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A recent
survey by J.D. Power and Associates showed before
the market price is revealed, 72 percent of consumers say
they are “definitely/probably” interested in having
hybrid-electric technology in their next new vehicle.
Hybrids excel in not just
one, but several areas:
gas mileage -
Typically, people report getting mileage in
the 45-48 MPG range with Civic Hybrids and Toyota Priuses. Owning a hybrid is like buying an
insurance policy against future increases in the price of gasoline.
Energy is going to be an issue that you are going to hear about
constantly from now on, as countries like China, India, Russia and
many others greatly increase their consumption of energy. We've already
seen that when gas prices have suddenly jumped, sales of hybrid vehicles
have surged. It makes sense to plan now and get one before everyone else
decides they want one too. In addition to saving money, you can reduce
the frequency between fill ups. With ranges of up to 600 miles,
some people only fill up just once or twice a month!
reduced emissions -
up to 90% lower than regular vehicles. Hybrids produce less of several
pollutants: carbon dioxide (the global warming gas), Oxides of Nitrogen
(NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO; a poisonous gas), Particulate Matter (PM:
tiny particles of solid matter that lodge in the lungs and deposit on
buildings), Formaldehyde (HCHO; a lung irritant and carcinogen). The
difference is so significant that Congress has granted a Clean-Fuel
Federal tax deduction.
energy independence
- Conservatives like former CIA Director James Woolsey, are driving
hybrids, as a way to make America energy independent. The less fuel we
burn, the less reliant the US is on foreign oil.
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Current models:
Ford Escape Hybrid
Honda Civic
Toyota
Prius
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Saturn
VUE hybrid
2009 Saturn VUE hybrid (completely redesigned hybrid system)
Lexus Hybrid RX 400h
Lexus Hybrid GS 450h
Mercury Mariner
Nissan Altima
Lexus LS 600h L
Saturn Aura
Mazda Tribute (California only)
Chevy Malibu
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Chevy Silverado
GMC Sierra
Cadillac Escalade
discontinued:
Dodge Durango |
Upcoming and possible models:
Honda will be bringing out out 3
new hybrids in the next few years. The most exciting may be their
new "global hybrid". It might actually get better mileage than the
2009 Prius, which will focus on a slightly more powerful design.
Honda
Insight
The Prius is scheduled for a
updated
model for 2009.
Hyundai Sonata
Ford Fusion (2009)
Hyundai and Kia
Subaru
Chevy Equinox
Porsche Cayenne
Mercury Milan
Audi Q5
Mercedes Benz
Ford Five Hundred
Ford Edge
Saab
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