A good time to buy a hybrid?

The 2008 hybrids are coming

Are you in the market for a new hybrid vehicle? Then now might be a great time to do some hybrid shopping, as dealers prepare to unload 2007 models to make room for 2008 models.

The 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid is already available at some dealerships, and the price of the hybrid Camry is $1000.00 less than last year. Thus, buyers can only assume that dealers are ready to bargain.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid has been totally revamped, although only small changes were made to the hybrid powertrain. Still, many are calling the new Highlander the best ever, which might create some deals on the 2007 Highlander hybrid.

Unfortunately, Toyota's other hybrid, that quirky little Prius, continues to be a hot seller, so deals on this popular hybrid might not be common. Still, the 2008 Prius will offer a cheaper base version.

The 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid is also set to launch, so again, dealers might be prepared to discount the 2007 model to make room for the 2008s.

Overall, this is a good time of the year to buy an automobile, so get out there and check out your favorite hybrid vehicles. You just might find a deal you can't refuse.

2011: Plug-in Prius, Chevy Volt or Nissan Mixim

Plug-in parallel hybrid, plug-in series hybrid, or just electric?

In the next few years, the automotive landscape will resemble a drive from the wheat fields of Kansas into the Rockies of Colorado, dramatic change.

Hybrid vehicles will probably convert into plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as a Prius plug-in or a Chevy Volt, that will enable most commuters to go to work and back on electric power alone, with the ability to use gasoline, diesel, or a biofuel as a backup source of energy.

Others might seek a purely electric car to be used only for commuting, thus deleting the need for any backup fuel. The Nissan Mixim hopes to fulfill that need, possibly by 2011.

Car&Driver report, " The Mixim is a tiny electric car that uses lithium-ion batteries to power twin motors—one in the front, and one at the back—giving the car all-wheel drive. Regenerative braking will help keep the batteries charged while driving.

Like plenty of other European concepts, the Mixim is small. It weighs in at a scant 2100 pounds and is only 145 inches end to end, making it a full two feet shorter than a Chevrolet Aveo hatchback. Still, that low weight should help keep performance and energy efficiency high."

Unique: Prius helps Toyota cut average emissions

Holy greenhouse gas cutter

"Five of the six largest sellers of automobiles in the United States increased average vehicle emissions over a 15-year-period, largely because of the dramatic increase in SUV sales, a new study has found."

"Nissan Motor Co. had the biggest jump in per-vehicle carbon dioxide emissions, up 9.2 percent. In contrast, Toyota saw its average emissions drop by 3 percent, in part because of the gasoline-electric hybrid Prius."

Ohhhh that quirky Prius and those silly hybrids.

Can Honda build a Prius-contender?

One possible new hybrid from Honda

Honda is the undisputed greenest major automaker, yet when one thinks of green automobiles, hybrid cars automatically come to mind.

When it comes to hybrids, Honda is far behind Toyota. How did that happen?

For starters, the first generation Honda Civic hybrid, for example, was almost more of a mild hybrid than a full hybrid. Even today's Civic hybrid doesn't offer as powerful of a hybrid powertrain as does the Toyota Prius. Quite simply, the Prius is the superior hybrid, especially for urban drivers.

That doesn't mean the Civic hybrid isn't a great car, it is. Finish: Can Honda build a Prius-contender?

Foreign oil dependency equals freedom? Is Chrysler un-American?

Yes, Edwards is a SUV-driving hypocrite, still...

"Last time I checked, America is about choice," wrote Jason Vines, Chrysler Group's vice president of communications, on the company's TheFirehouse.biz blog regarding the statement made by John Edwards for Americans to give up SUVs. "This kind of reminds me of book burnings of the past. Shouldn't a president try to preserve freedoms? So let's lay off any suggestions of vehicle choice by government committee. Trabant, anyone?"

What a joke. Book burnings? Preserving freedom?

Let's be honest, Chrysler doesn't care about freedom, it cares about profit margins. Chrysler has helped sell out America for decades, so let's leave the Patriotism out of it.

Besides, how does foreign oil dependency increase freedom? Finish: Foreign oil dependency equals freedom? Is Chrysler un-American?

Hybrids to help buoy Toyota through subprime mortgage crisis?

Toyota not worried about slumping housing market?

A number of automakers and analysts have already cautioned that the subprime mortgage mess threatens to greatly disrupt the economy and, therefore, people's decisions to purchase automobiles.

Toyota, on the other hand, isn't worried according to both Reuters and the AFP. "We now expect the US car market to shrink slightly this year compared with the previous year, while Toyota continues to strive to meet its initial target," Toyota Motor president Katsuaki Watanabe told reporters.

"Toyota has been outperforming the market by a modest margin," he said.

And, Toyota has reason to be confident. July was a rough month for automakers, yet it was a stellar month for the Toyota Prius. Hybrid cars, it appears, might just help propel Toyota past all competition.

Ohh, that quirky little Prius.

GM's hybrids: The wrong start?

Large SUVs will become GM's first hybrids

When the first full hybrid vehicles from GM hit the streets this Fall, they will come in the form of full size SUVs. And, why should anyone be surprised that GM would start with large SUVs, such as the Yukon hybrid or the Tahoe hybrid?

If large trucks are GM's bread, then large SUVs are GM's butter.

Of course, GM's bread and butter isn't as tasty to consumers as it was a decade ago. Sure, more fuel efficient hybrid versions of these gas-guzzlers might help stem the public's growing disinterest in such vehicles, but will they provide any new marketshare?

--> Finish: GM's hybrids: The wrong start?

The credit crunch and hybrid sales

Can the Prius continue its hot streak into Fall?

The Toyota Prius was hot in July, really hot, but how will the Prius and other hybrid cars sell if consumer credit continues to be crunched? Will the credit crunch affect hybrids more than conventional vehicles?

Part of the success of the Prius has been high energy costs. Still, the Prius isn't an economy car, and while many economy cars might not achieve the fuel efficiency of the Prius, they cost a good bit less. As home prices fall, economy cars might start looking like a better solution for some hybrid buyers trying to deal with energy costs

Of course, weak car sales could lead to incentives - including hybrid incentives, especially as dealers try to unload their 2007 models to make room for 2008 models. Consequently, it might be a good time to buy a hybrid - if you have any equity left.

Foreign oil dependency: Can America change?

Fine here, but not on the highway?

A while back President Bush told U.S. automakers to start making more relevant vehicles, much to the chagrin of the auto industry. Then Barack Obama echoed much of that same sentiment, and now John Edwards has called on Americans to give up their SUVs.

Are Americans ready for such a change?

While hybrid cars, clean diesel vehicles and biofuels offer the future much cleaner vehicles, it will take years before such new technologies can cost-effectively replace conventional vehicles - at least in the short term thinking of American consumers.

Downsizing could have a much more immediate impact. And, coupled with new technologies, downsizing might just put the end of foreign oil dependency in America's sights.

Still, can such talk lead to the White House or does it doom a campaign?

New hybrids at LA auto show?

Will a hybrid steal the show?

Last year's Los Angeles Auto Show offered some interesting hybrid announcements from GM, such as one regarding a plug-in Saturn Vue and hints of the Chevy Volt.

On the other hand, hybrid car king Toyota offered a great display area for its hybrid vehicles, but the automaker seemed far more focused on pickup trucks than hybrids.

Still, Southern California has become the largest hybrid market, and the importance of green vehicles is becoming a major theme for the LA Show - an auto show growing greatly in importance in the auto show circuit.

Currently, there are 12 major world premiers scheduled. One of them has to be a hybrid, and I'm betting one will be a new Prius-derivative, such as a smaller Prius or a crossover Prius. In addition, I'm expecting Honda's new hybrid to also show, and I would love to see a Ford Fusion hybrid, or a dual mode Chevy Malibu hybrid.

Regardless, I'm expecting hybrids to make a strong showing in LA. I can't wait.

Small changes for 2008 Altima hybrid

Starting at $25,695

The 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid will see a small price increase compared to this year's model, but a base Altima hybrid will still be slightly less than a 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid. In addition, the new Altima hybrid will include a few new options such as "splash guards and a Diversity antenna."

"Options on the '08 Altima Hybrid include a $6,400 technology package, an $850 power moonroof and a $1,300 convenience package," according to Edmunds.com.

Honda optimizes Civic hybrid for UK

Interest in hybrids gains in Europe

Honda has added a satellite navigation system to the Civic Hybrid for the UK market. The voice activated Sat Nav system will become standard equipment on all Civic hybrids sold in the UK.

"It's the first time a Hybrid has featured factory-fitted Sat Nav as standard equipment, meeting a growing demand in the sector, particularly from corporate customers wanting high-spec, low emission cars." (more)

Global Insight Analyst without a clue on hybrids

Toyota Camry hybrid on track to sell 60,000 units

"Owning a hybrid is all about saying 'Look at what I'm doing for the world'," says auto analyst John Wolkonowicz of Global Insight. "If you can't say that, the whole purchase is a waste of time."

So, why are so many buying the Camry hybrid? How many more would be buying the Camry hybrid if the full hybrid tax credit was available?

Just because Wolkonowicz has a small-minded personality that equates success with materialism doesn't mean all people do. John might not get it, but some people buy non-Prius hybrid vehicles because they believe in the technology and want to support it, not because they are trying to preach to the world.

When Camry hybrid, Highlander hybrid, Escape hybrid, Altima hybrid and Civic hybrid customers are combined, they make up a pretty significant percentage of hybrid buyers, around 50 percent in fact. So, half of all hybrid buyers are just 'wasting time'?

Maybe it's John's superficial insights into hybrid buyers that are the waste of time.

When it comes to the Prius, it's more fuel efficient than any other hybrid. It's cheaper than any other Toyota hybrid. Its design offers a huge amount of cargo space for a small car, especially when the back seats can be put down. More important, you can't compare its cost-effectiveness against its conventional counterpart - a non-hybrid Prius doesn't exist.

None of that matters to Prius buyers? Such an assumption is just plain clueless.

Different Prius models key to Toyota's hybrid future?

Hybrids: All about the Prius?

I think the Toyota Camry hybrid is an awesome car, and I don't really care if no one notices that it is a hybrid. Still, for many other hybrid buyers, telling the world they drive hybrid cars is important.

Thus, Toyota has been floating the idea of Prius-derivatives for some time. According to Newsweek, Toyota is now committed at least 3 versions of the Prius - a smaller Prius, a family Prius and a crossover Prius.

And, who can argue against this move? When it comes to hybrids, people trust the Prius brand, so let them buy a Prius that best fits their needs. More important, however, the more Prius hybrids Toyota can sell, the more cost-effective hybrid technology becomes.

As Toyota hybrid technology becomes more cost-effective, the sooner more car buyers will buy hybrid versions of every other Toyota automobile, and that's the real future of hybrid technology.

Volt, hybrids, are GM's future?

Chevy Tahoe hybrid: The future of things to come from GM?

"We know that our success in the future is contingent on delivering technology that is meaningful to society," said Larry Nitz, executive director of GM's hybrid technology, who was among the team of engineers at GM's Milford Proving Grounds Friday to showcase the automaker's new powertrain technologies. "The whole spirit of the company is driven to do this."

I have had the pleasure of hanging out with many GM employees, including top executives, and I have to agree that I do believe the "spirit" of GM is changing - has changed.

Already GM is finalizing the launch of its first full hybrid vehicles, such as the Tahoe hybrid and the Yukon hybrid, and many more hybrids are due to hit the road in the next few years, including a dual mode plug-in hybrid, the Saturn Vue.

Still, what really gets many GM employees excited is the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid. Despite the claims of naysayers, this vehicle is not just a hype machine, although it has played that role well since its debut. For GM employees, I believe, the Volt is the nail in the coffin of GM-haters - a role I have taken in the past. The Volt is final proof that GM has not only changed, but that GM can bring the best automotive technology to the world - even in terms of fuel economy or emissions.

While success isn't guaranteed, where there is a will, there is a way, and I absolutely believe that GM has the will. May the force be with them.

Kingsley RVs going hybrid

And solar?

The Kingsley K-3 might soon come in a gasoline-electric hybrid version that could save owners as much as 35 percent on fuel costs. In addition, Kingsley might also add solar power to the model.

"We have started discussions with several manufacturing companies about the concept of a hybrid RV and are excited about the possibilities," stated Allan Smethers, CEO. "With the current high cost of fuels, it clearly makes sense for us to explore the possibilities of a hybrid technology. Preliminary research indicates that fuel savings can amount to 35 percent on electric hybrids and 15 percent on hydrogen injection systems," added Smethers.

Cayenne Hybrid: A step in the right direction for Porsche

Hybrids+ might be Porsche's only way forward, such as this Porsche Cayenne hybrid

So, Greenpeace doesn't like Porsche, even if they do convert some of their vehicles into hybrid vehicles, such as the Cayenne hybrid. Who cares? Greenpeace doesn't believe that hybrids are a solution to global warming either. Apparently, the world's transportation economy is just supposed to stop.

I prefer to deal with realism. Finish: Cayenne Hybrid: A step in the right direction for Porsche

Surprise, Surprise Prius is most researched and read about hybrid

Prius dominates NADA research

The Toyota Prius is the most researched and most read about hybrid at NADAGuides.com.

Wow. Isn't that a big surprise?

About the only interesting fact is that the Honda Civic hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid are more researched than the Toyota Camry hybrid, but more people read reviews of the Camry hybrid compared to either the Civic or Altima hybrids.

I guess when consumers consider hybrid cars, they research Civic and Altima hybrids for comparison before, ultimately, buying the Prius - in most cases. Not as many consumers, however, are researching the Altima or Civic hybrids as seriously as the Camry hybrid, it appears.

Again, that's not really surprising either. While the Prius is the undisputed king of hybrid sales, the Camry hybrid is also blowing away any competition. 60,000 Camry hybrid sales for its first full calendar year is pretty good for a car that offers barely any tax credit.

Lithium powered mild hybrids - Are they worthy?

Lithium powered full hybrid concept, Toyota's FT-HS

Everyone knows the future of hybrid cars and electric cars seems absolutely dependent upon cost-effective, reliable and safe lithium-ion batteries. Without such batteries, forget the Chevy Volt, forget a 100 mpg Prius, forget plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Obviously, however, if li-on batteries are successful, the entire automotive world will be turned upside down and change forever.

Nonetheless, even if lithium achieves reliability and safety, it might take a bit longer to achieve cost-effectiveness. Yet, small lithium-ion batteries are cost-effectively successful in power tools, phones and, usually, notebook computers.

Thus, might not small lithium battery packs be the next best step for hybrid vehicles? For example, might - dare I say it - lithium be perfect for mild hybrid vehicles? Additionally, small battery packs for mild hybrids might, initially, be safer and more reliable because mild hybrids aren't as battery-dependant as full hybrids.

Consequently, couldn't such mild hybrids significantly help increase the mass production of lithium batteries enough to help scale down the cost of such batteries for all hybrid and electric vehicles?

GM to offer small hybrid car - for Europe?

A hybrid concept from GM's Opel brand

GM's Opel brand will debut a Corsa hybrid concept vehicle at the Frankfurt Auto Show according to reports from InsideLine.

"The Corsa Hybrid uses the 75-horsepower Corsa 1.3 CDTI and GM's next-generation belt-alternator starter technology, which makes its debut on the concept. It also uses a lithium-ion battery. Opel says the concept 'requires just 3.75 liters of diesel per 100 km and emits only 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer.'"

Sure, the Opel Corsa Hybrid will probably only qualify as a mild hybrid, but within such a small car, the mild hybrid technology might offer a significant improvement in fuel economy. And, why not offer such technology in smaller cars?

Often times, the buyers of small cars aren't just buying small automobiles because they are cheap, if at all for that matter, but for better fuel economy - so make them as fuel efficient as possible!

Oh yeah, bring'em to the states.

Why not a 2008 Highlander hybrid two-wheel drive?

Only 4WD versions?

Say you're a soccer mom or dad. You need seating for six, but you don't need to do any off-roading, and you want to be as green as possible, as fuel efficient as possible. In fact, you're really interested in hybrid vehicles, and you are interested in buying a hybrid station wagon, mini-van or SUV - any hybrid - it just has to be a fuel efficiency-focused 6-seater.

Well, forget about a two-wheel drive version of the 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid. Instead, soccer moms and dads will have to fork over extra money for unnecessary 4WD technology. Even though Toyota started out with a 2WD Highlander hybrid, it appears Toyota has given up on this segment.

With better marketing, I think Toyota might have achieved relatively more sales success with the 2WD version of the Highlander hybrid if they had focused on fuel economy-focused minivan orientated consumers.

But, I guess we'll never know.

Citroen's 'UrbanHybrid' to debut in Frankfort

Citroen has debuted diesel hybrids in the past

Citroen plans to debut its new C5 Airscape Concept, dubbed the 'UrbanHybrid' at September's Frankfurt Auto Show, although Citroen's 'UrbanHybrid' technology might be extended to other vehicles as well.

'UrbanHybrid' technology will include a number of tools to aid fuel economy, according to Gizmag via BW.

"This includes a reversible alternator-starter and super capacitors and allows onboard equipment, such as the air conditioning or audio system, to be powered by energy recovered during braking and deceleration, while engine torque can be temporarily boosted when required."

"The 'UrbanHybrid' system, which helps reduce CO2 emissions by 24g/km on the combined cycle, also switches off the engine when the vehicle is at standstill, before starting it again instantly once the accelerator is pressed. The fitting of a refined, bio-diesel compliant 208bhp 2.7HDi V6 engine, complete with particulate filter, further minimises any impact on the environment."

Just more proof that hybrid vehicles are the future, even in diesel powered countries.

H.C.C.I. + hybrid technology = gasoline hybrid perfection?

An H.C.C.I. hybrid - as efficient as a diesel hybrid?

GM hasn't been the biggest fan of clean diesel technology.

O.K., not long ago, GM wasn't much of a fan of hybrid technology either, but that has changed. So, it isn't necessarily surprising that GM might not rush into clean diesel, right?

Or, maybe was there an alternative reason that GM hasn't been going diesel crazy?

If there is a reason, it might be the Homogenous-Charge Compression-Ignition engine, or H.C.C.I. --- Finish: H.C.C.I. + hybrid technology = Gasoline Hybrid Perfection

Volvo to announce hybrid plans at Frankfurt Auto Show

How about a hybrid version of the C-30

At the Frankfurt Auto Show, Volvo will debut a C-30 efficiency model that achieves an amazing 52 mpg combined. The 104-horsepower 1.6 liter turbodiesel, unfortunately, might never see a U.S. road, however.

Time for a change in diesel laws?

In addition to the green C-30, Volvo will also announce its plans for hybrid vehicles at Frankfurt.

Vans, trucks and buses: The first phase of the plug-in revolution?

Dodge and Johnson Controls ready to test plug-in hybrid vehicles

When it comes to plug-in hybrid vehicles, it all comes down to the battery. Unfortunately, the lithium-ion batteries used in plug-in hybrid vehicles can be quite large - taking up valuable trunk space, etc.

Johnson Controls think they have a good near term solution for functional plug-in hybrid vehicles on which to test their lithium batteries. According to Johnson Controls, the Dodge Sprinter van is "an ideal vehicle to carry a large battery pack and still have ample room readily accessible for use as a delivery vehicle."

"Advanced battery technology is the single most important enabler in making all types of electric vehicles practical," says Mary Ann Wright, who leads the JCS joint venture and is vice president and general manager of Johnson Controls' hybrid battery business.. "Plug-in hybrids, conventional hybrids, electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will benefit from Lithium-ion technology. Johnson Controls-Saft is determined to deliver state-of-the-art batteries to power advanced, environmentally friendly vehicles."

Testing lithium technology on such vehicles provides not only a great testing environment for a plethora of real world driving conditions, it should also help perfect lithium chemistry until it can be squeezed into even the smallest hybrid cars and electric vehicles.

Sounds like a perfect fit for the U.S. Postal Service, Federal Express, school buses and on and on, let's hope the technology finds its way into these fleets as soon as possible.

Highlander hybrid pricing announced

Base hybrid slightly cheaper, loaded - ouch!

The base Toyota Highlander hybrid will see a small price reduction of less than one percent, starting at $33,700 for the 4WD-i vehicle. The loaded Limited Highlander hybrid will see a large price increase of more than 9 percent to $39,950.

The new Highlander hybrid will ride on a new chassis that is almost 4 inches longer and 3 inches wider, significantly increasing the roominess of the Toyota's hybrid SUV. In addition, the Highlander hybrid will offer new tools to manage fuel economy, adding EV Mode, ECON Mode and a Hybrid System Indicator.

Expect the new Highlander hybrids to hit showrooms in October.

Time for Change? July kills Detroit

No hope until the Volt?

For decades the winds of change have blown across the automotive landscape of America, spreading the seeds of compact car interest, fuel economy, etc. Nurtured by the ever-growing dangers of foreign oil dependency, pollution, and global warming, the seeds of change have flourished.

Consequently, as "unexpectedly weak" July auto sales is forcing Detroit's automakers to expect "vehicle sales to end the year at a nine-year low," the Toyota Prius - the poster child of change - has become the top selling vehicle for the same month.

Not long ago, the Prius was labeled with terms like joke or publicity stunt, even a stupid idea. Yet, not only do Prius sales continue to strengthen, they continue to power Toyota and its hybrid cars . And, make no mistake, selling 60,000 Camry hybrids this year is no less of a joke than the 1st generation Prius - the future is not just the Prius.

America is ready for change now more than ever. Unfortunately, any real change coming out of Detroit, such as the Chevy Volt, is still, minimally, a few years from reality.

As labor unions and executives begin to hammer out the future, let us hope the winds of change are not only realized, but harnessed. Change is the only way forward.

Toyota Prius sales hotter than ever in July

The Prius may not have stole the show at NAIAS, but it is changing the way America drives

"If you thought the move toward hybrids and fuel-efficient sub-compacts was a trend that had perhaps slowed down, think again. This week J.D. Power and Associates released its list of the fastest selling cars and trucks in July and the hottest rides are gas sippers. The Prius was the fastest selling model in the country, followed by the Honda Fit and Scion xB. Call it the trifecta of small but popular cars. What's most intriguing with this list is the fact the Prius remain red hot." (CNBC)

Actually, I don't find it intriguing at all. Even those not seeking to hypermile their Prius drives are achieving low 40 mpg, even in some of the worst driving conditions in the Nation. Others are achieving more than 50 mpg.

Ultimately, the Prius is a great car. More important, as more and more Americans become more concerned about foreign oil dependency, global warming, and high gas prices, Prius power will only grow.

Ford Fusion hybrid closer to reality?

Available in late 2008?

Car&Driver was able to spy the upcoming Fusion hybrid, which should be offered as part of the redesigned 2009 model. Finally, an American automaker will offer a full hybrid sedan?

Early reports indicate that the Fusion hybrid will utilize the same hybrid powertrain as Ford's other hybrid vehicles, such as the Escape hybrid.

Hopefully, GM and Chrsyler will take note. Many hybrid buyers are simply not interested in SUVs, and making hybrid sedans is an important part of the hybrid mix.

Hybrid buyers: Prepare to deal with quirks?

The Quirkiest hybrid?

I came across the article, Learning to live with hybrids a while back, but was turned off by the title and a busy schedule - sometimes hybrid critics are just boring. Of course, assumptions are often even worse than boring critics.

Thus, when I came across this article again today, I decided to read it, which has proven my assumption statement. Assumptions make assess.

While the article is a bit anti-hybrid, or at least hybrid suspicious in nature, it's a good article for anyone whom is thinking about a hybrid purchase, especially a Toyota Prius, the quirkiest of all hybrids. Hybrids are different and buyers should be prepared. It doesn't mean hybrids are bad, just different, and for some, difference - or change - is hard.

Additionally, the article causes me to give a small amount of props to GM. One of the hybrid quirks covered in the referenced article is the hybrid display of many hybrid cars - it can be dangerous when drivers are more focused on the screen to maximize fuel efficiency than on the road.

GM, on the other hand, will offer a nice solution - a small hybrid efficiency gauge that makes maximizing hybrid efficiency as easy as watching your speed (Read more about GM's hybrid technology in The devil drives a Tahoe hybrid). Kudos.

Still, for potential hybrid buyers, Learning to Live with hybrids is worth the read.

Siemens shows off hybrid sports car

A modified hybrid Mercedes C-Class by Siemens

Hybrid sports cars don't make sense, right? People buy hybrid vehicles for fuel economy, not performance, so why would Siemens modify a Mercedes C-Class Sports Coupe into a hybrid?

For starters, the hybrid offers incredible sport's car performance, along with incredible fuel economy for such performance. Moreover, it allows Siemens to debut its new prototype lithium hybrid technology, as well as its lithium battery cooling system - possibly the key to lithium power.

Still, isn't such a vehicle a waste of hybrid technology? Didn't the Honda Accord hybrid prove that performance hybrids don't sell?

Until a new battery is developed, hybrid technology is still just an emerging technology. NiMH batteries are not the future of the automotive revolution. Lithium batteries, or something similar, will power the real hybrid revolution. More important, economies of scale will make lithium-powered vehicles cost-effective compared to conventional vehicles, even expensive sports coupes.

Ultimately, cost-effective lithium technology isn't only about fuel economy, it's about better automobiles, even sports coupes.

--> Read more about the Siemens hybrid in the DetroitNews.

Ford struggling with Escape hybrid demand

Something fishy going on at Ford?

Shopping for a Ford Escape hybrid isn't easy. You just can't find them. Sure, you can add your name to a list and race everyone down to the dealership when one comes in, or you can place a down payment on the next available Escape hybrid.

Still, what's the problem?

According to some reports, Ford says the problem has nothing to do with the production system.

That's a pretty sad answer from the automaker. It's not as if the hybrid Escape is just debuting. The vehicle has been around for years now, shouldn't Ford have a better grasp on demand and on meeting that demand?

If the automakers isn't committed to selling its hybrid vehicles, perhaps it should stop selling them.

The Chevy Malibu hybrid: GM's Big Mistake?

GM plans massive marketing blitz to challenge Camry

The Chevy Malibu is of critical importance to GM, thus the automaker will use a six-speed transmission with a four-cylinder engine to increase fuel economy. In addition, GM will spend more than $100 million marketing the Malibu in an effort to challenge the Toyota Camry.

That's great, but how much buzz would a full hybrid version of the Malibu have brought to GM dealers?

GM's Bob Lutz has essentially called the Toyota Prius a marketing coup. It's not that the Prius is breaking sale's records for any category outside of hybrid cars, rather it's the fact that the Prius is a PR machine. Even if the Prius isn't selling, it's still driving buyers into Toyota.

Moreover, while the Toyota Camry hybrid might only sell a little more than 50,000 units this year, I'll bet the Camry hybrid has also helped drive more buyers into Toyota.

So, why not a dual mode Malibu hybrid? GM's dual mode technology is ready to roll. Selling 50,000 Malibu hybrids in 2008 wouldn't just make GM the second best hybrid vehicle seller and validate GM's hybrids, it would drive incredible buzz to GM.

What's the deal? Can't GM compete?

Grassroots CAFE rallies?

Obama will be a focus of the UAW in Chicago this weekend

This weekend automakers and their unions will hold rallies in Chicago and St. Louis in an attempt to gain support for a "balanced CAFE approach like Hill-Terry" writes the DetroitNews. That approach would require a 35 mpg mandate for cars and 32 mpg for light trucks by 2022 versus 35 mpg for all vehicles by 2020.

Sadly, even 35 mpg by 2020 will do nothing to reduce foreign oil dependency when consumption increases by a few percent every year. Ultimately, the entire current CAFE debate is an absolute joke and a complete waste of time.

Hot on the heals of my Chevy Tahoe hybrid test drive, I am empathetic to GM's concerns, for example. 35 mpg could kill not just the Tahoe, but the Tahoe hybrid, the Yukon hybrid, the Escalade hybrid and on and on.

Still, if GM is able to develop lithium batteries for the Chevy Volt and for the plug-in Saturn Vue hybrid, then GM can turn the Tahoe hybrid into either a lithium powered Tahoe, or a plug-in Tahoe hybrid. Such a vehicle, I'm confident, could hit 35 mpg by 2020 - probably pretty easily.

If not, which is more important, the ability to buy a Tahoe hybrid or the end of foreign oil dependency?

Still, when studies suggest that as much as 70 percent of the real cost