The Latest On 2008 Hybrid Cars

Environmentally conscious drivers will have more hybrid car and hybrid truck options this year and next, as auto manufacturers continue to roll out new versions and models. Consumer demand for hybrids continues to increase, as consumers begin to understand and accept hybrid vehicles as a viable alternative.

Hybrid cars (and trucks) are designed to reduce emissions by having at least two separate power sources. Basically, instead of relying on burning fuel for all its power, a hybrid vehicle typically uses both an energy storage system in addition to gasoline, thereby expending less gasoline and less emissions.

Specifically, an energy storage system in a hybrid vehicle will in effect recognize when fuel is being wasted and will recycle energy to power the car or truck. Wasteful car and truck actions such as idling, traffic stops, etc. are recognized by the energy storage system and the gasoline burning engine is stopped. City drivers in particular notice a greater fuel economy with hybrids due to the constant stop and go flow of heavy city traffic.

What You Should Expect To See In 2008:

New Hybrid Sedans:

Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion lead the list of new hybrid car choices later this year. Also, you'll see Chevrolet introduce the Chevy Malibu as a hybrid model later this summer as a 2009 model. Saturn's AURA will also arrive as the latest addition to their Green Line.

2008 SUV's and Crossover Hybrids:

Toyota will roll out their Sienna hybrid minivan and also expect to see a Toyota Prius with significantly less weight than the standard Prius. Also, Saturn will introduce their VUE Green Line, touted as having almost 50% fewer emissions vs. their regular model. Also appearing will be the Chevy Equinox SUV.

Hybrid Pickups and Hybrid Trucks:

The Chevrolet Silverado, a full size pickup, will debut as a 2009 hybrid model. Also from General Motors, the GMC Sierra full size pickup will arrive later in 2008 as a 2009 model.

What Else Is New In The 2008 Hybrid Car World:

The Chinese auto manufacturer SAIE rolls out their very first 2008 hybrid car offering this year, introducing the Roewe 750, a midsize car. The Roewe 750 is patterned after the United Kingdom's famous Rover 75.

We'll be seeing auto manufacturers continue to roll out new hybrid car and truck models as consumer demand increases. Expect to see significant new hybrid developments as we head toward 2009 and 2010.

For a comprehensive look at 2008 hybrid cars, including hybrid car and truck comparisons and availability, be sure to visit our new 2008 hybrid car resource site at http://www.hybridcars101.info

By Jim Hofman