According to a new report from Pike Research, the global market for hybrid buses and medium- and heavy-duty trucks will increase from 9,000 vehicles sold in 2010 to more than 100,000 vehicles in 2015. During this five-year period, the clean technology market intelligence firm forecasts that a total of nearly 300,000 hybrid trucks will be sold worldwide.

"Fleet managers are actively seeking tools to insulate themselves from growing fuel costs and increasingly stringent emissions regulations, but at the same time they do not want to compromise on vehicle requirements," said senior analyst Dave Hurst.

Hurst added that, while North America is currently the leading region for hybrid trucks, Asia Pacific will take the lead in 2011, driven by growth in both Japan and China. Pike Research forecasts that the U.S. will remain the largest singular market for hybrid trucks and buses between now and 2015, followed closely by China.

Pike Research's study, "Hybrid Trucks and Buses," analyzes the opportunities and challenges in the market for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The report provides a comprehensive examination of hybrid and battery technologies, along with key drivers of demand from medium/heavy-duty truck fleet customers.

The report also explores global government regulations related to diesel emissions and hybrid purchase incentives. It includes detailed forecasts through 2015 for commercial vehicle registrations, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric medium and heavy-duty trucks segmented by country and world region, as well as bus fleets for the U.S.