In 2007, 1,731 hybrid cars were purchased in Israel, compared to 493 in 2006, 130 in 2005 and only 10 in 2004. In the first two months of 2008, 506 hybrid cars were purchased.
Data compiled by the Air Quality Division of the Ministry of Environmental Protection show a dramatic increase in the purchase of hybrid cars in Israel. In order to make hybrids more attractive, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, promoted purchase tax reductions on these cars. These tax breaks led to increased sales in Israel - from 10 cars in 2004 to 130 cars in 2005 and to 1,731 cars in 2007. A total of 2,870 hybrid vehicles have been sold in Israel to date, including January-February 2008.