Jetta 'mild' hybrid within two years?

The Automotive News has reported that "VW is considering a so-called mild hybrid vehicle. A mild hybrid uses an electric motor to assist a gasoline-powered engine, but the motor alone does not drive the vehicle. The Honda Civic Hybrid is an example."

In the past, Volkswagon has been very bearish regarding hybrids, stating many times that VW was going to invest in clean diesel rather than hybrids. Even though VW is focusing on a 'mild' hybrid system at this time, the move does represent a change in consumer perspective that hybrid cars have brought to the market, forcing automakers to change their views.

Essentially every major automaker has now announced intentions to build some sort of hybrid vehicle, after years of naysaying. Nonetheless, this is good news for consumers.