Hybrid vehicles are predicted to carve out 2.5% – 2.8% market share of new vehicles sold in 2008. The 2008 Toyota Prius hybrid again leads the pack accounting for 50% of all hybrids sold.  This over-achieving fuel efficient gas/electric hybrid recovers energy from the braking system when the brakes are applied and uses that energy to charge a battery.

Many other car manufacturers, including Honda, Ford and Chevy, marketed fuel efficient hybrids in 2008 with limited success.  But their efforts continue as the industry goes green.  Toyota has three of the top five best selling hybrid cars (see below).

Best Selling 2008 Hybrid Cars:

1. Toyota Prius

2. Toyota Camry

3. Honda Civic

4. Toyota Hylander

5. Ford Escape



Currently Toyota uses Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries in the Prius and other 2008 Hybrids.  The engine is called “Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD)”, a refinement of the original Toyota Hybrid System (THS) used in the 1997-2003 Toyota Prius.  The name was changed to accommodate usage outside the Toyota brand.  Toyota describes HSD-equipped vehicles as having E-CVT (Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission).

Toyota is expected to continue leading other manufacturers in fuel efficient automobiles over the next few years.  Toyota will be introducing lighter materials (carbon fibre and aluminum) and plug-in Lithium-Ion batteries with a goal of achieving 90 mpg.

Honda employs a parallel drivetrain with an electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission.  Honda calls it’s technology “Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)”.  IMA wasfirst introduced on the Insight in 1999.   It uses an electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission.  The implementation employs a parallel drivetrain..

A spokesman for GM recently predicted that 4 out of 5 cars sold in the year 2020 will be fuel efficient hybrids as a result of increasingly tougher emissions standards.  More information on 2008 hybrids.



By: Steve Auger

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Since the inception of the hybrid automobile into the automobile market in 2000, each year has brought new models with improvements that have improved performance and interior features. This year, 2007, hybrid car offering will be no different. The year 2007 offers hybrid car manufacturers the chance to debut the best in their year 2007 hybrid car line in regards to performance abilities and environmental enhancements.

When considering the purchase of a new 2007 hybrid automobile, some of the features that should be considered are the size, price, gas mileage and appearance of each model that is featured at each manufacturer’s dealership.

These hybrid automobiles feature gas powered engines, and are equipped with electrical motors as well as a heavy-duty battery or battery pack. There are two varieties of hybrid automobiles. The mild hybrid features a gas-powered engine that supplies the main propulsion to move the car down the highway. An electrical motor provides an added assist in situations where an extra power thrust is needed. The electrical motor also serves to recharge the car battery while the car is on the highway. The full hybrid features a gas-powered engine, with an electric motor and battery as well, but in the full hybrid the electric motor can power the car on its own under certain circumstances. These features will give your new hybrid automobile the best in gas saving features.

The fuel economy on each of the 2007 line of hybrid cars is absolutely outstanding. The specific models of hybrid automobiles, and the fuel economy listings associated with each model are contained in the following list:

* 2007 Toyota Prius – 51 Hwy/60 City

* 2007 Toyota Camry – 38 Hwy/40 City

* 2007 Toyota Highland – 27 Hwy/31 City

* 2007 Ford Escape – 29 Hwy/33 City

* 2007 Honda Accord – 29 Hwy/20 City

* 2007 Honda Civic – 51 Hwy/49 City

* 2007 Lexus GS450H – 28 Hwy/25 City

* 2007 Lexus RX400h – 27 Hwy/32 City

* 2007 Mercury Mariner – 23 Hwy/18 City

These new car models for 2007 offer a comprehensive list of prices, and come with rebates and other incentives to make your new hybrid car purchase a most pleasant experience. With each new car in the 2007 line, you will receive all of the latest car specifications and relevant information on every model that is available to you today.

With this information you will have all you need to make an informed decision to purchase the right hybrid car that will fit the needs of your family. The safety data that is available at each car dealership, on every make and model of hybrid car, will give you the latest safety features that are built in to each of the above models.

The color and selection of each of these models in the 2007 hybrid automobile line can be customized to fit the tastes of the car owner. With the purchase of a new 2007 hybrid automobile, the new car buyer will reap the tax saving benefits offered with The Hybrid Car Tax Credit. This tax benefit will vary and is dependent on the make and model of hybrid car that is purchased, as well as the automakers sales in that hybrid model. The tax benefit savings are outlined by the Federal Government, specifically the Internal Revenue Service and could reach an amount of $3150 on some models.



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