Hybrid Cars, Technology & American Consumers: The Foreign Oil Dependency Crisis or Opportunity?

Responding to some bloggers this morning I came to the conclusion that U.S. foreign oil dependency has become, if not the, at least one of the major defining moments in U.S. history. With much of American geopolitics being determined by oil, and one of America's most important job sectors dependent upon oil, foreign oil dependency has become a tremendous and dangerous crisis, but a crisis that poses huge opportunities.

Still, foreign oil dependency will only become an opportunity if seized upon by the American consumer. (Full Story)

Surprise, Surprise? Ford Breaks Hybrid Promises

Not long ago Ford stated that hybrid cars were an important technology for the company and that 250,000 Ford hybrids would be produced by 2010. While, Toyota has already far surpassed that number, less than a year after that historic and bold announcement, Ford has already given up on the plan.

Instead of hybrids, Ford is now promising 500,000 flex fuel vehicles by 2010. "What I didn't foresee at the time was how rapidly other technologies would evolve," he wrote. "Now, I am convinced that the objective we had set earlier to build capacity for 250,000 hybrids at the end of the decade is too narrow to achieve our larger goals of substantially improving fuel economy and CO2 performance." (MORE)

Is the end of Ford near? I say it is. By 2010 Toyota will probably be close to selling more than 1 million hybrid cars per year, more than twice the number of significantly cheaper flex-fuel vehicles that Ford will produce. Quite simply Ford can't compete.

Ford Expedition hybrid, with leased GM hybrid technology?

Ford has announced that is working on a hybrid version of the Ford Expedition, apparently, in an attempt to compete against GM's Tahoe hybrid, Yukon hybrid, and Chrysler's Durango hybrid. In fact, there is some speculation that Ford might even lease GM's Dual Mode hybrid powertrain (more).

While I understand that there are a number of Americans that essentially demand large trucks and SUVs, where are the Big 3's hybrid cars? The Big 3 simply aren't going to survive in the future if Detroit can't build top selling fuel efficient cars in addition to huge SUVs. It is hard to take Detroit's hybrid efforts seriously until they come up with a hybrid to challenge the Toyota Prius.

Hybrid Vehicle Technology Spawning Innovation, Competition

Back in the 90's the Big 3 were given a billion tax dollars to develop the next generation of fuel efficient technologies. They developed hybrid cars and electric cars, but Detroit quickly decided that such vehicles just weren't profitable enough.

Japan, on the other hand, showed a bit more vision and determination, eventually producing the Honda Insight hybrid, followed by the Toyota Prius hybrid. Still, things didn't really get going until the 2nd Generation Prius, which quickly became a hot seller and put hybrids on America's radar.

Now Detroit is finally taking the hybrid game seriously - at least a little bit.

While Ford has stated that it firmly believes in the future of hybrid cars, GM has continued to state that hybrid vehicles are little more than a public relations effort. Nonetheless, GM and Chrysler are developing hybrids - of course their hybrid technology is, ultimately, better for trucks and highway driving, rather than the congestion that is predicted to be a major problem in the next couple of decades.

Moreover, the Army recently announced a program converting Ford Escape hybrids into hydrogen hybrids, and there are also Prii running on hydrogen. Suddenly, the 'hydrogen highway' might not require fuel cells at all, rather just current hybrid vehicle technology. Besides, if fuel cells do become cost-effective, most engineers believe that fuel cell automobiles will be fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

But back to today's technology.

Even far different hybrid technology, such as a hydraulic hybrid, is being developed and tested right now. For example, UPS is testing a diesel hydraulic hybrid this year. Hydraulic hybrids offer significant fuel economy improvements without the high costs of electric motors, hybrid batteries and software.

Single mode hybrids, dual mode hybrids, hydrogen hybrids, hydraulic hybrids - suddenly, oil dependence seems more manageable.

Recently, I read the article, Energy policy without the fear factor that states, "We cannot continue to go the way we've been going. It is not a matter of "car guys'' versus "tree huggers,'' liberals versus conservatives, truck lovers versus truck haters. It is an acknowledgment that, if we as a global community fail to examine and answer "What if?'' and refuse to accept or implement the changes required by the answers, the question may answer itself.....And the answer could be one none of us could live with."

Today's hybrids are not just the beginning of an automotive revolution, but a technological evolution. When we believe we can do more, a funny thing happens, we find out we can. Suddenly, utopian dreams aren't so utopian when the power of technology is used to benefit people, rather than just profit from people.

"What if" we dare to dream is a great question. 'Why not dare to dream', I think, is an even better one with today's technology.

New York City adding MORE hybrid taxis

Can hybrid cars save money, many ask. Yes, especially if you are a New York taxi driver. Many hybrid vehicles, such as the Ford Escape hybrid or the Toyota Prius hybrid, often achieve far better results in the WORST driving conditions. Consequently, in New York City, hybrid taxis can "get double the gas mileage of traditional cabs and generate less pollution" (more). Since congestion is the norm for most American drivers and congestion is predicted to increase significantly in the next few decades, shouldn't the fuel economy standard be focused on city driving, not highway driving?

GM considering plug-in hybrid vehicle

GM has stated that it is considering a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

"We are always looking at ways to provide fuel efficiency to our customers, and energy independence to the United States," said GM spokesman Brian Corbett. "Obviously, a plug-in hybrid is something that would definitely be on our radar screen, something we could consider for the future. But I'm not saying we're going to do one or the other." (more)

Concern for energy independence? Oh, really? Wow! I'm sorry, but GM is still admitting that hybrid cars are only useful for image and marketing. I guess their plug-in hybrid vehicle would be for the same?

Still, I hope GM builds the plug-in hybrid.

Army: Forget fuel cells for now, hydrogen hybrids are better

Because of the cost barriers around fuel cells, the U.S. Army is working with Quantum Technologies to convert today's hybrid cars into hydrogen hybrid cars. Currently, the project is using the Ford Escape hybrid platform. Since most engineers believe fuel cell vehicles will be hybrid vehicles, I wonder if Bob Lutz still thinks that hybrids don't make business sense?(More)

Eaton Corporation Stepping Up Hybrid Development

Hot off the announcement of its hydraulic hybrid partnership, Eaton Corporation is also stepping up the development of electric hybrids as well. "Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation has announced it has begun development of a hybrid electric power system for the heavy-duty (Class 8) commercial vehicle market - to deliver both on-road efficiency and idle reduction for significant fuel savings and emissions reductions." (More)

LA Fire Department to use Mazda Tribute hybrids

Mazda donated five prototype Tribute hybrids to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The "Mazda Tribute HEV is 99.4 percent cleaner, on average, than an unregulated vehicle, yet still delivers the performance required by SUV owners. With a combined horsepower output of 155, this Tribute HEV provides plenty of power yet meets strict Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEVII) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards in California – the strictest emission regulations a gasoline-fueled vehicle can meet." No word on exactly when the Mazda Tribute hybrid would be available for sale.

More on Mazda's donation

Bush blowing off U.S. automakers? Get real Detroit

Not long ago President Bush told U.S. automakers to make more relevant vehicles. Automakers answered, that they didn't have to, E85 would save America. Yet, the science behind E85 is not nearly as convincing as the E85 rhetoric coming out of Detroit. Some scientists claim it takes more energy to produce ethanol than ethanol provides and that ethanol is purely a huge pork-barrel distraction. Others claim that only cellulosic ethanol - which isn't yet reality - can provide any real help to America's oil addiction.

Still, even those that think ethanol can provide help are quick to note that if Detroit doesn't produce more fuel efficient vehicles, ethanol won't help much.

So when Bush blows off Detroit's request for a meeting to discuss what Washington can do to 'protect' American automakers, can you really blame him? According to the Detroit News besides asking for government help, the Big 3 want to use the meeting as a PR campaign - It's ethanol or bust.

"The automakers have been trying to meet with Bush to discuss soaring health-care costs, energy and trade issues. The Big Three have been waiting to follow the summit with an announcement about their commitment to producing more flexible fuel vehicles."

Give me a break!

How about a commitment to fuel efficiency? It's as if Detroit wants mandates on the oil industry, a massive government bailout, but they don't want to be forced to change. We can all drive Hummer-like gas-guzzlers filled with E85 and the world will be perfect - right!

While Detroit does have some legitimate legacy issues, many of those issues were self-created. More important, Detroit's failures cannot be completely pinned to legacy issues. When it takes 16 more labor hours for Detroit autoworkers to build a car versus Japan, as it did for DECADES, you have to realize there is a problem. Yet, Detroit did very little.

Over and over Detroit has stubbornly refused to change.

O.K., Detroit has reduced this labor gap to 8 hours, yet it still seems painfully obvious that Detroit needs to be more efficient if it wants to be competitive. Additionally, why did it take so long to even address this issue?

Perhaps if the Big 3 were announcing a huge transition to hybrid cars, or the development of some other fuel-efficient, real-world technology, Bush would be more inclined to meet with them.

However, if the best the Big 3 have to offer is E85, then it is obvious that even after 9/11, even after Katrina, even after $3.00 gas, Detroit still doesn't get it.

The world has changed and it's time for Detroit to do the same. If they can't do more to change, then they shouldn't expect taxpayers to do more to bail them out.

UPS hydraulic hybrid truck making your next delivery?

The EPA and UPS will begin testing a hydraulic diesel hybrid truck this year. Early tests indicate that the "patented hydraulic hybrid diesel technology achieved a 60 to 70 percent improvement in fuel economy and more than a 40 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, compared to a conventional UPS vehicle" (more). Wow, is all I can say if those numbers hold up in real world tests. If so, I guess you have to thank Toyota. If not for the Prius and Toyota's obstinate push into hybrid cars, technologies, such as hydraulic diesels, probably wouldn't have been taken seriously.

Hybrid cars moving into "fast lane"?

"Hybrid vehicles will continue to move into the Fast lane, especially in the U.S. and Japan. European manuFacturers must prepare For hybrid technology, which will compete with diesel engines within the next few years. Companies who want to maintain or improve their market position will have to ensure that their technology management can deal with the challenges of the future." That's the word from Automotive Design & Production in an analysis of diesel and hybrid vehicles. Click here for the full story.

Toyota hybrid vehicle tax credits running out

Thanks to a protective and short-sighted U.S. Congress, tax credits for Toyota hybrids are running out. While the President and some members of Congress have suggested extending this credit, Congress doesn't seem very interested at this point. Check out the NYTimes article, U.S. Hybrids Get More Miles Per Congress on this issue. Why isn't Congress acting? Congress constantly harps about high gas prices and the threat of foreign oil dependency, yet they do so little - other than TALK, TALK, TALK. I say fighting oil addiction is more important than protecting the U.S. auto industry if they can't or won't compete. Let's extend the tax credits for hybrid cars! (MORE)

Do oil companies control hybrid vehicle battery production

I was just reading an article about a new hybrid vehicle battery supplier, GS Yuasa at Green Car Congress. In the posts to that entry, there is an interesting thread about oil company conspiracies, such as how oil companies bought old trolley lines and dismantled them in favor of freeways. Additionally, there are some that claim that NiMH battery technology, which powers today's hybrid cars, is being controlled/limited by oil companies. While there have been patent infringement cases, I've heard that NiMH battery production has been largely minimized by limited availability of Nickel, not by oil companies. Still, great thread.

Hybrid technology proves a bill to increase fuel economy is possible

There is a move in the Senate to raise the average fuel economy to 35 mpg from 25 mpg by 2017. (more)

Surprise, surprise Detroit doesn't want to be forced to make more fuel efficient vehicles, but they want the oil industry to be forced to use ethanol. Shouldn't Detroit focus more on its core business - making cars, especially more fuel efficient cars?

Of course ethanol should be explored, but the science behind ethanol is still very conflicted, yet one thing seems clear: If GM just makes more and more Hummers, Tahoes, and Escalades ethanol really isn't going to help reduce foreign oil dependency that much.

Anyway, the technology to achieve this new fuel economy threshold already exists today and with advancements in hybrid technology, it is conceivable that even today's worst gas-guzzlers could achieve this new limit with such hybrid technology.

Ultimately, the entire issue is cost, or profit. While I understand that businesses have to make a profit, when that profit can only be made at the expense of the safety of the people, is their product worthwhile?

When numerous ex CIA officials and National Security experts agree that foreign oil dependency is possibly the greatest issue facing U.S. national security can we continue to tolerate excuse after excuse from automakers?

How many more 9/11s do we need? How many more 100s of billions of dollars do we need to spend protecting our right to cheap oil?

Be part of the solution Detroit, not part of the problem.

Toyota hybrid sports car?

"We made a proposal to the head office for a hybrid sports car. We're not sure that we're going to proceed with that, but every time we develop a new car we consider a hybrid system. We have limited resources," said Tokuo Fukuichi, the head of Toyota's ED2 design center in southern France. (More)

You knew that Toyota would have to toy with the idea of a hybrid sports cars, especially since even Porsche is now considering hybrid cars. While some on the environmental side might argue that such a move is a waste of fuel efficient technology, I say go for it. Making every style of vehicle more fuel efficient is, minimally, a step in the right direction.

Is GM heading down the wrong hybrid path?

When the 2008 GM Chevy Tahoe hybrid hits the streets it will add a new page to the technology behind hybrid cars, the Two Mode Hybrid Powertrain. GM's two mode powertrain gives GM hybrid vehicles the ability to optimize performance based on driving conditions - highway versus city.

Toyota's Single Mode hybrid powertrain, on the other hand, is more optimized for city driving. Essentially, Toyota and Ford hybrids utilize larger electric motors and hybrid batteries than will GM hybrids.

So, which is better?

There is no doubt that GM hybrids will have an advantage when it comes to power tasks, such as towing compared to Ford or Toyota hybrids. Additionally, GM hybrids will compete with Toyota and Ford hybrids on the highway.

In the city, in the congestion that is predicted to become significantly worse and more common in the future; however, Toyota and Ford hybrids will dominate. Thus, it is not surprising to hear rumors that GM is intensely studying the Toyota hybrid powertrain.

Inevitably, the real potential of hybrid vehicles lies completely around electric motors and, more importantly, hybrid batteries. It now seems inevitable that lithium-ion batteries will soon replace the current NiMH batteries that power hybrids. This will produce lighter hybrids with significantly greater storage capacity resulting in better performance, cheaper costs and significantly improved fuel economy.

If NiMH batteries are replaced by lithium-ion batteries, hybrids such as the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrid could achieve massive gains in fuel economy, while costing less. Additionally, these hybrids could accommodate plug-in capabilities as well, resulting in even far greater fuel economy - we're talking 100 mpg +.

GM's dual mode hybrid technology can also utilize lithium-ion battery technology, but not nearly to the extent that Toyota and Ford hybrids can. This could really give Ford and Toyota a huge advantage over GM - at least with consumers that drive in any type of congestion. Since congestion will be the future for most Americans, GM's current hybrid path could be headed into the wrong direction.

What would be the ultimate hybrid vehicle?

In the last year there have been some very interesting hybrid concept vehicles. Two of my favorites are the Ford Reflex hybrid and the Mazda Senku hybrid.

The Reflex is a diesel hybrid 'muscle' car that looks cool, but is an even hotter performer. How hot? How about 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds while achieving 65 mpg? Sure this hybrid requires next generation lithium-ion batteries - the same batteries which could power the Toyota Prius to almost 100 mpg - but if you are going to dream, why not dream big?

That's why I like REALLY like the Senku hybrid. Yes, the styling of this vehicle is incredibly futuristic and some people don't like that, but I do, boy, do I. But the thing that really makes this hybrid special for me is the use of solar technology. By embedding solar cells into the roof, this hybrid vehicle could actually act like a solar-powered plug-in hybrid vehicle. That means that the next-gen 100 mpg Prius could perhaps become a 140 mpg Prius with solar power.

In Southern California - where I live - the constant sunshine could provide a huge source of clean electric energy - making trips to the gas station much less frequent. In the future, make it a solar-powered fuel cell hybrid vehicle and hydrogen gas stations might not even be needed.

The technology behind hybrid cars makes such dreams seem possible.

What would be your ultimate hybrid vehicle?

2010: Year of the hybrid?

Today, critics often question the value of hybrid cars. Only a few can save money over the long term at today's gas prices they state and reliability is still an issue.

Yet, hybrid technology is only just emerging and the future of hybrid vehicles won't really be understood until at least 2010. By then Toyota will offer 14 different hybrid models. Even Detroit will offer numerous hybrid vehicles. Plus, Nissan, Hyundai, Porsche - even Suzuki - will be in the hybrid game.

Then it won't just be the Toyota Camry hybrid that challenges the Prius for total sales, but many new hybrid models.

More important, there will be several different types of hybrid technology on the market and many more hybrid parts suppliers. This competition will give consumers real choices. Should I get the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid or Toyota Highlander hybrid? That will really begin to depend on your needs, such as towing, and that is just the beginning.

Moreover, Toyota has indicated that its hybrids in 2010 will not only be significantly more fuel efficient, but the cost differential between hybrid cars and conventional cars could be cut in half. Other automakers will have to do the same if they want to compete.

Competition, better technology, cheaper costs - by 2010 the question won't be why would you want a hybrid, it will be why would you want anything less than a hybrid.

Hybrid Cars: It's the technology stupid

"Don't tell me about the technologies tell me how you will use them to reduce global warming pollution," said Roland Hwang, Berkeley-based vehicle program director for the Natural Resources Defense Council. "That's what's missing here." (LATimes) This was Mr. Hwang's response to Toyota's hybrid technology update yesterday.

Actually, Mr. Hwang, it is all about the technology.

While activists, such as Mr. Hwang, can believe that global warming pollution is the world's greatest problem, global warming is not going to sell cars today. First, the inconvenient truth about global warming is that the science is not nearly as clear as Al Gore would have the world believe (more).

Second, even if global warming is real, hybrid cars are going to accomplish little in the next few years. Tens of millions of hybrids will be required to even make a dent in CO2 emissions, so let's get real Mr. Hwang.

Ultimately, only innovation, particularly technological innovation, can help fight a problem like global warming, and Toyota is pushing the limits far more than any other auto company in this battle. One hybrid battery breakthrough could change the automobile landscape forever - that's why hybrid technology is so important.

For example, lithium-ion batteries could result in 100 mpg hybrid cars, such as the next generation Prius that Toyota is testing. Conservation won't lead to this development, but further hybrid technology development will.

Furthermore, hybrid development will continue to push automotive innovation via competition. In fact, many Americans are doomed to lose their jobs if Detroit doesn't make innovation job one. Inevitably, that competition to innovate will lead to the technologies that can end CO2 emissions.

In reality, the Toyota Prius has done little to ease CO2 emissions today; however, without the Prius we'd still be talking about fuel cell vehicles still decades away from reality. We certainly wouldn't be talking about GM hybrid vehicles soon entering the market without the Prius.

The importance of hybrids is not about global warming nor foreign oil dependency. Today, the importance of hybrids is purely about technology. Today's hybrid technology won't end foreign oil dependency or CO2 emissions, but investing in today's hybrids will lead to the technology that can resolve these issues.

When it comes to today's hybrid vehicles, it's ALL about the technology.

Toyota to double hybrid lineup by 2010

"We believe that hybrids will be the core technology in the 21st century," said Masatami Takimoto, executive vice president in charge of technology development, at a news conference. Thus, around 2010 Toyota will like to double its hybrid vehicle lineup from today's 7 to around 14 - leading to total sales of around 1 million hybrid cars. Moreover, Toyota wants to cut hybrid costs in half and further develop hybrid batteries - something the automaker indicated it was close to doing. Toyota also acknowledged that it was working on a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Chicago using Escape hybrids as taxis

Chicago has become the third city to use the Ford Escape hybrid as a taxi, as part of Ford's campaign to promote its hybrid vehicles. (More)

Suzuki Swift Hybrid?

Suzuki has announced that it will begin selling hybrid cars by 2010, although the company has not released any specific details. Insiders speculate that the Suzuki Swift will be converted into a hybrid. (more)

Fuel cells, ethanol and hydrogen: GM's bag of excuses?

For decades, GM has lobbied Congress and the White House not to increase fuel economy standards. In fact, it is rumored that even Rick Wagoner has lobbied the White House, stating that increased fuel economy would hinder fuel cell development.

Now that it's obvious that fuel cells are still decades away, GM has switched to ethanol - not just as an alternative fuel, but as a bridge to hydrogen. "Even some of the initial steps in the processing of the biomass -- whether to make it hydrogen or ethanol -- will be one and the same, so it is an important step toward an alternative pathway for energy," he said. "And it allows us to use our existing internal combustion engines as we transition to hydrogen in the future." (AutomotiveNews)

And they don't have to stop making gas-guzzlers. The more ethanol GM uses, the more they are helping farmers, right?

Back to Reality

Scientist after scientist - many of whom are working on ethanol - claim that even cellulosic ethanol will not help America much if we don't create more fuel efficient vehicles. Yet, it seems that GM comes up with excuse after excuse not to become significantly more fuel efficient.

Perhaps ethanol can help create a path to hydrogen, but hybrid cars can also use ethanol and hydrogen. Moreover, since GM's current fuel cell vehicles are fuel cell hybrid vehicles, the more hybrids we build today, the faster we can build tomorrow's fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

Oh yeah, and in the interim we can at least end foreign oil dependency.

So why doesn't GM care about foreign oil dependency? What can't GM help make America stronger?

GM needs to stop making excuses and start taking the realities of the new world more seriously. Millions of Americans will support GM to the very end, yet millions more would support GM if they acted like they truly cared about the environment and about America's foreign oil dependency.

Take on the Toyota Prius, GM, and you could attract millions of new customers. Follow the current path and you'll lose many of us forever.

Bank of America offers $3000.00 rebate for employees to buy hybrid cars

Bank of America will offer a $3,000 rebate to employees that purchase hybrid cars, making it the largest company to offer such an incentive.

Other small businesses, such as Google, which offers a $5,000 rebate, already offer various incentives to their employees for purchasing hybrid vehicles.

"This is a very genuine effort to do the right thing," said Anne Finucane, Bank of America's global marketing chief, in an interview. "To do it at Bank of America, it's a formidable commitment." (more)

2,000,000 hybrid vehicles a year by 2012?

Continental AG, a German automotive supplier, believes that 2,000,000 hybrid cars will be sold every year by 2012. That was the prediction during a conference in Munich discussing the future of the internal combustion engine, which most major automakers believe will dominate automobiles for the next few decades. While that fact might be true, those automakers that push the technology envelope, such as Toyota has done with hybrids, will dominate the future's market share. One technology breakthrough could make anything less than a hybrid seems like a very dumb decision. In this age of technology, innovative thinking will always dominate conventional thinking.

Honda hybrid tax credits now official

The IRS has officially determined the tax credits for Honda hybrid cars. The 2006 Civic hybrid qualifies for a $2100.00 tax credit. The Accord hybrid actually qualifies for a better credit than originally estimated, if it offers updated control calibration. Thus, the new credit is $1300.00. For those without the calibration, the credit is $650.00. The Honda Insight qualifies for a $1,450 tax credit. More on tax credits for hybrid vehicles.

Could ultracapacitors be the key to hybrid cars?

One of the main concerns regarding hybrid cars for many potential customers is the life of the hybrid battery pack. Additionally, it is the hybrid battery which significantly limits or increases fuel economy, especially in urban driving. Thus, many hybrid vehicle proponents are very interested in lithium-ion technology. Such technology has caused Toyota to believe that a lithium-ion powered Prius could achieve more than 90 mpg. While lithium will be a great technology, it isn't the only technology. For example, Maxwell Technologies, is developing ultracapacitors for hybrid cars, which help manage the electrical load of batteries. Such technology not only extends the life of the hybrid battery, but results in better fuel efficiency and even lower emissions. Despite the beliefs of some geniuses, such as Robert Lutz, hybrids do make business sense - at least if you are thinking about the future.

Hybrid cars: The Decline of America

For decades, American automakers have been extremely less efficient than Japanese automakers. The Japanese make more efficient vehicles than Detroit and they make them more efficiently than Detroit. While recent reports show that American automakers are doing better, they still haven't caught up to the Japanese. Thus, it really isn't surprising that the push into hybrid cars is being led by Japan, as the Japanese constantly strive for efficiency.

Still, it is America - world's biggest oil addict- that should be leading the world's development of hybrid vehicles, instead we lead the world in the development of gas-guzzlers.

Today, every major corporation in America is using computers and software to make their businesses more efficient, and now the Japanese are pushing the efficiency of automobiles with computers and software - key components of hybrid technology.

Yet, where is America?

There was a time when America was a place for innovation, not today. We've slipped in space, students have slipped in science and engineering, and automakers have slipped in technology and innovation.

America has slowly lost its sense of purpose, its vision, its honor. What does America stand for today? Freedom to be stupid? Freedom to be selfish?

How can anyone look at the world today and say that America's foreign oil dependency is a good thing? In today's world, America's oil addiction and freedom have become contradictory terms. America has become a contradiction.

America is a great country, full of potential, but we're slipping fast. Without honor, without innovation, without a sense of purpose, what's left?

Hurricanes: Another reason to buy a hybrid vehicle

Oil prices pushed a little higher today based on numerous factors, including Iran's response to the U.N. and another kidnapping in Nigeria. Additionally, a storm in the Gulf also shut down a couple of oil platforms according to a recent CNBC report I just watched. Following that bit of news the reporter stated, now that the hurricane season has just started - in terms of energy - America is just one hurricane away from disaster. So, don't listen to all the naysayers that claim hybrid cars aren't cost effective. As gas keeps going higher, with occasional spikes into the $5.00 and $6.00 range, you'll get the last laugh!

High gas prices: Don't just blame Republicans

O.K., so Republicans have ties to big oil, that's obvious. But can you really blame high oil prices completely on Republicans, especially when the price of oil is decided in the open markets by traders trading future shares of oil every single second of the business day? How do you manipulate that? Still, Republicans deserve criticism for their close oil ties.

In addition to oil, Democrats ridicule the President's minor CAFE updates, and they are minor. In fact, they are essentially worthless. Yet, less than a year ago, when Congress had a chance to significantly update CAFE, did Democrats make a stand? Heck no. How would Democrats funded by the labor unions that 'protect' autoworkers explain this to the Union leadership, to the workers that would lose their jobs - and to a huge endorsement and source of campaign money?

In reality, when it comes to high gasoline prices, Democrats are very dirty. (Finished in Comments)

No Plans to Produce Prius in the U.S yet

Jim Press, the new boss of Toyota's North American operations, confirmed that Toyota will not produce the popular Toyota Prius in the U.S. anytime soon. For now, the company is content to produce the Camry hybrid in the U.S. as it develops its North American hybrid supply chain. Still, Mr. Press did note that hybrid cars are a fundamental piece of Toyota's future (more). Considering that Press, who drives a truck, was a big force behind the Prius, perhaps he can solidify Toyota's plans to produce a hybrid truck.

Newsweek's Green Gap: Hybrid Critics have become boring

I was just reading Newsweek's Green Gap which asks, "Hybrids might be hip, but are they saving consumers enough at the pump to compensate for their high sticker price?" Over and over auto writers have noted that the Honda Accord hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid are not selling well because of their sticker price. So hybrid cars are dead, right? Well, not exactly, the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid are hot, the Honda Civic hybrid is also hot. Ultimately, hybrid sales keep going up, and the hybrid market is only just emerging, only just being understood. It seems today's media loves to talk about hybrids. Recently, I questioned whether there was a media bias against hybrids. When Toyota announced a recall that includes the Prius, but wasn't limited to hybrids, nor was it related to hybrid technology, yet most of the media focused only on the Prius, not the fact that the majority of the affected cars were NOT hybrids.

A Quick Fix for Gas Guzzlers: Has Detroit Lost its Mind?

Yesterday, Thomas Friedman of the NY Times asked, "Is there a company more dangerous to America's future than General Motors? Surely, the sooner this company gets taken over by Toyota, the better this country will be," in the article A Quick Fix For Gas Addicts. Of course, GM's Bob Lutz questioned Friedman's mental state, "the majority of Americans, not being extreme liberals, and harboring a deep-seated distrust toward the media, will see his piece for what it is: the product of an unusual, but not altogether well, mind." David Cole, head of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, added, "The liberal philosophy is we ought to not be buying GM SUVs and instead buying Toyota Priuses. That's their perfect world but it's not the world in which we live" (more). So, Mr. Cole, instead of hybrid cars, the conservative philosophy is that we all drive Hummers, kill all Muslims in the Gulf states so we can take over their oil fields to have enough oil to fuel all of Detroit's gas-guzzlers?