cymfc3s

Over 40 hybrid models coming soon in 2006-07. This is simple economics. Gas prices high, demand for fuel-efficient vehicles goes up. But, this is good news. As the hybrid technology improves as demand increases, hybrids will become more mainstream and adaptable to different platforms. I think this and fuel efficient modern diesel engines are great thing for the US consumer, and unless gas prices go down substantially (yeah right) many people will be re-thinking hybrids....



http://www.marketwatch.com/news/yhoo/story...oo&dist=myyahoo

phinsup

This is very similar to the gas crunch in the late 70's, in the early 80's auto manufacturers were producing more diesels for the us market then ever before and for that matter after. Over time the diesels went away and the cars got bigger and bigger and bigger.



Would be nice to axe the dependancy on oil in it's entirety, move on to something like biodiesel or hydrogen, however i dont know that we could make enough biodiesel to keep up with demand.



A lot hybrids are a joke, they only run on electric at a stop light and they get maybe 10 to 15% better gas milage then theur non hybrid counterparts, looks like that will eventually improve.

PhoenixDownVII

Is the maintenance for the Hybrid a bit expensive, or odd? Last I heard it is damn expensive to replace the "Battery" or whatnot....



Otherwise it seems like the best idea/alternative, besides encouraging carmakers to make engines more efficient...

Shane.Trammell

the way i see it, when the market is flooded with hybrids the gas companies will just continue to raise prices to keep their profits up. this will keep it about even in cost per mile.