US hybrid sales soar - motor city plots their downfall

From Green Car Congress:

Sales of hybrids in the US increased 2.3 times in May 2005 to 16,887 units from 7,275 units the prior year. However, results for all automakers were down from the torrid pace set in April.

Sales of the market-leading Prius dropped back below 10,000 to post the car's third strongest month to date. Combined with the 2,931 units of the Lexus Rx400h -- the strongest of its two months of sales -- Toyota captured 73% of all hybrid sales for the month. (GCC)

In fairness of reporting I should also make mention of some issues related to Prius cars in the US - I have not been affected, nor heard of any Australian reports. The US reports are of the engine (ICE) shutting down at high speed. No accidents have occurred. The ICE is designed to shut off when not needed, such as when coasting down a hill.

Should I be smelling a rat? Is someone in Detroit trying to kill the Prius? After all motorcity secretly bought up Los Angeles' public transport system (electric trolley-buses) and shut them down in the 1940s. General Motors and friends were convicted in Chicago in 1949 and fined $5000. (Details) . Update: Wikipedia offers a broader perspective on this.