My understanding is that the company or companies that make the electrical components for hybrids are booked solid with the Japanese car companies. It would make sense that if the car mfgrs are ramping up production, that it will strain the supplier's ability to meet their demand. American mfgrs are a little P.O.'ed that they aren't able to get an order in edgewise. Helluva market for an American company if they can come to the table with reliable components.

Aside from that, the salesmen know that they're currently having to discount Accord hybrids, but they can tack $$$ onto the Civic. Also, did you look for a payback period on your last car's power seats? But you paid extra for 'em, right? Sometimes we make decisions that aren't strictly about the money. I know I did. I'm sure that it would have made more economical sense for me to purchase a Civic EX, but I *wanted* the freakin' Civic hybrid, and that's what I got.

I'm as happy as hell with my HCHII, too. I know you will be.

Don