Ford to Clear Air on Global Warming

BusinessWeek Online is reporting that Ford "will write a report about global warming, including details on emissions from Ford vehicles and factories" because of shareholders, whom are questioning the company's ability to compete in California and its new emission's regulations. Ford will consult climate experts to assist with the report.

20,000 Escape hybrids and suddenly you are an environmentalist? What a joke. Drastic change is required from Ford, and it could start by ending the lawsuit against California's Clean Air legislation. Then again, why would anyone expect anything but hot air from Ford?

Taxes? Remember the hybrid car tax credit

As we approach April 15 remember to talk to your tax preparer about your hybrid car tax credit if you purchased a hybrid car in 2004. If you haven't purchased a hybrid, you can still take advantage of the tax credit if you purchase a new hybrid in 2005. Currently, the Prius, Accord hybrid, Civic hybrid, and Insight qualify, but this tax credit will be significantly reduced in 2006.

That is, unless current legislation, which would increase the credit, is passed this year (More on this new hybrid car legislation).

Honda Moving forward with hybrids?

There is no doubt that Toyota has received immense PR because of hybrid cars. The Prius has changed the way America thinks about automobiles, but it is only the beginning, at least for Toyota.

With Ford Escape hybrid production limited by a shortage of batteries, only Honda remains to fuel hybrid competition. Yet, Honda only expects to sell 25,000 each of the Accord and Civic hybrids next year.

I've argued Toyota's hybrids are more integral to Toyota's fuel cell vision, than are Honda hybrids. Therefore, Toyota is willing to sell as many hybrids as they can. Honda isn't, not today at least.

Recently, Dan Bonawitz, American Honda vice president of corporate planning and logistics stated, "We want to get a better sense for the depth of the (hybrid) market and the preference of the marketplace, then move forward in any number of directions."

Bonawitz also doubted the legitimacy of hybrid SUVs in the U.S. market, which I find a bit out-of-touch. I believe demand for the Toyota Highlander hybrid is going to dwarf that of the Prius.

I'd say the best case scenario for fuel cell cars, priced for the average consumer, is 10 years away, and that is the best, best, best, etc. case scenario. In reality 15 to 20 years is probably the most realistic estimate.

Nonetheless, the Honda Accord hybrid is an awesome vehicle, and I still expect big things from Honda.

Toyota hybrid SUVs push hybrid technology

When the Lexus RX400h goes on sale next month, it will cost around $50,000. Based on its packaging the hybrid RX400h will cost approximately $5000.00 more than a similarly packaged RX330. The same price difference is also expected for the Toyota Highlander hybrid, when it goes on sale this summer.

Both hybrid SUVs; however, will offer cutting edge hybrid technology, even superior to that of the current Toyota Prius. For example, Toyota's hybrid SUV batteries are 22 percent more compact, and the front motor is smaller but more powerful than the Prius. Additionally, the air conditioning system is more efficient and compact, and a new variable voltage system increases battery voltage from 288 volts to 650 volts, thus increasing power output from both front and rear motors.

Hybrid car technology, it's only getting better.

World Resources: Running on Empty?

Why is it that wild salmon from Northern waters is exceptionally healthy for humans, where as farm raised salmon is exceptionally unhealthy? Anyway, a new report coming out shows that humans have used about two-thirds of the Earth's resources. Even worse, it demonstrates that humans have used more resources in the last few decades than in the previous couple of centuries combined. Is the world ending? No one knows that, but do we have to wait until we can prove it's ending before we do something? Its common sense and a law of physics that mandates for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Take a stand, invest in the future, demand nothing less than a hybrid car.

2005 Will be the Year of the Hybrid Car

I am predicting that 2005 will be the year of the hybrid car, which will also make it Toyota's year. Of course the Toyota Prius is going to lead the way, almost certainly breaking the 100,000 unit sale's number, but success won't be limited to the Prius. Already the Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV has sold 12,000 units and the hybrid doesn't go on sale until April 15. Hype around the Toyota Highlander hybrid is even greater. And, just for fun, every sale of a Ford Escape hybrid adds to Toyota's hybrid licensing prowess.

Click here for more on why 2005 will be the Year of the Hybrid Car.

Forbes test drives the Highlander hybrid

Jerry Flint of Forbes is a well known automotive writer, especially for those that spend over $50,000 on their vehicles. Recently, he took a Toyota Highlander hybrid for a test drive and stated, "I enjoyed driving the Highlander. I found myself trying to maximize the mileage." More important, he noted, "hybrids work. They improve fuel economy and some models even offer enhanced performance. That's a good start."

Diesel hybrids, orange peels, and fuel cells

Which will be the fuel of your future commute?

By the end of this year diesel hybrids could comprise about 7% of New York's transit buses, giving it the largest diesel hybrid fleet in the world (Autoweek).

Or perhaps, orange peels will create your fuel. Ener1 Inc. is working on a $1.1 million project to convert hydrogen-rich gas released from citrus peels into methanol to power fuel cells capable of providing about 75 percent of the power at an interstate rest stop in Florida (MSNBC.com).

Speaking of fuel cells, GM and the Department of Energy will spend $88 million to develop 40 fuel cells vehicles over the next five year. Is that $2 million per car?

Fuel cell technology realistic by 2010 according to Ballard Power

Canadian-based Ballard Power Systems Inc., a leading developer of hydrogen fuel cells for automobiles, announced Tuesday that it would demonstrate a commercially viable fuel cell "stack," which uses hydrogen fuel to generate electricity in vehicles according to the AP.

Naysayers say that even if this optimistic forecast proves true, filling stations and hydrogen creation will remain significant issues for some time.

GM, Chrysler increasing hybrid partnership?

Typically, statements containing GM and hybrid cars revolve around GM's Bob Lutz ridiculing hybrid vehicles. Sure, GM is producing some hybrid buses, but where are the passenger automobiles? Recently, GM and DaimlerChrysler announced a partnership to develop hybrid technology, and GM has stated that it expects to have hybrids available in late 2007. Now there is talk that a third automaker is about to join the hybrid project. "There are discussions under way. They are very lively and very serious," Dieter Zetsche, Chrysler group CEO, said last week after a speech here. "I would not be surprised if within this year we would come up with an additional" partner. (AutoWeek)

National Security advisors lobby Bush for hybrids, lighter vehicles

31 former national security officials are asking the Bush administration to support $1 billion in funding for developing fuel efficient vehicles. “This really constitutes a national security crisis in the making,” said letter signer Frank Gaffney, head of the Center for Security Policy, a thinktank, and a former Defense Department official under former President Reagan, according to Reuters. Other signers included Robert McFarlane, Reagan’s national security advisor, and James Woolsey, Central Intelligence Agency director under President Clinton.

The national security officials believe that for national security, the U.S. must move from gas guzzling SUVs to lighter vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Read more of this Reuters article on MSNBC.com.

Honda hybrid sales versus Toyota hybrid sales

At one time, there wasn’t much difference between the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight. Most consumers really didn’t care about either one as hybrid cars were not yet on America’s radar screen.

The 2004 Toyota Prius; however, changed everything. The Prius was the first hybrid to perform as well as a conventional vehicle, while significantly reducing pollution and fuel efficiency. And, the Prius does it with style. For a $20,000 family sedan, the Prius is without rival.

Of course, Honda didn’t quit its hybrid foray with the Insight, adding both the Civic hybrid and the Accord hybrid. Now Honda stands as the only automaker with 3 hybrid cars on the market.

Last year, Toyota sold around 54,000 Prius hybrids, and it could have sold more had the supply been available. This year Toyota plans to sell more than 100,000 Prius hybrids. Yet, Honda sold only about 26,000 Civic hybrids, and is hoping for the same number this year with the Accord hybrid.

Toyota has also already sold more than 11,000 Lexus RX400h hybrids, even though the vehicle is still weeks from market, and that's not the end of the buzz. Demand for this summer’s to be released Toyota Highlander hybrid has been nothing short of phenomenal.

So, why the big difference between Honda and Toyota hybrid sales? In one word it’s, technology. The technology behind Toyota hybrids is a good bit more sophisticated than Honda hybrids. Toyota hybrids are a more direct step towards fuel cell vehicles than are Honda hybrids, and this gives Toyota much more incentive to promote hybrids – which have been expensive to produce.

Honda hybrid cars, at this point in time, are more of an interim technology to Honda fuel cell cars, not the future of Honda.

For Toyota, every hybrid sale is another step, another investment, in Toyota’s vision of the automotive future. Today’s gasoline electric Prius, might be tomorrow’s diesel-electric Prius, hydrogen-electric Prius, or fuel cell-electric Prius.

For Toyota, the future is already here.

Lexus GS 450h hybrid update

Early reports indicate that the Lexus GS 450h hybrid will achieve almost 30 mpg and offer some of the lowest emissions of any hybrid, while exceeding 300 hp. Electric motor torque will help the car achieve 0-60 mpg in under 6 seconds.

According to an MSNBC.com article, "The system's massive electric motor is capable of delivering maximum torque, immediately upon demand." Lexus added. "This unique power delivery characteristic is most noticeable — and most useful — during 30-to-50 (mph) passing and merging maneuvers. It is an experience that must be felt to be fully appreciated."

Hybrid cars? All about the fuel cell according to Toyota

One of the biggest critics of hybrid cars has been GM, claiming that hybrid cars are just buzz and nothing but an interim technology to fuel cells.

So, when fuel cells arrive, hybrids disappear?

According to a new article by AutoWeek; however, hybrid cars are about one thing, fuel cells. "To the extent that the future is fuel cell, it's a hybrid fuel cell," says Dave Hermance, executive engineer for environmental engineering for Toyota Technical Center U.S.A. "All the work we do today lets us be the low-cost provider to three-fourths of the fuel cell system."

To be sure, the Toyota Prius has already led to around 650 patents covering the "power flow" of future fuel cell cars. Even when fuel cells eliminate gasoline-powered engines, "the hybrid's electric motors still will propel the car, and the electronics will convert the direct-current power of the fuel cell and battery over to alternating current," Hermance says.

And, in the interim, today's hybrids can still significantly reduce both pollution and foreign oil dependency, while also utilizing the gains of clean gasoline, diesel, and hydrogen engines, as fuel cells become cost-effective.

Perhaps, it's GM, rather than hybrid cars, that is the interim aspect of the automotive industry.

The Prius is about America, not the environment

Man, some people just don't get it.

I love the environment, though I don't do enough to protect it, but that isn't why I like hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius.

When it comes to the Prius, un-American corporatism is my inspiration.

Decades ago, when tiny Hondas hit American soil, my father laughed. "Who would want to drive one of those. You'd get killed in an accident."

But the 70's and the early 80's provided a little dose of reality that caused many to realize that maybe fuel efficiency wasn't such a bad idea - gas shortages. For those living paycheck to paycheck, gasoline was causing pain. Something needed to be done.

Something still needs to be done.

In the interim, the U.S. has significantly built up its military and political influence in the Middle East to achieve one end, cheap foreign oil. This has stoked the fire of a growing Arab resentment against the rich West, which has contributed to 911, and both Iraq Wars.

Twenty to thirty years ago, American automotive executives and boards should have realized the dangers that foreign oil dependency could pose to America in the future. Forecasting is an essential business process, but those same shareholders were probably as invested in oil, as they were in automobiles.

Yet, if America is about freedom and independence, how could the American economy be so dependent upon a foreign resource?

Thus, American automakers, in a stroke of brilliance, created the SUV, while spending billions and billions of dollars marketing the idea that an SUV, not some fuel efficient foreign-made rice box, was Americana. Don't worry about the environment or foreign-oil dependency. Any year now, American automakers have said for decades, we'll develop fuel cells.

Decades later it is obvious American automakers shorted the American people and their security for profit. Perhaps you think that is just business. Fine, but I don't.

Sure the environment is important, important enough that the Pentagon considers environmental concerns one of the greatest threats to American security, but it isn't the reason I like hybrids.

I like the Toyota Prius because it epitomizes America better than any American-made car. It's all about freedom.

Hybrid cars, EPA stickers and mountain driving

EPA stickers outdated?

Well, duh. EPA estimates are unrealistic for the majority of drivers in the majority of vehicles, but they are possible.

Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, can achieve EPA standards, if driven differently - you can't be a lead-foot and you must coast when possible. Of course, many of these tactics make a conventional gasoline-engine powered car more efficient as well.

Regardless, a hybrid car offers drivers the ability to save much more gas than a conventional car. And, if you are a lead-foot, a hybrid vehicle will still save you gas, just don't expect to reach EPA estimates on a hybrid, or a conventional car.

Another claimed problem with hybrids is steep hill driving. The Ford Escape hybrid, for example, has been rumored to be sluggish in mountain driving. Yet, a hybrid Escape owner told me that he, "SURPASSED the EPA rating of 31 MPG highway. Over 400 miles of mountain driving I averaged 34 MPG at speeds between 65 and 80 MPH."

34 mpg during mountain driving, in a SUV? Are you kidding me? Those are awesome numbers. Ford and Toyota deserve kudos for that - since Ford leases Toyota's hybrid technology. This too should bode well for the Lexus RX400h hybrid and Toyota Highlander hybrid SUVs.

The Toyota Prius and hybrid car cost

In 2004, Toyota sold about 135,000 hybrid cars worldwide, including 126,000 Prius models. Yesterday, Toyota announced that it would like to produce 1,000,000 hybrids in the very near future.

Some analysts think this number is obscenely high, unless Toyota can reduce costs. So, is Toyota doing anything to reduce costs?

Toyota claims that one problem with cost is limited production facilities. Prius production, for example, occurs only in Japan. According to the Japan Times, Toyota Prius production currently stands at 180,000 vehicles per year. Thus, Toyota will begin producing the Prius in China later this year, as well as in the United States soon.

Additionally, Toyota believes that spreading its hybrid technology into as many models as possible, while also licensing it to other auto manufacturers, will also drive down costs. For example, Toyota has already signed deals with Ford and Nissan, and is currently working deals with Porsche AG and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

Hence, every time a Ford Escape hybrid, or Nissan Altima hybrid is sold, Toyota hybrids become a bit more cost-effective.

Moreover, some analysts believe that hybrid cars are not really tapping the potential of hybrids, arguing the hybrid SUVs and trucks offer the most to American consumers.

The pre-sales of the Lexus RX400h as well as the buzz around the Highlander hybrid definitely seem to support this belief. And if gas prices stay high, interest in hybrid vehicles will only increase.

Join the Hybrid Buyer's Club.

Where are hybrid cars going?

The New York Auto Show's hybrid car showcase is about one thing, according to the DetroitNews, horsepower. Since 2000 the average horsepower for a hybrid car was 73 hp, today it stands at 176.4 hp.

On the high end, the Honda Accord hybrid achieves 255 hp, while the Lexus RX400h hybrid achieves 270 hp. Horsepower, analysts say, is the way to the American heart.

Yet, hybrid car production costs about 20 percent more than a conventional auto and requires, roughly, 6 years of gasoline purchases to break even. For this reason many research firms, including JD Power, see hybrids topping out at 500,000 cars per year by the year 2011. Additionally, clean gasoline and diesel engines are seen as hybrid competitors.

Just yesterday, while announcing that Toyota hopes to sell 62,000 hybrid SUVs (Toyota Highlander hybrid and Lexus RX400h) this year, Toyota President Fujio Cho announced that Toyota intends to sell 1 million hybrids per year in the very near future.

The last time Mr. Cho made a bold prediction about the sale's numbers of hybrid cars, competitors laughed and ridiculed Mr. Cho. Those same competitors are not laughing any more.

Moreover, new gasoline, diesel, hydrogen, or even fuel cell technology could be utilized by a hybrid vehicle much more efficiently than any of these power sources alone. Additionally, hybrid technology will still evolve.

Batteries are the key to hybrid technology, and they are big and bulky right now. If those batteries become more efficient, such as laptop batteries have done, conventional vehicles will simply not be able to compete.

Honda Accord hybrid and tax rebates

A couple of months ago I wrote an article indicating that the Honda Accord hybrid did not qualify for the IRS tax rebate for a clean car. At that time, the Accord hybrid simply had not been fully tested to qualify for the rebate.

Since then I have received several e-mails inquiring as to whether this was still the case.

As of February, the Accord hybrid does qualify for this rebate, joining both the Civic hybrid and Insight.

Toyota wants to sell a million hybrids per year

While launching two new hybrid models of its Harrier and Kluger sport utility vehicles in Tokyo yesterday, Toyota President Fujio Cho stated, "In the future we would like to sell one million hybrid vehicles a year."

Cho didn't provide a timeline, other than to say that this year the company hopes to sell 300,000 hybrids. Currently, the Toyota Prius is the only hybrid car available from Toyota in the U.S.

"The two models are to be put into markets in North America, Europe and Oceania between April and June," said Cho. The Harrier, which will be called the Lexus RX400h in the U.S. is due out in April, while the Toyota Highlander hybrid (Kluger) should be available in June.

Toyota is planning to sell 50,000 of its new hybrid vehicles per month globally.

King Bush and oil conspiracy?

I was just reading some e-mails from people commenting on oil and gasoline prices on MSNBC.com. While there were many intelligent comments, there were some real stupid ones as well. For example, a number blame "King Bush", as the sole culprit for high oil prices because he's trying to get richer.

Personally, I don't spend much money on gas, regardless of the price. So, the whole issue is amusing to me. This makes me wonder, do those that complain the most also drive the most inefficient vehicles? Is the cost of their environmentally unfriendly, inefficient behavior finally catching up with them?

A little odd at GM

GM is having massive financial problems, laying off workers, and regularly losing marketshare. Gas is over $3 in some areas of California. So, what is GM's big move? Bringing new, large trucks and SUVs to market sooner.

Now, I would applaud this if it included a hybrid option, but it doesn't at this point. While gas might return to 'normal' levels, the odds are that demand is only going to rise for the next several years, pushing prices to permanent new levels.

If this happens, can guzzling trucks and SUVs really be expected to compete with hybrid cars? When desperation supersedes innovation, failure becomes catastrophic.

Gas over $3 in Malibu

In a sign of things to come, gas is already over $3 for a tank of regular unleaded in Malibu, California. Ouch.

Lexus GS 450h hybrid luxury sedan shown in NY

Toyota is continuing its assault on America by simply offering the best vehicles available, especially hybrids. On Wed. March 23, Lexus will debut "the all-new GS 450h high-performance hybrid luxury sedan, the first rear-wheel drive hybrid ever offered. The Super Ultra Low Emissions-rated GS 450h will provide an unparalleled combination of high performance, luxury-refinement and unexpected fuel efficiency." Press Release

As gas prices go higher, hybrid cars offer more choices

As gas prices continue to rise, hybrid cars become more cost-effective, I wrote yesterday, but the plus side doesn't end there. Over the past couple of months, as gas prices have slowly risen, automotive analysts have noticed something, large SUV sales are down.

Yet, gas prices, not even into their summer highs, are demonstrating that they are going higher, much higher. California is certain to hit $3 gas.

That's why hybrid car technology is so important. It works with cars, trucks and SUVs. As the costs of gasoline, as well as the costs of acquiring gasoline, continue to rise, hybrids can, minimally, help offset those costs. More important, it offsets those costs while maintaining choice - the Toyota Prius is your family sedan, the Honda Accord hybrid the sporty sedan, the Ford Escape hybrid and Toyota Highlander hybrid as SUVs, and the Lexus RX400h hybrid is your luxury SUV.

And hybrid choices are only going to increase, as each new generation becomes more fuel efficient and cleaner as we naturally progress towards fuel cells.

Oh yeah, and hybrids also outperform their conventional cousins as well.

Gas prices higher, hybrid cars cheaper

Oil is currently trading above $57 a barrel, and gas prices are going to go higher. While the U.S. probably won't, when adjusted for inflation, reach record gasoline prices, higher gasoline prices are here to stay. Any event, natural or otherwise, which disrupts the tenuous oil supply will spike prices higher. Iran knows this, Venezuela knows this, and you can be sure terrorists know this as well.

And if you listen to more level-headed analysts, next year could be significantly worse.

By next year, the additional costs of hybrid cars could be offset by the high price of gasoline. In California, where gas prices might top $3.00 before year's end, hybrid cars are almost price-competitive already.

Additionally, if Congress continues its tax rebate program for hybrids, possibly even increasing it, hybrids could quite quickly become more economical than conventional cars much quicker than most automobile analysts expected.

The great GM failure: The hybrid automobile

GM is in trouble. Marketshare is declining, earnings are diminishing, and their cars continue to lag foreign cars in reliability, safety, and overall customer value. And Ford isn't far behind.

Forbes Magazine's Jerry Flint writes in Cruch Time in Detroit "The structure seems designed to keep finance men up and everybody else down. It's impossible to find anyone on the car side, barring Lutz, who can actually get anything done."

Unfortunately, even GM executive Robert Lutz, has downplayed innovative technologies, such as hybrid cars, calling them a marketing success, but a business loser. Lutz is to have us believe that GM, like Toyota, should have spent $1 billion creating a line of hybrids only as a marketing ploy to give the appearance of environmental concern.

Interesting marketing ploy Toyota has created with its Prius hybrid car. Demand continues to grow, and at least 100,000 will be produced for 2005 alone. That might not be a blockbuster hit, but it sure is interesting. More important, it provides momentum for Toyota's growing line of hybrids.

Early demand for both the Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV and the Toyota Highlander hybrid has been so great that Toyota has had to push their release dates back.

In fact, the first half of this year's intended Lexus hybrid SUV production has already been pre-ordered and it still doesn't go on sale for a month. Based on early previews, this will probably be the hottest luxury vehicle on the market in terms of performance, safety, style, and intelligence.

Next comes the Highlander hybrid this summer. Currently, the Ford Escape hybrid is the only hybrid SUV on the market, but it was built on leased Toyota hybrid technology. Toyota's hybrid SUV will be built on proprietary technology, and this should enable Toyota to offer a pricing discount over Ford - if wanted. Such a move probably won't be cost-effective this year, as demand is almost certain to dwarf supply.

Yet GM hybrids are, minimally, a couple years away. Still, GM has a great opportunity, as does Ford, with trucks and larger SUVs, but the longer they wait the less their opportunity.

GM has to acknowledge that neither hydrogen, nor fuel cells, can arrive quickly enough to save either Ford or GM. Both must lead in the automotive technology of today, not tomorrow. Trucks and SUVs have buoyed American automakers for decades, but after decades, the technology is little changed.

This must end.

Hybrid F150s, Silverados, Tahoes and Yukons, if offered today, would create not only immense buzz, but sales, and it would give many American consumers something in which to believe. Many Americans want to do something to help the environment and end foreign oil-dependency, they just want to do it in a truck, especially an American-built truck.

Saturn isn't going to save GM, only automotive leadership can do that, and that will require immense change.

Will GM be up to it?

Holy hybrid commercial

I flipped on the Laker game last night, and was shocked to see LA getting clocked by Philly. Yet, I was even more shocked by the airing of two hybrid car commercials in a thirty minute time span - for the Honda Civic hybrid and the Toyota Prius. The Prius commercial claimed that the Prius is now in stock. I wonder whether that is nationwide, or just locally? Anyway, I'm hoping to get a better grip on that question later this week.

Hyundai hybrids?

The South Korean government is going to provide incentives for people who purchase hybrid cars. Additionally, the South Korean government is pushing Hyundai to begin mass production of hybrid cars by the end of this year. Hyundai produced about 50 hybrid Click mini-cars last year. More from just-auto.com.

UAW reverses position on Marines

The UAW has decided to reverse its position against allowing Marines that drive foreign-made cars, or that have Bush bumper stickers, from parking in its lot - as Marines have done for the past decade. As much as I think the original UAW move was absolutely stupid, I give them kudos for admitting their mistake. The Marines; however, have said 'no thanks.' More on this story from the DetroitNews.

American-made: UAW versus the Marines

The UAW only supports Marines that drive American-made cars and that don't support George Bush (DetroitNews)(For the record I did not vote for Bush.)

How pathetic. Perhaps the UAW shouldn't allow police officers that drive Honda Accord hybrids to help fight oil-driven terrorism, or that voted for George Bush, to protect their business as well? Maybe democrat-only voting police officers and firemen should be allowed to serve the UAW?

When in Iraq, risking their lives, Marines are neither Republican, nor Democrat, they are Marines, period.

If Democrats wonder why they lost the election, the attitude of some democrat-promoting organizations like the UAW might be a good place to start. The UAW, oh so heroic and patriotic, has assisted GM and Ford in producing less reliable, foreign-oil dependent, terrorism supporting, environment destroying, automobiles. Where has the UAW been on those issue? Did I miss that strike?

Congrats UAW, you did; however, secure a good pension plan! How could America survive without you?

Oh, I know, it was all the fault of the government (i.e. Republicans), if only they would create laws to force you to do the right thing, then you would - I get it.

Where are the American-made hybrid trucks?

Japan dominates hybrids, especially hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord hybrid. Ford has the Escape hybrid - developed upon Toyota hybrid technology - the only hybrid SUV on the market, but that is temporary.

In just about a month, the Lexus RX400h hybrid will hit the streets, followed this summer by the Toyota Highlander hybrid, the first real competitor of the Escape hybrid.

While Ford and GM have dominated the SUV market, the Lexus and Highlander hybrid SUVs are going to provide real buzz for Toyota SUVs.

The most important American segment, unaffected by hybrids, is trucks. Yet, what could be more American than a hybrid truck?

Fuel efficient, environmentally friendly, top performing hybrid trucks - what are American auto-makers waiting for? Unfortunately, the first full hybrid trucks will probably not come to market for at least 2 to 3 more years, and I bet the first will be a Toyota.

Is this American technological leadership? The environment and foreign oil dependency just don't matter until fuel cell cars - even if their development takes 2 or 3, maybe even more, decades?

That doesn't seem very American to me.

Honda incentives on Civic and Accord hybrids

As mid-sized cars lose appeal in America, Civic and Accord sales have dropped, and Honda has been offering dealer incentives and low rates to move its oversupply of these once top selling cars. Both the Civic hybrid and the Accord hybrid have not been part of these incentives, but since early March, Honda is now offering the reduced rate - 2.9 percent - on the Civic and Accord hybrids as well.

Hybrid SUVs: Good or Bad?

There are many sides to the hybrid car movement, some have environmental concerns, some want to end foreign oil dependency, and some just love the newest technology.

Those on the environmental side typically hate SUVs, regardless of their hybrid status. SUVs are inefficient by design, enivironmentalists clamor, and dangerous to compact cars - cars that if driven by every American would significantly improve the environment and reduce foreign-oil dependency.

For the most part, they are correct.

Still, many Americans have a legitimate need for a SUV; therefore, hybrid SUVs, such as the Ford Escape hybrid, Toyota Highlander hybrid, and the Lexus RX400h are very important additions to the American market. These vehicles showcase hybrid technology to a wide spectrum of market segments, converting many naysayers, while providing real tools for Americans to stand for their beliefs when making one of their most important purchases.

Never has the average citizen had so much power to affect change.

Time to take a stand in your life? Demand nothing less than hybrid vehicle performance - less gas, less pollution, greater performance.

Final Consumer Reports notes on hybrids

While the Honda Accord hybrid stole the buzz of the Consumer Report's Top 10 List because of its family car designation, it wasn't the only hybrid car on the list.

The Toyota Prius hybrid won the The Best Green Car.

This was the first time that two hybrid cars were part of the Top 10 list. Based on "Consumer Reports' road tests, consumer-reported reliability and crash testing from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety," the Top 10 are "standouts" according to CR.

The Lexus RX330, the conventional cousin of the soon-to-be-released Lexus RX400h hybrid, took the Best Mid-Sized SUV spot.

Kind of interesting that Toyota and Honda, the hybrid car leaders, are also the Top 10 leaders.

$50 barrels of oil and hybrid car demand

It started when the Toyota Prius won MotorTrend's Car of the Year, then the Ford Escape hybrid won the North American International Auto Show's Truck of the Year, and now the Honda Accord hybrid has been picked as the Best Family Sedan of the year according to Consumer Reports.

Hybrid cars are reliable and rated well in customer satisfaction surveys; for example, more than 94% of Prius owners would buy another Prius.

Momentum is building. The revolution is coming.

The Lexus RX400h hybrid, due out in about a month, has already sold almost half of this year's total production before even hitting showrooms, and interest in the Toyota Highlander hybrid is nothing short of phenomenal.

Demand for hybrids is growing, and so too are the costs of oil.

Many analysts have stated that gasoline prices would have to rise to $3.50 per gallon, a price which seemed totally unrealistic just a couple of months ago, to make hybrids cost effective. In today's geopolitical oil scene; however, California might hit those numbers this year, with the rest of the country not terribly far behind.

While those prices might be temporary, it is definitely going to make more Americans take hybrids much more seriously. Unfortunately, there will be far too few hybrids, and other clean vehicles, available.

At least you'll be able to get a good deal on a huge SUV, you just won't be able to afford to drive it.

MOM's supports hybrid vehicle purchases

My Organic Markets (MOM's), with locations in Maryland and Virginia, offers employees a $3000.00 rebate for buying a hybrid vehicle, as part of its "Green Benefits". Read more from a press release about MOM's use of wind power or visit their website, http://www.myorganicmarket.com/

Hybrid car reliability according to Consumer Reports

"These hybrid systems have been very reliable," states David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' auto test center, noting the 94% of Toyota Prius owners who would buy another Prius, according to their influential consumer survey.

Moreover, Mr. Champion called hybrids "mainstream technology" with the introduction of the Honda Accord hybrid, winner of Consumer Reports Best Family Sedan, which beat out 32 other models for the prestigious award.

While some auto analysts have criticized the hybrid car powertrain, joking that why do you need two motors to do the job of one, Consumer Reports disagreed. "It's the electric motor that really adds the power, or adds the torque to the engine, says Champion. "That allows it to really launch itself off the line."

In Consumer Report testing, not only did the Accord hybrid achieve superior fuel efficiency, it went 0 - 60 more than a half second faster than its conventional cousin.

Consumer Report's hybrid car props

Consumer Reports has given props to the hybrid car movement. Since the announcement of the Honda Accord Hybrid as CR's Best Family Sedan, Accord hybrid commercials have been much more common on T.V., and watching a segment on MSNBC, a journalist noted that CR test drivers were "blown away" by the performance of the Accord hybrid. In my test drive of the Accord hybrid, I was also blown away. While I think the Toyota Prius is a bit more environmentally friendly, I was truly impressed by the performance of the hybrid Accord.

Additionally, the MSNBC report noted the Ford Escape hybrid and the Prius as well, have very high customer satisfaction ratings. For example, 94% of Prius owners would buy another Prius.

Unique Lexus RX400h hybrid features

When the new Lexus RX400h hybrid hits dealers next month, it is going to offer features unique to only hybrids in the RX lineup. Obviously, the Hybrid Synergy Drive is unique to all hybrids produced by Toyota, but the Lexus version will offer 268 horsepower while still qualifying for the stringent Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) rating. The RX400h hybrid; however, will also offer unique 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically-powered air conditioning, electronic brake control and electric power steering, but the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) feature is the real stand out. Utilizing a variety of sensors the RX400h will unobtrusively correct breaking and throttle control to anticipate any vehicle stability problems. While vehicle stability control systems are available in other autos, the Lexus VDIM is supposed to be Best in Class.

Hybrid cars: Its efficiency, not conservation

Many energy experts say energy conservation is foolish - especially those with financial ties to the energy industry. It will never reduce energy use they argue. While that is a separate argument, hybrid cars are often thrown into the conservation ring, much like some conventional subcompact, hybrids help conserve energy some argue. The fact is hybrids utilize less energy because they are superior technology. The hybrid powertrain functions more efficiently than just a gasoline or diesel engine. Unlike compacts, modern hybrids, such as the Honda Accord hybrid, the Lexus RX400h hybrid, or the Toyota Highlander hybrid are not only more efficient, but faster and more powerful than their conventional counterparts. That isn't conservation, it's just better technology.

Terror premium to push oil higher?

Oil prices at $70 per barrel, maybe even higher - that is what some experts are saying according to the AP. There is a lot of bickering between those that say oil prices are being pushed higher by hedge funds and other investors, and those that say oil dynamics have changed, and it is going to continue to get more expensive. Many analysts have stated that gas prices are not high enough to justify hybrid cars - that prices would have to reach $3.50 per gallon to offset the additional costs of hybrids. Get ready, in some areas, such as California, we could hit those prices much, much sooner than expected - though such prices will probably be temporary.

Honda Accord hybrid picked by Consumer Reports

The Honda Accord hybrid was picked by Consumer Reports as the Best Family Sedan. The magazine will release all of its picks next week.

The Accord hybrid is the third hybrid released by Honda, and has been called the best Accord ever by most auto analysts.

Why Toyota believes in hybrids - it's all about kaizen

Toyota has become the undisputed leader in hybrid cars. For years, most of the auto-industry joked about Toyota's hybrid investment. Yet, Toyota just pushed along.

Why?

OK, first, it's important to discuss one main difference between Toyota and most of the rest of the automotive universe - especially those of the western world - kaizen. Kaizen, essentially, is continuous improvement. Because things change, especially when there is competition, one must always seek to improve in order to get better and compete.

Seem obvious?

I agree. Yet, why were most SUVs built upon a truck platform, even when studies showed that a wider wheel base would make SUVs much less prone to rollover? Because it was more profitable for U.S. automakers not to improve the design of SUVs - at least in the short term.

In the U.S., profit, not improvement, is the holy grail.

More important, Toyota does acknowledge that cars require vast amounts of energy to function, i.e., trillions of dollars of gasoline, refined from environmentally destructive oil. To ignore this would be to ignore kaizen; therefore, Toyota didn't give up when the first Prius hybrid car was laughed at by automotive 'experts'.

Now Toyota is producing 100,000 Prius for the U.S. market alone this year, and the Lexus RX400h hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid will be joining the Prius soon - with many more models coming.

Still, many analysts and auto executives continue to question hybrids. Diesel is better, the future is hydrogen and fuel cells, it's just too expensive.

So why then does Toyota continue?

First, diesels are not better. While new diesels are superior to gasoline engines, the Prius hybrid is much more efficient, particularly in tank-to-wheel fuel production efficiency, than diesels. More important, the gasoline engine of a hybrid could be replaced with a diesel and become even more efficient.

Second, at this point in time hydrogen powered vehicles are significantly less efficient than the Prius at well-to-tank efficiency, though some do surpass the Prius in tank-to-wheel efficiency.

The point is, hydrogen is not an efficient fuel source at this point in time - despite all the hoopla most auto executives claim. Additionally, the costs are still astronomical.

Third, even if hydrogen and/or fuel cells are the future, Toyota is already building its fuel cell cars on the Prius, Highlander, and RX400h platforms. So, every hybrid sold is an investment in Toyota's continuous improvement towards fuel cells - all the while continually and significantly improving fuel efficiency and polluting emissions.

Therefore, Toyota believes in hybrids, not only because the technology is superior to the internal combustion engine alone, but because it allows all powertrain improvements - whether gas, diesel, electric, or hydrogen - to be incorporated into its production.

Thus, Toyota believes in hybrids because the hybrid powertrain offers the most ability to continuously improve - it's all about kaizen.

U.S. needs to address global warming - Bush ally

Former Secretary of State James Baker, a close ally of the Bush family, broke ranks with the Bush administration on Thursday and called for the United States to get serious about global warming.

"When you have energy companies like Shell and British Petroleum, both of which are perhaps represented in this room, saying there is a problem with excess carbon dioxide emission, I think we ought to listen," Baker said (Reuters).

Gas prices to rise 24 cents, minimally

Gasoline prices could rocket 24 cents a gallon the next few days, as stations across the USA scramble to keep up with big jumps in the prices of oil and wholesale gas, a veteran energy-price analyst forecast Thursday (USAToday).

How many more must die for cheap oil?

Greed and profit are not enough to justify the deaths of 1500 soldiers. If not for America's foreign oil dependency, Iraq would have never been an American issue, 911 would not have occurred.

The technology exists NOW to end foreign oil dependency. Yes it will take time and money, but what is more important?

Any American company not 100% committed to ending foreign oil-dependency right now, not tomorrow, is a traitor, and should be boycotted by all Americans. Yes, I feel bad for those unionized laborers who'll lose their jobs, but I feel a lot worse for the families of 1500 dead Americans.

Demand nothing less than hybrid car efficiency!

Iran threatens U.S. oil supply

If the U.S. should attack Iran, or place international sanctions upon the country, Iran will retaliate by attacking Mideast oil - a move that could significantly raise the price of oil.

Already spikes in oil are slowing the Dow on a weekly basis. And because Teheran could easily block the Straits of Hormuz, a serious disruption in oil could easily be caused and threaten not only the U.S., but the entire world economy (WorldTribune).

Hybrid car anyone?

Honda's hybrid future

As of late, Honda hasn't really made many public statements regarding its vision for hybrids. While Honda has been a leader in hybrid car development with its Insight, Civic hybrid, and Accord hybrid, it has been much less vocal on the subject than most major automakers

Of course, the success of Honda has declined a bit in recent years, as both the Civic and the Accord have lost marketshare. So, where is Honda going with its hybrid endeavors?

Laurent Aebi, a product specialist at Honda, largely focusing on fuel cell vehicles, told an audience at the Geneva Auto Show, "Diesel is popular in Europe, clearly, but it's a short-term trend, I give it another 10 years maximum. After that it will be the hybrid car."

Still, Aebi thinks that hybrids will also be a short-term trend. "But both the diesel car and the hybrid car are a transition as we head to fuel cell cars or pure electric cars."

The idea of the hybrid as a transition is common in the auto industry, except for Toyota, which believes that fuel cell cars will be hybrids.

Ultimately, the point is, to make hybrid cars cost effective compared to conventional cars, higher levels of production will be required. At this point in time only Toyota appears either interested, or prepared, to achieve such production levels.

Hybrids and the Geneva Auto show

While hybrid cars haven't produced quite the buzz at the Geneva Auto show as they did at the North American International Auto show, they are still an important part of the mix. Reuters is reporting that while diesels have become the vehicle of choice in Europe, hybrids aim to challenge for markeshare.

Yoshio Ishizaka, executive vice president and board member at Japan's Toyota Motor Co., the world's second-biggest carmaker, stated "Hybrid is really not an intermediate technology. We think hybrid is the technology we have to see for the future," he told Reuters in an interview, predicting it would become the global standard and even power sports cars some day.

Toyota plans to sell about 20,000 Prius hybrids in Europe next year and will also be releasing the Lexus RX400h hybrid as well.

Even Ford, which currently sells the Escape hybrid, plans on Jaguar and LandRover hybrids in the next five years.

Still, others think that fuel cells might only be 10 years away, and that both diesels and hybrids are but a short term distraction. "...both the diesel car and hybrid car are a transition as we head to fuel cell cars or pure electric cars," states Laurent Aebi, a product specialist at Honda Motor Co.

"Fuel cell technology is far, far away, maybe 10 or 20 years," Toyota's Ishizaka replied. "Even if it catches on, fuel cells will still use much of the power technology developed by hybrids," he added.

Hybrid car owners rally in Maryland for lower emissions

Maryland hybrid car owners rallied in Annapolis on Saturday to support a bill that would force automakers to reduce emissions from vehicles by 2009. Essentially, the Maryland bill would adopt California's current standards - which are being fought in court by automakers (more).

Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Scooter

Check out this awesome fuel cell electric hybrid scooter prototype from Vectrix. This little beauty goes 0 - 50 in less than 7 seconds, covers 70 miles on a single charge, produces zero emissions and much, much more.

While the Vectrix Fuel Cell Electric hybrid will not be available for sale for at least another 2 - 3 years, you can pick up an electric scooter later this year, or early next year.

American pricing of Lexus RX400h

The Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV, that goes on sale April 15, will have a base price of $49,185, including a destination fee.

Prius to help lead European sales for Toyota

Toyota Motor Corp. increased on Tuesday its 2005 European goal for sales of its Prius hybrid model to 20,000 units from the previous target of 15,000 and versus 8,200 in 2004. (DetroitNews)