully-inspected vehicles in the state, many of which are factory- certified models backed with a comprehensive warranty. Learn more at http://www.BrentBrownToyota.com.

* Based on average EPA estimated combined mpg rating of Prius versus all MY 2001 to 2011 cars, 10,000 miles/year, and average U.S. gas prices including taxes. Fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage may vary. US Energy Information Administration