THERE'S NOTHING LIKE wallet-draining gas prices to convince drivers that it's time to start considering a more fuel-efficient car.
Indeed, sales for gas-sipping hybrid vehicles are at an all-time high. J.D. Power & Associates says annual green car sales jumped 38% in 2007 and are expected to increase another 14% this year. And according to a recent survey by the automotive web site Cars.com, 59% of car shoppers have already bought or would consider purchasing a hybrid. As gas prices continue to creep above $4 a gallon, more consumers are abandoning their gas-guzzling SUVs in favor of more fuel-efficient models. In fact, hybrids are flying out of dealers' lots so fast that auto makers are struggling to keep up with demand.
The good news: A handful of new and exciting green vehicles are slated to be released over the next couple of years. Not only should that help boost the supply of environmentally-friendly vehicles, but it should also give drivers more styles to choose from. Best of all, improved technology will make this next generation of vehicles even more fuel efficient than their predecessors. One caveat, though: Even with a greater variety and number of models, dealers may still fall short on supply so expect to pay a premium over the sticker price.
View our slideshow for a peek at the next generation of hybrid vehicles:
7 Future Hybrids |
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The reason why hybrids get such good MPG is both motors work together for power,then one shuts off for economy.
This can also be done with two gasoline motors, only better-there are no heavy batteries.
The trick is to operate each rear wheel with a small gas engine eliminating
the differential and drive shaft weight and losses. The result is a car that goes like stink & gets 80 MPG... believe it.
Al Schrader...alfredschrader@aol.com
Why was the Ford Escape hybrid omitted from this story? It seems to frequently be omitted from similar stories, but in fact if everyone"s concerned about "dumping their SUV"s", it"s the SUV with the best gas mileage out there.
I"ve had one for 2 years and coudn"t be happier with it. I routinely get 31-32 MPG around town. Plus it"s quite a passable off-road 4-wheel drive vehicle. RG, Vashon Island, WA
Well it looks like the same ho-hum gas-electrics. When will they out they can double the mileage with diesel electric. I"ll jump on then. DR, Santa Rosa, CA
Diesels, (especially VW), got better mileage than hybrids 30 years ago.