Hybrid cars - Previsions for the market trend of hybrid vehicules

Last year, more than one-quarter of a million hybrid cars and trucks have been purchased in America. The question now is: what will sales for hybrid cars look like this year? The forecasts which analysts talk about vary a lot, with sales growth projected to be as low as 19% and as high as 86%. Nobody really knows which of those forecasts one should follow, but in all cases, we should be optimistic about hybrid sales for the next few years for at least two reasons:

Toyota itself, the world's leader, is optimistic. Yes, right now, Toyota drives the hybrid market. Their models are counting for more than three-quarters of all hybrid sales last year. That's not peanuts! The President of Toyota, Katsuaki Watanabe, estimated sales this year in North America at over 300,000 units, which is about a 50% increase from last year! Analysts following the hybrid car market can therefore predict whatever sales number they could even dream of for next year, but when Toyota's President provides some guidance in terms of sales, it's really the "real deal".

The second reason for which we can be optimistic is that the number of hybrid offerings, from Toyota itself as from most other car makers, will expand dramatically. In the next 12 to 24 months, the number of cars and trucks offering hybrid motors will double. As a consequence, there will be more choice for consumers interested in buying hybrids. Although some of the new vehicles (e.g. Mazda Tribute) are essentially just redesigned versions of existing hybrid models, most other new cars and trucks expand the hybrid system into new vehicle classes. Therefore, it is wise to pay close attention to sales of General Motors, Cadillac, and Dodge, as they will be true full-hybrids, employing the special dual-mode hybrid system which has been developed by the alliance between GM/DaimlerChrysler/BMW (unlike previous mild-hybrid offerings).

We can't yet talk about hybrid technology built in full-sized SUV buyers but are looking forward to such development. With over 500'000 Americans which invested in full-sized SUVs last year, car makers will probably soon show up with some hybrid SUV. However, even if a modest fraction of them opted for a hybrid version, it would definitely boost overall hybrid sales.

Read more about hybrid cars, and how to save money every day with our driving tips for hybrid car owners.

Transport - How to reducing air pollution while using less gas and saving money

Transportation

Drive Less - Drive Smart - Save Money while reducing air pollution!
Active, Useful Information, Brought to you...
... by Suzan Wild

Within a few minutes, you'll learn about:

• Reducing air pollution (half comes from cars and trucks, and you can help improving this!)
• Adopting smart driving habits to reduce your car's emissions (and gas consumption!)
• Alternatives modes of transportation
• Keeping pollution at a minimum while driving
• Which type of car to look for next time you'll buy one
• Which cars pollute more than others

That's it for the introduction, let's start now!

About half the air pollution comes from cars and trucks, in the United States. Two important ways to reduce air pollution are to drive less -- even a little less -- and to drive smart. Taking fewer trips in your car or truck helps cut air pollution. And adopting smart driving habits reduces your car's emissions.

Driving less doesn't mean you have to stay home. Try combining driving with alternative modes of transportation:

Carpool

Walk or ride a bicycle

Shop by phone or mail

Ride public transit

Telecommute

Driving smart keeps pollution at a minimum.

Accelerate gradually

Use cruise control on the highway

Obey the speed limit

Combine your errands into one trip

Keep your car tuned and support the smog check program

Don't top off at the gas pumps

Replace your car's air filter

Keep your tires properly inflated

When shopping for your next car

Look for the most efficient, lowest polluting model--or even use either a non-polluting car or zero emission vehicle.

If you must drive on days with unhealthy air, drive your newest car. Newer cars generally pollute less than older models. Improved air quality will give everyone more breathing room for the future. Thank you for doing your part.

Please read more about how to reduce the cost of gas with hybrid cars.