Local retailers say sales in gasoline-electric vehicles have gone up in recent months, despite a mixed student reaction to the hybrid cars.

Higher fuel efficiency offered by these automobiles as well as state-offered grant dollars are incentives contributing to the booming sales.

"I think [hybrid vehicles] have been very popular in the local market -- we're selling between three and four per month," said Chuck Morrison, a sales representative at Dix Honda, 2796 W. College Ave.

Honda manufactures two hybrid vehicles, Morrison said. The Civic Hybrid -- released for sale this year -- runs on a gasoline-electric engine with a self-recharging battery. The Civic Hybrid can average about 50 miles per gallon.

The other vehicle is the Insight, which employs similar technology and averages 62 to 69 mpg, he said.

Morrison said sales of these types of automobiles could be attributed to the well-educated demographic in State College.

"I think the knowledge that floats around a college town definitely causes an increased market [for hybrid cars] here," Morrison said.

The issue of cost could play a factor for potential buyers of the Civic Hybrid because the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is higher for the hybrid than for the base model.

The hybrid's MSRP is $19,650, while the base model's is $13,010. Despite the higher cost, hybrid owners will save that extra $6,000 in gas after three or four years, he said. Both vehicles are available with a four-cylinder engine and similar options and amenities, he added.

In addition to making up savings in gasoline costs, the federal government offers a $2,500 tax reduction for owners of hybrid vehicles, Morrison said.

Alan Hall, manager of Joel Confer Toyota-BMW-Dodge, 120 E. Clinton Ave., said sales of the Toyota Prius, a hybrid automobile, have been up in recent months.

"Everything we have coming in has been pre-sold," Hall said.

Hall said because the car has less harmful emissions and operates more efficiently than standard gasoline-powered cars, its sales have been on the rise.

"Most hybrid car customers know what they're looking for. They know as much as the sales people," he said.

Pennsylvania offers a grant for $400 to $700 for owners of alternative fuel vehicles, said Karen Miller, a grant officer for the Alternative Fuel Incentives Grant program.

Pennsylvania residents have a 12-week window to apply for the grant. This year, the window closed Oct. 1, Miller said.

The purpose of the grant is to reduce the state's dependence on imported oil and increase environmental awareness, she said. The criteria for the grant and residents' applications are judged on how well they meet these goals, in addition to the make, model and year of the hybrid, she added.

"Many people who buy them do so on their own. This grant can provide some incentive, but it's not the driving force," Miller said.

Maura Cowley (junior-political science), the treasurer of Eco-Action, said she doesn't know any students who own a hybrid car.

"Most students can't afford them. Usually most students buy used cars," Cowley said.

Cowley said she has driven hybrid cars before, and they feel the same as any other similar car.

Shaun McCusker (senior-biology) said he would never purchase a hybrid car.

"They are weaker. They might be better for the environment, but if you buy a hybrid you can't have your SUVs or diesel cars," McCusker said.

Danielle Brownsberger (junior-English) said she would purchase a hybrid car is they were affordable.

"If I could I would buy one," Brownsberger said.