The government's SUV bias

Yesterday, Congressional investigators basically called the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's automobile crash tests, useless, because they do not accurately report the safety risks of SUVs.

SUVs are safe, as long as you are not in a rollover (30% of all fatalities), or in a car that an SUV is crashing into.

So, the government's crash safety tests hide the true dangers of SUVs, the government's EPA fuel economy ratings make SUVs seem 15% more fuel efficient than reality, and Congress refuses to raise fuel efficiency standards as foreign-oil, and oil dependence in general, become the greatest threats to American security.

Somebody's pockets must be getting lined.

Yes, some people need a large vehicle, but SUVs could be much better designed. One person's crash safety shouldn't come at the expense of someone else's life, just for a higher ride, or a false sense of security; especially, when the same hunk of steel causes the most road damage, spits out the most pollution, and guzzles tons of terrorist-supporting, economy-crushing, earth destroying foreign-oil.

Freedom of choice is important, but not more important than the welfare of the people. Hybrid cars such as the Ford Escape hybrid, or Toyota Highlander hybrid, are a step in the right direction for the American SUV niche.

Inefficient technology has many costs, and hybrids are changing the perception of what's possible. The Toyota Prius demonstrates that automobile technology can change the world today.

What are we waiting for?

Global warming evidence continues to build

Scientists are using new data to create another "smoking gun" of evidence that global warming is being caused by an "out-of-balance energy exchange". If the evidence is correct, it indicates that things could "spin out of control" if serious action isn't taken soon. (AP via Yahoo)

Demand nothing less than hybrid car efficiency.

Tax credits for hybrids "tinkering around the edges"?

A tough, new article by BusinessWeek, Bush is blowing smoke on energy notes that vehicles account for 60% of U.S. oil consumption and calls the President's tax credit proposal for hybrid cars "tinkering around the edges".

Energy independence from foreign oil is possible with today's technology. That's a fact.

If the U.S. is at war against terror, why isn't ending foreign-oil dependency as quickly as possible a national priority? Why isn't every one conserving and pitching in - as we did during WWI and WWII?

BusinessWeek says it's politics, I say it's pathetic.

Regardless, while tax credits for hybrids and other clean technologies might be tinkering, they could help force Detroit to come to grips with fuel efficiency, and that would be much better than doing nothing.

How can this message be sent to the Senate?

Buick and Pontiac: Good business or just sizzle?

In a discussion describing some of GM's problems to investors, Bob Lutz stated, "Buick and Pontiac are both damaged brands that have suffered from years of harvesting with very little reinvestment." (USAToday)

I guess when you spend a billion dollars a year advertising, there isn't enough profit left over for real investments?

Bob Lutz has stated that hybrid vehicles don't make business sense, but provide nice marketing buzz.

Are the Buick and Pontiac examples of GM's good business sense or just sizzle?

Maybe they are just an example of why GM is failing America?

Bush: Foreign oil, "foreign tax on the American people"

Those were Bush's words to a group of small business leaders in a speech promoting his energy policies. While the majority of the speech focused on nuclear power, more oil refineries, and clean coal, Bush did promote his tax credit proposals for hybrid vehicles, and other clean automotive technologies. Let's hope the Senate can add at least one consumer friendly incentive to the energy bill.

America's Fight: Why Detroit must embrace hybrids

Detroit's problems are simple, American multi-national corporations.

In America, as soon as a President or Senator is elected, the next election becomes their top priority. America is only focused on right now, or the next 2 to 4 years. Yet, the decisions made today have impact far beyond just the next couple of years, when our decisions become someone else's responsibility.

Moreover, American multi-national corporations are also typically focused on 'right now' politics, as well as 'right now' profit for shareholders. Thus, responsibility is determined only by 'right now' profitability.

This is bigger than Detroit. This is about the essence of America, which is why the Senate - at the President's request - must add tax credits for hybrid cars and other clean energy technologies.

Right now is the time for change, and hybrids vehicles, including diesel-electric, plug-in, and hydrogen-electric vehicles, prove hybrids have barely tapped their potential.

This isn't Detroit's fight and they are not in it alone. Detroit, Congress, and every President since Jimmy Carter, has failed America by not taking up this fight decades ago.

This is America's fight, and many of us are demanding action RIGHT NOW. Join the hybrid revolution.

Top 5 Reasons to Demand Action Today!

1.) The Pentagon has labeled global warming one of the greatest threats to the U.S.
2.) Multiple CIA directors have labled foreign-oil dependency a serious national security threat and have actively lobbied President Bush to take action
3.) Two Wars In Iraq
4.) Profits from foreign-oil have helped finance terrorism against the U.S.
5.) Placing the strength of the American economy in the hands of the Middle East is simply silly in today's world

Hybrid car tax credits still alive?

According to CNN, President Bush is going to give another speech to outline some add-ons to the Energy Bill that Congress recently passed. In addition to new oil refineries and nuclear power, Bush will also promote his tax credit proposal for hybrid cars and other clean vehicle technologies. While the House passed on these initiatives, the Senate still has an opportunity to incorporate them into the current legislation, which the President is hoping to sign by August. Hopefully, the Senate will do a better job than the House.

More on hybrid car tax credits.

Fed Ex to add 75 hybrid vehicles to fleet

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp., will add up to 75 diesel-electric hybrids to its service fleet in the next 12 months, "contingent upon pricing and availability," according to MotorTrend. A partnership between the Environmental Defense and Eaton Corporation, the FedEx Express E700 hybrid vehicle will decrease particulate emissions by 96 percent and will travel 57 percent farther on a gallon of fuel than a conventional FedEx truck.

More hybrid vehicles.

An Iowa View of hybrids

The far majority of hybrid vehicles are sold in California, and the coasts are often said not to represent 'middle America'. I just finished reading, "As hybrids take off, U.S. in slow lane again" from the Des Moines Register that seems to show that Americans across the U.S. have the same feelings about fuel efficiency and hybrids.

Columnist Richard Doak points out that, "History can be written in terms of mastery of energy technology," and that the 21st Century, "will belong to the country that finds and best exploits post-petroleum energy technologies."

Unfortunately, "the United States is doing precious little to make sure we're that country......Somebody needs to step up and scream that, hey, it's in our vital national interest to set a real direction on energy - now."

I guess it isn't just the coasts that realize hybrid cars have changed America's perception of automobiles. Hybrids prove America can do better with fuel efficiency, today.

In light of today's foreign-oil driven problems, little could be more important.

Gas prices affecting economy

According to Reuters, "U.S. consumer confidence deteriorated in April to its lowest in five months as higher gasoline prices left Americans uncertain about their economic prospects, a report said on Tuesday."

The so-called "backbone of the U.S. economy" is strongly affected by gasoline prices? Who'da thunk it?

Obviously not Congress, or some action might have been taken regarding fuel efficiency decades ago, when evidence of future problems began to mount.

Protecting inefficient, short-sighted, profit-greedy multi-national corporations is not free market capitalism, it's corrupt politics that has risked both the U.S. economy and National Security. Even after 911 - a day that changed everything(?) - nothing has changed.

Join the revolution, demand nothing less than hybrid car fuel efficiency.

R.L. Polk & Co's hybrid car report

Sales totals for hybrid cars in 2004 have already been reported, so the Polk report doesn't really offer much new information, other than Polk's hybrid forecast. By 2015, the report states, hybrids could make up 30 - 35 percent of the entire U.S. market. This is a pretty bold prediction compared to J.D. Power, for example, which sees very little future for hybrid vehicles.

Beyond that, Toyota Prius sales totaled 53,761 units and accounted for over 60% of all hybrid sales. The Civic hybrid accounted for most of the rest, as neither the Accord hybrid nor the Ford Escape hybrid were on sale very long in 2004.(AP)

Why not a bio-diesel-electric hybrid?

The hybrid vehicle powertrain is a beautiful thing because of the plethora of engine combinations with which it is able to integrate.

Currently, most hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, are gas-electric hybrids that utilize both gasoline engines and electric motors. However, the future of hybrids could be dominated by diesel engine and electric motor combinations, or hydrogen engine electric motor combinations - a vehicle that Ford has already conceptualized.

Still, hydrogen doesn't offer a solution today. Diesel hybrids, on the other hand, pose some interesting possibilities today, such as bio-diesel-electric hybrids. These vehicles could utilize new techniques that could turn American crops into clean bio-diesel fuel for American vehicles.

The point is, hybrid powertrains enable the integration of the best innovations in the automotive industry to create vehicles that can have an immediate impact on the environment, economy, and foreign-oil dependency.

The only obstacle is profit. Making America a safer and more socially responsible country just isn't cost-effective for two of America's most important corporations. Or, even worse, making America safer isn't even a concern.

As an American citizen I find this completely unacceptable. While I realize more than a million jobs are at stake, the fact that these companies - and their cronies in Congress - have put the security of 100's of millions at risk with greed-driven corporate incompetence is unforgivable.

Americans do not owe either GM or Ford anything. GM and Ford owe America - not in decades when they can monopolize fuel cell technology for fat shareholder dividends - today.

More important and unfortunate; however, Congress needs to be fired for serving lobbyists rather than citizens.

GM Testing hybrid buses in Yosemite

GM will deliver the fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles to Yosemite to shuttle visitors around the park. The new diesel-electric hybrid buses are based on the same technology that will power larger GM SUVs, according to reports. (DetNews)

Top 5 hybrid vehicle states

According to R.L. Polk & Co., California is the state with the most hybrid cars, followed by Virginia, Washington, Florida and Maryland. More important, the automotive data analyst is predicting that hybrids could achieve a 35% share of the auto market by 2015. (AP)

Gas prices, the Energy Bill, and Congress

Since the Energy Bill passed the House of Representatives, I have scanned the media for a positive assessment of the Energy Bill.

I have been unable to find one.

A majority of Americans, ones that live near the poverty line - the ones you never hear about on the O.C. or on reruns of Beverly Hills 90210 - are coming up shorter and shorter each month because of gas prices. But, who cares about a bunch of hillbilly, disenfranchised Americans that don't vote anyway?

Definitely not Congress. Gas prices are skyrocketing and the blame falls on both Democrats and Republicans alike. The last President to really push fuel efficiency was Jimmy Carter, according to USAToday.

While it seems obvious that Republicans have oil-lined pockets, Democrats are not nearly as innocent as outspoken Nancy Pelosi-(D)California, would have us believe. Instead of blaming Republicans, perhaps she should start by questioning the UAW-controlled-Democrats that are just as complicit in protecting the status quo of the automotive industry.

Even China is raising fuel efficiency standards. Not because scientific evidence suggests a global warming connection, but because pollution is ALREADY affecting their lives and China isn't very interested in America's decades old, inefficient automotive technology.

Save that for the Americans too stupid to value substance over image.

But I don't blame those Americans because we haven't had much choice, thanks to Congress. Experts, including those from the government, tell us this is an issue of National Security, yet neither corporate America, nor Congress, is taking responsible action.

Instead, billions of tax-payer dollars are being given to rich-in-profit energy corporations to 'save' America from the problems the same corporations created.

So, when you are at the pump this summer, pumping $3.00 gallons of gasoline into your vehicle, remember to thank your well-paid Congress-person.

And, if you are interested in buying a new car, don't forget hybrid cars! Send a message to the automotive industry that you want change.

Army goes green with hybrid vehicle

The Army is testing a "recently unveiled a 50 mpg hybrid utility vehicle that can replace the Humvee on many assignments," according to CNNMoney. The Army developed hybrid powertrain utilizes a removable 18-hp diesel engine, and two 10-hp electric engines and three batteries that supports interchangeable body types. Body types include passenger, pick-up, armored or one for remote control vehicles. Instead of the Humvee's 11 mpg, this hybrid achieves 50 mpg, and costs $20,000, instead of $65,000.

More on hybrid vehicles.

Higher gas prices changing America

Ford has announced that smaller SUVs are out-selling larger models and will be their top sellers for years to income, including the Ford Escape hybrid.

GM's larger trucks and SUV sales are sluggish, and interest in hybrid vehicles is growing.

And why not? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of people killed in SUVs and in rollovers rose last year, even as the nation's overall highway fatality rate - deaths per miles traveled - fell to its lowest point ever, the government said Thursday.

More important a new AOL survey shows that, "51 percent of those surveyed say that if fuel prices remain high for the next six months it will cause a financial hardship for them." Americans predominately blame oil companies, foreign-oil dependency, and politicians for today's oil woes. (DetNews)

In the past higher gas prices have quickly subsided, and many customers forgot and forgave the cost of oil. This time; however, gas prices are going to go higher, and stay higher for a very long period of time.

I'm betting people won't forget this time, and gasoline prices are going to have a significant impact in future elections.

More hybrid cars.

Ford and GM pushed green in China, Congress sux

I think it is hilarious that Ford and GM are suddenly realizing that in order to be competitive in China, fuel efficiency will be one of the most important standards. Stricken by severe pollution, China is raising fuel efficiency standards and levying new taxes on gasoline to temper demand for foreign-oil.

SUVs and big trucks have no chance in this market, except possibly, hybrid versions.

GM has wagered poorly in betting the future on fuel cells. They are simply not going to be cost-effective in time to reach the fast growing demand for fuel efficient technology, which is not going to be driven by tree-huggers in America, but by emerging markets such as China.

Where has Congress been?

The U.S. Congress has failed America, and continues to fail America, by not raising fuel efficiency standards - amongst other things - something that should have been done decades ago, but has been prevented by rich lobbyists from the auto and oil industries.

Ultimately, corporations serve shareholders, not citizens, and the 'right' thing isn't always as important as the profitable thing. It's not about Congress baby-sitting auto corporations, it's about Congress protecting Americans from pollution and terrorists.

More important, had Congress done its job 20 years ago, American auto companies would be the world's best, instead of one step away from junk bond status, or even bankruptcy.

Ford shows most advanced hybrid at Shanghai Auto Show

An AutoWeek article states, "China's central government says it will give preferential treatment to automakers that produce environmentally friendly vehicles, such as hybrids." Thus, Ford is displaying its most advanced hybrid, the Ford Model U, which Ford says is the world's first hydrogen internal combustion engine equipped with a hybrid powertrain. (Read more from AutoWeek)

Read more about hybrid cars.

Hybrid vehicle tax credits dying in House

According to early reports, the United States House of Representatives is not adding new tax credits for consumers who buy hybrid cars. Instead, the House's legislation is about mostly corporate incentives regarding oil, coal and nuclear power. The President's plan was not this lopsided against either consumers or renewables. What is wrong with House Republicans?

Anti-American hybrid cars?

Sometimes I like to review the Combustion Chamber Forums at AutoWeek.com, and I am always amazed at both the intelligence of some, and the ignorance of others.

Anyway, one thread that never dies is the idea that hybrid cars, and all foreign cars for that matter, are only bought by "anti-Americans".

Well, you can't drive 99.99% of automobiles today without buying foreign-oil that has directly funded terrorism against the United States. Trillions of dollars have been generated into corrupt Middle East regimes because of oil.

Isn't that un-American?

Higher registration costs for gas-guzzlers

That's what an Arizona senator is proposing. "When it comes to vehicle registration fees, a state senator believes size should matter. Sen. Slade Mead, R-Phoenix, wants to base those annual fees at least in part on how much gasoline it uses," according to MotorTrend. Hybrid cars, on the other hand, and other fuel efficient vehicles, would receive lower rates.

2008 Dodge Durango hybrid will be Chrysler's First

Because it will be at least a decade before hybrid cars have a notable impact on gas consumption, according to Chrysler, they will not release their first hybrid until 2008, the Dodge Durango hybrid. (AFP)

Hybrid cars don't achieve EPA MPG estimates

One of the naysayer's favorite criticisms of hybrid cars is, they don't achieve EPA miles per gallon estimates. Well, very few vehicles achieve EPA estimates. According to experts EPA estimates are off between 15 - 30 percent on ALL vehicles.

More important, if a big gas-guzzling SUV rates 14 city, 18 highway on its EPA sticker, it might actually mean 10 mpg city, and 13 mpg highway - and significantly more pollution.

On Monday Sen. Maria Cantwell "will introduce legislation to force the EPA to update the 30-year-old formula for predicting how many miles a car can travel on a gallon of gas," according to MotorTrend. Cantwell states that because of this inaccuracy on all vehicles, "American motorists spent $20 billion more on gas last year than they thought they would."

More on hybrid cars.

Hybrids: A battery away from total domination

The release of both the Lexus RX400h hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid were delayed because of batteries. Ford has stated that it would like to increase Escape hybrid production, but it cannot acquire more nickel metal hydride batteries.

Currently, hybrid vehicle battery manufacturing is limited to just 3 companies, Panasonic, Sanyo, and Cobasys. While each company is increasing production, each company is limited by the expensive and limited raw materials required for NiMH production.

Still, significant improvements have been made since the first Toyota Prius hit the streets in 1997 and battery weight has dropped almost 50%. Nonetheless, competition from the mobile phone industry could keep supply tight and cost high for some time.

If that were to change, the market for hybrid cars could change drastically. The cheaper and lighter batteries become, the cheaper and more fuel efficient hybrids become, and there is hope.

Lithium ion batteries offer great potential, but many analysts think that they are as much as a decade away from mass-production.

The future of hybrid vehicles isn't dependent upon lithium ion batteries - other solutions are being developed. If, however, a new battery solution is developed, the automobile industry, as we know it, will be over.

Why hybrid vehicles are the real deal.

Yesterday, John McCormick of the Detroit News, a regular hybrid naysayer stated, "Overall, the public is still amazingly ignorant about hybrids," arguing that the costs of hybrid vehicles do not justify their fuel efficiency gains.

Maybe.

Overall, the Detroit auto establishment, including writers, is still amazingly ignorant about the costs of foreign oil and oil's environmental destruction. Governors, CIA directors, and National Security officials have all preached the dangers of oil dependency, many even calling it one of the greatest threats to American security.

In response, fuel cells and hydrogen, the hybrid naysayers tell us, are the answer. Hmmm?

Hybrid cars cost a few extra thousand, fuel cell cars cost a few extra hundred thousand. Now, that's cost effective.

If hybrids are not cost effective to consumers, then hybrids will disappear without any negative press. Why would consumers pay extra for nothing? Yet, the Toyota Prius has the highest consumer rating of any automobile. The fact that hybrids cause so much fear in the American auto establishment demonstrates that hybrids are incredibly viable.

If new inventions can make fuel cells more cost-effective, certainly new inventions could also make hybrids more cost-effective. More important hybrids can have an impact today, rather than having to wait 10, 20, 30 years or more for fuel cells.

Don't let Detroit ignorance fool you, hybrid cars are the real deal.

Are GM and Ford "National Security Risks"?

That's the position that Scott Burns takes in his article, GM and Ford are national security risks featured on MSNMoney. Recent surveys, Mr. Burns points out, show that 2 out of 3 Americans believe that buying a fuel efficient vehicle is patriotic. Since American automakers have fought against fuel efficiency for the last 35 years, they have given Americans two choices: Support American car makers while also supporting anti-American terrorists, or buy an efficient foreign vehicle, such as a hybrid car. Either way Detroit's "intractable bonehead management" has become a National Security risk.(More)

Hybrid vehicles versus hydrogen vehicles

What is the future of the automobile?

Gas and energy prices are rising higher. Evidence of global warming continues to escalate, painting a very ugly picture of the future, and auto executives throughout the world realize serious change will ultimately be required.

Advanced gasoline engines, clean diesel engines, hybrid powertrains, hydrogen engines and fuel cells have all been promoted as the future of the automobile. Ultimately, however, the discussion always seems to end up as hybrid vehicles versus hydrogen vehicles. Somehow this discussion pits current hybrid technology versus some future technology. Yet a hybrid powertrain has the ability to incorporate advanced gasoline engines, diesel engines, hydrogen engines, and fuel cells into its powertrain.

More important, Toyota sees its current hybrid powertrain as about 75% of the required technology for its fuel cell-powered cars. Thus, the adaptability of hybrid cars creates enormous potential. For example, hybrid battery packs, like laptop computer batteries, will increase their efficiency, and as this happens, hybrids will become even more fuel efficient.

While other technologies might emerge that are as good, or better than hybrids, those that continue to summarily dismiss hybrids have dismissed objective thinking. Dismissing hybrids is dismissing Toyota.

With billions in profit to spend, dismissing Toyota is just plain silly.

More on hybrid vehicles.

Prius lovers, Lexus hybrid haters?

That's the question put forth by John McCormick of the DetroitNews.

"Undeniably, the 400h is fast for a hybrid, but this quality raises an intriguing question: how will Prius owners, a notoriously pious bunch, take this 'distortion' of their 'save the planet' technology?"

As Mr. McCormick states, hybrid vehicles are "superior to a conventional automobile in terms of exhaust emissions," so I think the environmental faction of the Prius "pious bunch" will appreciate a hybrid Lexus a whole lot better than a standard Lexus, or some other large SUV.

More important, I don't know where Mr. McCormick receives the analytics to support his over generalized stereotype of Prius owners, but a significant percentage of Prius owners support hybrid technology because of foreign-oil dependency.

Yes, hybrid car technology is but a small step towards ending this dependency, but it is a step. Stereotyping this action into a "pious bunch" of tree huggers is simply ignorant, especially as Americans continue to die serving foreign-oil interests.

More on hybrid cars.

Read Mr. McCormick's complete article.

New Lexus V8 hybrid

The Lexus 460 will become the first V8 hybrid vehicle when it arrives at the end of 2006 according to AutoWeek. The hybrid, to be called the LS 600hL, will have a long wheelbase and offer the equivalent of a 6.0-liter engine with its hybrid powertrain.

"Be different," says powertrain guru

Interesting words from Fritz Indra, the former General Motors Powertrain executive director of advanced engineering. In an AutoWeek article, Indra stated that gasoline engines are the future, dismissing both diesels and hybrid cars.

Because GM is so far behind in the hybrid car race, Indra thinks GM should "Do the unexpected. If you can't lead, don't follow. Do it different.". Nonetheless, Indra thinks the partnership between GM and Chrysler to develop a hybrid powertrain is still a good idea, just not the main priority.

I just wonder if the last 2 decades of GM automobiles can be considered either different or leaders.

More from AutoWeek.

"Today's hybrids are no longer sops to environmentalism."

I love that line. It comes from the article, "Are You Ready For A Hybrid?" (BusinessWeekOnline). Still, I think that the environmental impact of hybrid cars is very important. There simply is too much scientific research not to act, and hybrids prove that acting isn't that hard.

EPA, hybrid efficiency, and the "gas scare"

Yesterday I read a Honda Accord hybrid thread that discussed EPA gas mileage numbers and real world numbers.

EPA numbers are a poor estimate - the point has been beaten into the ground.

The real point is that hybrid technology is diverse, and it is only going to get more diverse. The Accord hybrid is a performance hybrid optimized for highway driving. Think of it as a turbo-charged V6 Accord, except its turbo chargers increase fuel efficiency and significantly reduce pollution, in addition to providing quicker acceleration.

Nonetheless, if your goal is pure fuel efficiency, this hybrid vehicle is not for you. If you live an urban lifestyle, with lots of stop-and-go traffic, the Accord hybrid is not going to be especially fuel efficient.

The Ford Escape hybrid and Toyota Prius hybrid, on the other hand, are most fuel efficient in these conditions because they are able to function using mostly electric power generated just by driving the Prius or Escape hybrid - free, regenerative energy.

Toyota's next hybrids are going to diversify hybrid technology even further. Currently, the Escape hybrid SUV utilizes a 4 cylinder engine in its hybrid powertrain. Both the Lexus RX400h and the Highlander hybrid will utilize 6 cylinder engines. Thus, as with the Accord, both new Toyota hybrids will also be performance hybrids.

Still, both new Toyota hybrids, unlike the Accord hybrid, offer significant fuel saving tools. In urban driving both the RX400h and the Highlander hybrid can function on mostly electric power, just as the Prius. On the highway, both new hybrid SUVs can still achieve significant improvements in fuel efficiency, but assistance from the driver is required. Here the Accord hybrid probably has an advantage.

Does it all really matter? Is gas really that expensive?

That was the point in the article, "Gas price scare is just that" by John McCormick of the DetroitNews. AAA recently reported that the average consumer is spending just under $1300 per year on gasoline. Mr. McCormick states, "That's a round of drinks at the bar, a cheap bottle of wine in a restaurant or your co-pay at the doctor's office. Sounds like a deal to me."

Maybe in Detroit people only pay $1300 per year, or $25 per week, as Mr. McCormick states, but averages are always confusing. My friend has a long Southern California commute, like many Californians, and it used to cost him $35.00 per day to go to work and back. Recently, however, he bought a small Toyota and cut his gas bill in half. Still, half is almost $90.00 per week, not including weekends.

That is pretty scary to my friend and many others.

Hybrid cars can help people like my friend, and as gas prices and commute times increase, as predicted by many experts, they'll help much more.

More important, the thing missed by hybrid-haters - especially the Big 3 - hybrids create a covenant between buyer and seller that stands for making the world a better place. That's a pretty strong customer relationship. While a hybrid purchase might only be a step, it is a significant step for many consumers.

Detroit missed this opportunity.

Instead of spending 100's of millions to market gas guzzlers, Detroit could have said, "Make America stronger, buy American-made fuel efficient technology. Help fight the War on Terror and foreign oil-dependency."

The sell isn't that hard is it?

Boycott of ExxonMobil gas?

Online campaign calls for a sustained boycott of ExxonMobil gas in an attempt to force lower gas prices. More from Reuters

If, as most analysts claim, high gas prices are due to demand could this really help? Using less gas might be the only real option, so buy a hybrid car.

Washington follows California Emission Rules

Bill ESHB 1397 requiring new cars sold, leased or rented in Washington to meet the California regulations, starting with model year 2009 or 2010 was approved by the state's senate today. Currently, eight states, including California, have adopted the stricter rules. (More from MotorTrend)

Prius fever takes over Texas

According to MSBNC.com, "Texans are flocking to purchase the most popular hybrid model, the Toyota Prius." In Houston, wait time for a new Prius is 4 to 6 months. “Most have excellent credit, lots of equity. People trade in their high-end cars for these hybrids. They are doing it because the cars are gas efficient and environmentally friendly.”

Some dealers have had buyers pay as much as $10,000 above sticker price to lay claim to available Prii. More on this story from MSNBC.

Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV launches tomorrow

The Lexus RX400h hybrid officially goes on sale tomorrow. The early word is that availability is going to be extremely limited, as about half of this year's supply has already been pre-ordered. More hybrid vehicles.

House Committee 36 to 10 against raising fuel efficiency standards

"People are driving around in big cars, because they like them, because they feel safe," said Democrat John Dingell of Michigan. "You'll never get your soccer moms and soccer kids in there," said Democrat Bart Stupak of Michigan, referring to the feared subcompact vehicles. "It's not what Americans want." With leadership like this, is it really any surprise that we are in Iraq, ultimately, because of foreign oil dependency?

Click here for more on this Reuters story.

Hybrid performance over efficiency, what's the point?

The success of the Toyota Prius took America by storm. While some flocked to the Prius to help reduce foreign oil dependency amidst growing Persian Gulf problems, a great number of consumers picked the Prius hybrid car for environmental reasons.

Thus, not only has the Prius become almost synonymous with hybrid cars, it has made hybrids synonymous with environmentalism.

This year; however, that perception will begin to drastically change. It started with the Honda Accord hybrid. Yes, the best Accord will offer greatly improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions over the standard Accord, but the Prius goes much further when judged by these standards. The Accord hybrid, on the other hand, will blow the Prius away from 0 to 60.

Toyota's next two hybrids, the Lexus RX400h SUV and the Highlander hybrid, will also emphasize performance over environmentalism. Again these vehicles do improve fuel efficiency and significantly reduce emissions, but not as much as potentially possible.

This new line of hybrid vehicles is about speed and power, offering significant horsepower for hybrids. Hopefully, hybrid vehicles will result in a competition between automakers for the fastest, most powerful, least polluting, gas-sipping hot rods.

Otherwise, what's the point?

Hybrid car hype on MSNBC

Just caught the end of a hybrid car segment on MSNBC. An editor from one of the top auto mags was being interviewed about Toyota Prius resale value, and hybrid cars in general. The gist was this, hybrid cars are solid, proven technology and reliability shouldn't be an issue. However, as the hybrid battery pack nears the end of its warranty, replacement costs could be an issue, but that's an issue that only time will tell.

High Noon: Escape hybrid and Highlander hybrid match up

The Ford Escape hybrid stands as the only hybrid SUV. In mere days; however, the Lexus RX 400h hybrid officially goes on sale, but it is a luxury hybrid SUV. The real competition won't begin until June, when the Toyota Highlander hybrid hits the street. Funny thing is, in some ways the Highlander hybrid is more like the Honda Accord hybrid than the Escape. For more on an early match up, click here.

Pennsylvania citizen rebate for hybrid vehicles

The Pennsylvania Environmental Protection has announced the creation of the new Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program which offers a $500 rebate to assist Pennsylvania residents with the incremental costs of purchasing a new hybrid-electric, bi-fuel, dual-fuel or dedicated alternative fuel vehicle. "To qualify for the $500 rebate, the automobile must be registered in Pennsylvania and operated primarily within the Commonwealth. The rebate will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the calendar year as long as funds are available." more


Click here to review your hybrid car choices.

Interested in a hybrid? Better buy before gas rises much higher.

Many automotive analysts have been bullish regarding hybrid cars because they feel that gas would have to hit $3.50 to justify the extra cost of hybrids. Other studies have shown that $3.00 is the critical benchmark for the majority of Americans. Nonetheless, 50% of consumers already say fuel efficiency is driving their next vehicle purchase.

SUV sales are already down some 20 percent this year, and we have not hit the $3.00 mark yet - in most places. If we hit those threshold numbers, SUV sales are predicted to plummet far lower.

Many of those leaving the larger SUV market are heading to crossovers, which is certain to drive Toyota Highlander hybrid demand even higher. Ultimately, however, if the U.S. does hit $3.00 or $3.50 per gallon prices, the majority of Americans might be interested in hybrids, but there probably won't be any available.

This year Honda is only planning to sell about 25,000 each of the Accord hybrid and the Civic hybrid, and Ford is planning roughly the same for the Escape hybrid.

Thus, if you are interested in purchasing a hybrid, buy now. As the Toyota Prius is showing, resale value is often higher than the original sticker price. In a couple of months, used hybrids might be the only hybrids available for some time.

Hybrid trends according to automotive engineers

The Society of Automotive Engineers is in Detroit this week for its 100th annual congress, and "the fuel economy of new cars and trucks has become a top concern again," the DetroitNews is reporting. Today, one panel is exploring the latest trends in gas-electric hybrid powertrains. The hybrid car niche, according to experts interviewed by the DetroitNews, is now drawing the interest of companies outside of the automotive field. "There's a lot of interest out there just below the surface trying to figure out if this is real," stated Thad Malesh, an economist with the Automotive Technology Research Group.

Other top topics at the congress include alternative fuels, fuel cells, and improvements in diesel and conventional engines.