For many years, new car buyers considered cup holders more important than fuel economy. Forking over three dollars for every gallon of gas has shifted those priorities. The auto industry has responded to the new desire for fuel economy by offering a growing number of fuel-efficient models—not just hybrids. Auto engineers are getting more and more sophisticated, but buying a fuel-efficient car doesn’t have to be rocket science—if you follow these common-sense shopping tips.
Five years ago hybrid cars were an unknown commodity. Today vehicles powered by a combination of gasoline and electricity are all the rage. Like any new technology, until you get your hands on it—in this case, on the steering wheel—it's hard to get your mind around it.
Ford plans to use diesel engine technology to keep its big trucks competitive with rivals using a mix of hybrids and diesels. The auto industry’s shift to greater efficiency is occurring throughout entire product lines—including the largest vehicles on the market.
A survey from AAA, released this week, suggests that gas mileage has become the number one consideration for American consumers in choosing a new vehicle. Have we reached a tipping point?
The national average price for gasoline rose 9 cents over the last two weeks, beginning a surge predicted to bring $4-per-gallon prices in the coming months. But some analysts believe that $4 prices at the pump must be sustained for a long period in order to yield significant changes in driving or car-buying patterns.
ZAP, the California-based electric car maker, is teaming up with Colorado-based Hybrids Plus to offer plug-in conversion systems for the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid.
More than 30,000 customers have placed an order for the ultra-hip high-mpg Smart ForTwo. These customers left a refundable $99 deposit, but have been left in the dark about when their cool cute car will arrive. That wait could be one year or longer.
Toyota will show two small vehicles, the Urban Cruiser and the A-Bat, at the Geneva Motor Show next week, both of which are viable offerings for the U.S. market. Adding small and efficient vehicles could help Toyota move in the direction of meeting new higher fuel efficiency standards.
If you’re excited enough about plug-in hybrids to start shopping for one, you may need to reset your expectations. Despite all the media attention about plug-in hybrids, it’s still not yet possible for an individual consumer to buy one. In the meantime, there are a growing number of companies that will convert your plain-old hybrid into a plug-in hybrid. Check out our updated list of conversion companies.
GMC is introducing the 2009 Sierra Two-Mode Hybrid pickup truck at the Chicago Motor Show this week. The Sierra Hybrid is due out in late 2008. In addition, GMC will unveil a hybrid pickup concept called the Denali XT, which can run on E85 ethanol.
