The Latest in Hybrid Happenings

By: Gregg Hall

Hybrids are one of the most popular options in transportation
today. Consumers are flocking to these vehicles for many
reasons. One of the most popular reasons consumers love hybrids
is because they save them hundreds of dollars a year in gasoline
purchases. Hybrids are not only easy on the pocketbook, but also
extremely easy on the environment. These environmental
advantages are getting the attention of government and
corporations as well. With more hybrid models coming out each
year, it is no shock that this innovative vehicle design is
moving to the top of the sales chain.

Some of the freshest news in hybrid happens involves
legislation. Many states and cities are becoming more aware of
the environmental advantages hybrids offer for their
communities. Just by driving a hybrid, the average citizen is
cutting their transportation pollution output by up to 90%. If
every citizen made the transition to the hybrid, there would be
much less air pollution in an area. Therefore, the government is
beginning to offer incentives for hybrid owners.

In some areas, hybrid car owners are enjoying perks for their
local government already. In large cities like Los Angeles,
hybrid owners can park at any city parking meter for free.
Various cities in New Mexico and Connecticut are also offering
free city parking for hybrid owners. Even cities that have not
offered free parking are offering parking discounts. Students,
professors, and staff at the University of Miami enjoy a 50%
reduction in their parking fees for driving a hybrid vehicle.
Many of these locations only authorize certain hybrids however,
based on their total emissions. If you drive a hybrid, you may
want to investigate your community's incentives.

By offering incentives, community governments can encourage
consumers to make wise environmental decisions. Although it is
unlikely these incentives will completely influence a car buyer
to get a hybrid, they will often help a car buyer who is "on the
fence" choose a hybrid for their purchase. Showing the citizens
of the community that the government is committed to rewarding
those who contribute is a great way to help the hybrid trend.

Corporations that care about their communities are also getting
in on the incentive deals. Many, especially in the state of
California, are offering cash toward the purchase of a hybrid
for all full time employees. Some corporations will only approve
specific hybrid models and others have a limit on how many
employees can take advantage of the cash each year. However, as
a whole, this incentive is working great. There are many reasons
a corporation can benefit from offering this type of incentive,
however at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is
that the incentive is helping the environment.

Since sales of hybrids are soaring, there will be many new
hybrid models coming to consumers in the next few years. Most of
the hybrids on the market thus far have been cars. For the 2006
model year however, there will be four new sport utility
vehicles offered. The Lexus RX 400h, the Mazda Tribute, the
Mercury Mariner, and the Toyota Highlander are all going to be
available. All of the models are only available with automatic
transmissions. The Ford Escape that was introduced for the 2005
model year is doing so well that manufacturers are optimistic
about these new designs. Obviously, these designs won't get as
many mpg as a hybrid car will, but they are still very
eco-friendly.

At least twelve more hybrid models are expected by the end of
2008. These models will include a Toyota Camry Hybrid, a Nissan
Altima Hybrid, a Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Tahoe, and a GMC
Yukon Hybrid. With something that appeals to everyone coming
out, there is an expected increase in the sales of hybrids.
Consumers are going to be choosing models that they already love
and getting the perks of driving a hybrid.

With the government, businesses, and manufacturers focusing on
hybrid models and incentives for hybrids, there should be a
continued trend involving hybrids. Consumers will take advantage
of these incentives and feel great about doing their part to
help the environment. With lifestyles that make driving cars
almost necessary, these hybrids are offering a peaceful
alternative for vehicle drivers everywhere.

About the author:
Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online
and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16
year old son. Get car care
products from http://www.stopwaxing.com