In America, gas was cheap for a long time, creating a low demand for economy cars. I'm not an expert on Japanese history, but I have the general impression that gas is much more expensive there and in Europe. So they had a need to get in the game sooner - at least, they felt the market (worldwide) would support the risk they (Honda and Toyota) were taking.

I think American companies are putting hybrids in trucks and SUVs because that's their bread-and-butter. No point in putting a nitch-technology in a low-volume car. Put it in something you might sell 100K of and you could see a profit.

As for holding back, I see no financial gain in doing so. Wait lists have no upside - only a downside. I'm sure they know exactly what % of sales the loose if there are wait lists. I expect they'd do quite a bit to avoid them.

*** Retired after 65,000 outstanding miles ***