Hybrid sales in the USA enjoyed a significant leap during October, increasing by volume to 24,475 units – an increase of 11.4 per cent and a 2.9 per cent market share.

The figures were boosted in part by the fact that October 2009 had 28 selling days compared to 27 in the previous year. However, with overall light duty vehicle sales remaining essentially flat over the month, there are clear signs that hybrid cars are developing into a more mainstream alternative.

Here is how each of the major manufacturers faired:

Ford: The company sold a total of 2,282 hybrid units during the month – an increase of 14.3 per cent compared to the previous year. Sales were led by its new car hybrids, the Fusion and Milan, which posted 1,333 units. Sales of the Escape and Mariner crossover hybrids fell 52.5 per cent to 949 units.

General Motors: During October, GM reported a total of 1,159 hybrids sold – that’s a 22.5 per cent drop compared to the previous year.

Honda: Thanks to the introduction of the new Honda Insight Hybrid, which sold 1,739 units during the month, Honda reported a 21.9 per cent increase in hybrid sales during October with a total of 1,978 vehicles sold. Sales of the Civic Hybrid however, dropped 85.3 per cent year on year to 239 units.

Nissan: With just 299 Altima Hybrids sold during October, Nissan suffered a 46 per cent drop in hybrid sales during the month.

Toyota: The Japanese manufacturer posted 18,757 hybrid units during the month – an increase of 15 per cent, and representing a 12.3 per cent market share of its sales during the month. The Toyota Prius posted 13,496 units, up 14.3 per cent year-on-year; the Toyota Camry Hybrid posted 1,407 units, down 49.6 per cent; and the Highlander Hybrid posted 700 units, down 31.5 per cent. Toyota’s luxury division Lexus enjoyed a boost during the month with the RX Hybrid posting 1,567 units, an increase of 154.8 per cent; the GS Hybrid posting 39 units, an increase of 77.3 per cent; and the LS Hybrid posting 21 units, down 61.8 per cent. The new HS Hybrid meanwhile posted 1,527 units.