Ford, Brazil & Europe: A few of today's hybrid tidbits

She speaks! Finally, Mrs. Nancy Gioia, the new head of Ford's hybrid cars program speaks.

"Hybrids are no longer a side project," she said. "I say, make it prime time." Beyond her enthusiasm, Mrs. Gioia didn't offer much new information in this DetroitNews article regarding Ford's hybrids. However, Mrs. Gioia did mention that she would like to make hybrids stand out more. "I'd like it to visually look a little different so that you know you're looking at a hybrid," she said.

I say forget about making it look different. If you want a different looking hybrid, design a unique hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius. The average buyer - the future of hybrid success - cares about value more than looking different.

Speaking of the Prius, Toyota will offer a slightly different Prius for Japan and Europe - where Toyota is expecting sell 15,000 units this year, according to Motortrend. While some have questioned the success of hybrids in Europe, European Prius sales aren't far off that of U.S. Ford Escape hybrid sales - not too bad.

As a final hybrid tidbit, PSA Peugeot Citroën is going to develop a diesel hybrid prototype that will be unveiled in 2006 (more).

On a side note, I am scheduled to take a Toyota Highlander hybrid test drive this afternoon, which I'll be writing about tomorrow.