Top 10 Hybrids of 2008

New Saturn Aura pricing released

Porsche will offer a hybrid Cayenne

Next Prius may exceed 100mpg

Gas prices having an impact

Interest in Hybrids still strong

75% of Americans still want more information about hybrid vehicles, showing that interest is still high.

Hybrids really do save money

A lot of press was generated months ago when Consumer Reports released a report saying that hybrids don't save money for the buyer in the long run. It looks like they've corrected their mistake and now realize they do.

The making of the Prius, and Toyota

Interesting stories about the making of the Prius, starting back in 1995. It definitely shows Toyota in a different light than is generally accepted.

Mazda working on Hybrid version of Tribute SUV, donates 10 to fire department

Mazda donated 10 hybrids to a California fire authority and plans to give 20 more. The Tribute Hybrid will apparently get 74% better fuel mileage than it's convential counter-part.

A Big SUV Goes Hybrid

The Chevy Tahoe will soon come equipped with a hybrid system that also deactivates some of it's 8 cylinders when appropriate.

News bits from the autoshow

Interesting news bits: the Camry will have a hybrid option for 2007, hybrids from Subaru, Saturn and the Chevy Tahoe.

Insurance company offers discount for hybrid drivers

This insurance company has begun a 10% discount program for hybrid owners. They are also automatically classifying hybrid owners in the preferred category due to assumed lower risk.

Question & Answer with GM hybrid director

Interesting Q&A. Covers some supplier sharing issues and engineer shortages.

Expensive gas is here to stay

The US government has recently released new oil price forecasts for 2006. It's the "first significant increase in EIA's forecast of oil prices in years."

Steam Hybrids

Very interesting concept - using the heat escaping through the exhaust to heat water and use steam power to boost the regular engine. Different concept than gas-electric hybrids but possibly a good idea.BMW unveils the turb

Detroit and Hybrids

Discussion about the current set of hybrids and how Detroit is reacting. Interesting data point is that Hybrid sales have grown almost 1000% since 2000.

Using hybrid technology for non-green purposes

A growing trend among automakers is to use hybrid technology to boost power, primarily by giving extra acceleration. Is this a good use of the technology?

Hybrid taxis debut in New York

New York has given incentives and passed a law allowing hybrid taxicabs. Reports from drivers indicate some are saving up to $20 per shift in the new vehicles.

Is buying a hybrid a economical, environmental or lifestyle decision?

The answer is "all of the above." This is an article about the thought process involved in buying a car. Why do some people say "You know, you won't save a lot of money on your new hybrid" but they wouldn't say "You're going to waste a lot of money on that optional 8 cylinder upgrade"?

Your company may have a hybrid incentive program

Some companies like Google, Hyperion and Timberland are offering incentives for their employees to buy hybrids. Check with yours. It's a great idea.

Hybrid quota to be proposed to US Senate

A new law may be soon proposed to the US government requiring a minimum percentage of new cars to be hybrids. Quote: "If the leadership of the United States does not come to grips with the fact that we need a new energy policy then we are not only putting this nation.s security, economy and public health at risk, but the world.s as well."

Large SUV sales are dropping fast

Due to soaring gas prices the sales of the large GMC Envoy and and Chevy Tahoe are down over 50%. Sales of the Prius are up by 90% and the Civic Hybrid is also flying off the lots.

Heavy Duty Truck Hybrid Prototype

Hybrid technology can also apply to heavy trucking applications. Of special benefit would be the power assist from the electric motor for initial acceleration. Even for long-range driving this could allow the main engine to become smaller and give huge efficiency gains.

People are trading in $40,000 Suburbans for $15,000 Corollas

The US Auto industry has long been based on anything large. That attitude seems to finally be changing in the face of $3 gallons of gas.

Hybrids at the root of an unlikely partnership

Most ends of the political spectrum in the US seem to agree on hybrids. The reasons may differ but it's producing a productive partnership.

Porsche to build hybrid SUV

Porsche has just announces that it will releasing a hybrid version of their new SUV by the end of the decade. Plans are to reduce fuel consumption by about 15%.

Toyota will cut price gap between hybrids and conventional cars

Due to recent hikes in oil prices Toyota would like to see more people able to afford hybrids. The gap is currently around $4500 US.

US consumers becoming more fuel conscious: Toyota President

Toyota is seeing and expecting even more interest in fuel-efficient vehicles. President says that US consumers are feeling more pressure from gas prices.

Volkswagen is making initial steps into building hybrids

Volkswagen is planning to team up with a Chinese manufacturer to build hybrids for that market. The article also mentions that Volkswagen would still work alone to build hybrids for the North American and European markets.

Honda delivers 100,000th hybrid vehicle in US

After six years and three distinct hybrid vehicles Honda has broken the 100,000 barrier. It may not sound like a lot compared to conventional vehicle sales but the numbers keep increasing each year.

New US Hybrid tax credits for 2006

Starting January 1, 2006 there are adjusted credits from the new energy bill. Take a look at them as they may affect your when you purchase a hybrid.

Modified Hybrids get 250mpg

An engineer in California has modified his Toyota Prius to get over 80mpg. Apparently there are some enthusiasts who have gotten 250mpg.

Why GM chose hydrogen

GM is betting the bank on hydrogen. This interview with GM's vice president of R&D explains why.