Ultra Luxury Cars | Hybrids Hit Mainstream For Manufactures

Would you believe me if I told you that Ferrari has unveiled a hybrid model?

A year ago, I would have laughed with you at the idea of a lean, cherry-red, Italian supercar with a hybrid power unit.

The Ferrari 559 is a radical departure for the company, but not for the hybrid unit alone - the car came not with the signature red paint job, but appreciatively green!

Obviously, this is not last year - it is 2010 and Ferrari is only one of a number of major car manufacturers announcing and unveiling hybrid models.

English car research and bespoke engineering company, Lotus has supplied a number of hybrid power unit "plug-ins" for Malaysian car manufacturer, Proton.

Hybrids have been the domain of the Japanese for the last five years, but the American car giants have been catching up (especially with the Congressional strings attached to bail-out funding and Presidential demands for cleaner and fuel-efficient cars). Now the Europeans are getting in on the act, and several manufacturers will undoubtedly be taking a share in the US market.

The Volkswagen Passat, diesel powered, has been voted the greenest car in the US for 2009, but it is not a hybrid. VW are addressing this glaring omission in their line-up with the introduction of the 2011 Toureg, an SUV which has shed over 460 pounds and has an added gas/electric unit. Though the Toureg comes in lighter than previous models, it has managed to retain its dimensions, so it is not in fact a smaller vehicle (just lighter).

Porsche have also launched the hybrid version of the Cayenne which shares the same platform as the Toureg (VW owns Porsche which is run as an independent unit), and the same hybrid unti will power the 2011 hybrid model too. It should come as no surprise that Audi are also getting in on the act - Audi is, of course, also owned by VW - and the same power unit is seen in the Audi S4.

Staying with VW a moment longer, Audi has launched the A8 Hybrid as its first major entry into the hybrid market. One difference from Audi's approach compared to the rest of the market is that Audi have focused on enhancing fuel efficiency from the petrol unit and not the electric one. Thanks to this, it is not the greenest car you can buy, but then again it is not a "small" car which seems to have been eschewed by the major European car makers. They are all competing for the high-end car buyer who wants green credentials but no sacrifice in performance and luxury.

BMW is also introducing a new 5-series range this year, but what really caught everyone's attention was not the new range but the 5-series Concept under BMW's ActiveHybrid brand. BMW has dabbled with hybrid concepts before, but the 5-series is the company's flagship range (closely allied with the 3-series). The 5-series range is probably BMW's best bet for entering the US hybrid market, and this is what has grabbed observers attention more than anything else, though the 7-series has already been put into production.

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History Of Hybrid Cars

Hybrid automobile is the organism container that uses digit or more sources of noesis for comely functioning and moving. The organism vehicles hit an automobile motor, in addition to a oxidization engine, to create noesis to advise the vehicle.

A organism container combines the noesis generated from automobile batteries and fuel engine. These vehicles were matured when the cognisance about inferior damaging, noesis generating methods were discovered. The organism vehicles were the solution for preserving the lubricator resources, increasing prices of fuel and personalty of container emergence on the environment. Due to their benefits, organism cars are now prefabricated and offered by every the leading container companies.

Hybrid cars are not something invented in the recent times but hit a daylong history. Ferdinand Verbiest in 1665 came up with the intent for the prototypal time when he proven to run a container using steam engine or by moving. Nicholas Cugnot proven to place the dean to training in 1769. He worked on steam-powered engine and was flourishing in moving the container at the speed of six miles an hour. It was arduous to advise the container for a daylong distance; therefore, the send did not proceed further.

In nineteenth century, Robert Anderson fashioned the prototypal automobile powered by energy in 1839. It was also not a comely organism automobile as it was arduous to recharge the automobile and it thence had a very limited range. After a some years in 1870, David Solomon, another scientist, prefabricated a device motor for the organism vehicle. Recharging was arduous and costly, so the intent was not applicatory enough to place into use.

Developing good organism cars became a possibleness mart for different investors. Many large motor companies started working on the send of developing Hybrid cars. For dynamical an automobile engine in the organism container a 28-cell shelling was designed. It led to the invention of \"Bersey Cabs\", in 1897. These cabs utilised an automobile motor and 40 radiophone shelling for moving. The noesis system was invented and fashioned by Walter Bersey. These organism cars could easily cover a distance of fifty miles in a azygos charging.

In 1898, Porsche was the company that utilised a combined internal oxidization and automobile engine to derive the power. The batteries were installed in the rotate hubs of the vehicle. The container could easily travel a distance of cardinal miles, without any recharging on a azygos battery.

A European carmaker Pieper introduced a insight intent for utilization of organism cars. The automobile he prefabricated utilised a horsepower motor and automobile motor. In this organism vehicle, the automobile motor provided the player noesis to pedal engine, whenever needed. The fashioned container necessary a shelling pack to impact properly.

Commercial Built Trucks Company introduced a unreal for shelling pack. It was a four-cylinder pedal engine, but the company did not produce a aggregation of vehicles. Hybrid cars again gained grandness as a possibleness market. In 1969, the General Motors Company fashioned organism vehicles that utilised pedal oxidization and automobile power. Volkswagen invented the alter in the organism vehicles that was utilised to alter from fuel engine to automobile motor of the vehicle. This alter helped in increasing the efficiency of vehicle.

Other organism vehicles were also fashioned dirt 1997. But in 1997, Toyota was the prototypal company that matured an efficient and applicatory organism car. These organism cars gained popularity. After that, brand same Honda also cracked the organism automobile mart and different modifications since then hit prefabricated organism cars the prototypal option for the customers when buying a car.

About the Author

Browse the Lexus arrange of Hybrid Cars and book a effort intend online, visit the Lexus website for more information.

The Revolutionary Hybrid Car

You may have heard of the new Hybrid cars being mentioned in the news, magazines and car programmes. The Hybrid car is a revolutionary concept that has been created to help protect our environment.

The difference between a standard car and the Hybrid car is that the engines run off rechargeable batteries and gasoline opposed to just gasoline or diesel. Hybrid cars can reduce smog up to 90% and can offer much higher fuel economy against a normal car engine. Eventually the idea is that everyone will drive a Hybrid car providing fuel efficient transportation which will effectively reduce pollution from car fumes alongside decreasing the worry for rising gas prices.

Hybrid car engines run an electric motor when accelerating during this time the gasoline side of the engine is shut down. When the batteries need to be charged again the gasoline engine wills start again. When the hybrid car brakes it usually will return to the electric motor side because of the lower amount of power needed when braking for an extended amount of time.

Hybrid cars are a wonderful concept for our environment; they can effectively get 55-60 miles per gallon over inner city driving. This is actually more than three times better then many of today's economical SUV's! Another impressive factor is against the new electric cars in that the Hybrid car does not require limited use and there is no need to recharge their engines. Electric cars require recharging anywhere from 50-100 miles. The hybrid engine has the ability to recharge itself with the gas side of it. This means that long distance travel is never a worry for the fuel efficient auto enthusiasts with today's hybrid motors. Also a massive disadvantage the electric car has is performance. Most electric cars are only able to reach a top speed of around 60 miles per hour whereas the hybrid engine will perform just the same speeds as the standard cars.

If you are looking for more information on this cutting edge car visit your local dealer or you can research a large amount of information by searching online.

About the Author

Terry Metcalfe writes on behalf of the OK Driving School specialists in intensive driving courses and driving course theory tests.

Top 10 2009 Hybrid-Electric Cars

Here are the top ten most Green and Hybrid-Electric Cars this 2009 according to the people who have this kind of cars.

1. 2009 Civic Hybrid CVT AT-PZEV
2. 2009 Prius Touring
3. 2009 Tribute Hybrid Grand Touring HEV 2WD
4. 2009 Mariner Hybrid FWD
5. 2009 Escape Hybrid Limited FWD
6. 2009 Camry Hybrid 4-Door Sedan
7. 2009 VUE Hybrid FWD 4-Cylinder
8. 2009 Malibu Hybrid HY
9. 2009 Highlander Hybrid Limited
10. 2009 Altima Hybrid HEV

source:
http://autos.yahoo.com

The New Era of Hybrid Cars

The first self-powered vehicle had its inception by Brezine in the year 1769. Since then there are a lot of modifications in the mechanism of cars. The modern automobiles are in possession of sophisticated technology, thereby meeting the present demands of the global economy.

The first priority of every human being is to strive for meeting the basic demands. Once he is satisfied and all his demands get fulfilled his demand, his priorities shifts from basic to luxury.

Hybrid cars come under the luxurious vehicle category. It is not new to the world. The invention of hybrid vehicles took place in 19th and 20th century. Recently, the big multinationals like Honda and Toyota have introduced electric vehicles in the global market, which immediately acquired acceptability and popularity worldwide, thereby winning the automobile of the year award in 2004.

Hybrid cars are environment friendly, as they functions on electricity. They come under the category of more fuel-efficient vehicles. These are the most sophisticated and stylish automobiles with latest technology.

Considering the environmental issues round the globe like global warming, such cars are appropriately suited for the present day requirements. The emissions produced by such automobiles are much lower due to its eco friendly characteristic. As a result, the road taxes are also far less than any other usual car.

Despite of the fact, that the fuel is getting lesser day by day, the technological advancement continues. Thus, hybrid cars are the automobiles of the future. There is a tremendous increase in the popularity and demand of hybrid cars.

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Why People Love Hybrid SUVs?

Hybrid SUVs are becoming very fast one of the most popular vehicles on the road today. In fact, online searches for a SUV hybrid in 2008 and 2009 are among the highest for all hybrid cars. Hybrid SUVs are in high demand as consumers seek new fuel-efficiency options. The 2010 Hybrid SUVs are getting more powerful and better mileage than their conventional counterparts.

There are over 15 models available now and several new ones scheduled to reach auto dealers at the end of this year and in early 2010.

Hybrid Vehicle Gas Mileage Estimates (city/hwy)
(2008 & 2009 Hybrid SUV models)

34/30 mpg: 2008 Mazda Tribute (AWD)
34/30 mpg: 2009 Ford Escape (AWD)
34/30 mpg: 2009 Mercury Mariner (4WD)
27/32 mpg: 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line (2WD)
27/25 mpg: 2008 Toyota Highlander (AWD)
26/24 mpg: 2008 Lexus 400h (AWD)
21/22 mpg: 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (2WD)
20/20 mpg: 2009 GMC Yukon (4WD)
20/21 mpg: 2009 Cadillac Escalade

Hybrid SUVs combine the interior space and ride quality of an SUV with fuel-saving capabilities of hybrid cars. Some environmentalists have criticized the hybrid SUV as a misapplication of gas-electric technology. It's true that hybrid SUVs do not reach the level of fuel efficiency of smaller hybrids in terms of miles-per-gallon. Yet, miles-per-gallon is a non-linear and counter-intuitive form of measurement. An apparently small jump in fuel efficiency-for example, from 14 to 16 mpg-saves as much oil as increasing fuel economy from 35 to 50 mpg, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists.

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Advantages of Buying Hybrid Cars

When it was strongly felt by the environmentalists that the world is fast heading towards an environment disaster, gas emission was the first thing that needed to be controlled. The automakers in their own capacity re-invigorated their automobiles. The engines drawing on batteries instead of gasoline were fixed in the cars.

Hybrid cars are defined as cars or vehicles drawn by electricity as well as gasoline. Hybrid cars are environment friendly as there is over ninety percent control in the pollutants. The emission in normal cars consists of gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur, carbon monoxide; these gases are injurious to health. They cause respiratory diseases and allergies. Therefore, the hybrid cars as drawn by electricity are safer than cars driven by gasoline. These hybrid cars are extremely environmental friendly.

Hybrid cars have been exempted from tax payment. This tax write off makes these cars more consumer attractive than the gasoline driven cars. However, gasoline driven cars have readily available spare parts as compared to the electricity cars. These electricity driven cars have quite expensive parts. This definitely gives the hybrid cars an edge on the other cars. However, the gasoline parts' repair and replacement is expensive while hybrid cars' replacement is free. The depreciation rate is lower in hybrid cars as compared to the other cars. This advantage keeps the value of the hybrid cars higher. The hybrid cars provide higher fuel economy. There are innovations done to replace gasoline with vegetable oils, solar energy, water and ethanol.

Hybrid cars have not been in the market since long though, in Japan, they have been there since 1997. They have corporate average fuel economy regulation, according to which the auto maker must maintain a minimum mileage of 27.5mpg across its product line.

The spare parts of hybrid cars are replaced free of charge. The bearings are heat resistance, insulation and ceramic balls. The vegetable oil driven engines drew condemnation all over the world as its argument leads to food shortage. Ethanol is derived from the remains of sugar cane and this is even more conducive to environment as it is a step in recycling of garbage.

The ideas thrown out by the environmentalists are picked up by the automakers and they rush to lead in introducing replacements in the market which should be finer, cost effective, durable, innovative, comfortable and roomy, and definitely eco friendly as well.

The automakers also hold secret meetings to avoid emulation and competition. The manufacturing of parts signifies that these are secure and there are very rare chances of replacement, or if ever required then they are free. Hybrid cars reduce the fear of gasoline running short in the market as well. The availability or the production of electricity raises doubt or reservation in the use of hybrid cars. But the advantages weigh more and are compelling towards choosing hybrid cars. The other sources like vegetable oil raises eyebrows as it may, according to one school of thought, lead to food shortage. No matter what, people take time to accept new ideas.

About the Author

Danny Green is a car specialist. Discover more about Lexus Hybrid Cars, visit the Lexus website for more information and to book a test drive now at http://www.lexus.co.uk.

The Advantages of Hybrid Cars

When it comes to purchasing a car numerous of us used to only think of how it appeared and how fast we could go in it. But that was before gas prices skyrocketed and we were thrust to think about what was better for us rather then what we genuinely wished for. Individuals who are seeking to purchase new cars are not on the search of a car that gets good gas mileage.

Many makers are purchasing their vehicles around this specific feature to make them more appealing for individuals. One of the more popular vehicle that people think can save them the more money are hybrids. These cars unite the use of two various types of engines to make low amounts of pollution.

Thanks to the singularity of the engine it is one of the quietest cars that you will ever see. They are designed with a gas tank that is connected to the fuel engine - but it is smaller and more effective then in the ordinary car. It is also designed with an electric motor that uses batteries to function.

These hybrids have numerous features that include being able to move long distances without utilizing large measures of gasoline. When the vehicle is idling or when it is moving at low speeds it is able to change to battery power. These batteries are able to be recharged at home.

When you stop the vehicle it utilizes the electric motor and what is commonly known as regenerative braking. In the common vehicle they use friction to stop the vehicle - but in a hybrid car kinetic energy has the ability to charge up the battery and utilize the energy to stop. One of the better features that it has is the power to shut itself off. When the vehicle is idling it will automatically shut off and save fuel.

About the Author

The Cash For Clunkers program is used to help people save money and purchase a car they can afford. Some of the most popular types are the Hybrids - which help to save people in gas money.

The Toyota Prius Hybrid Car

The Toyota Prius offers a rather smooth, and incredibly quiet ride. When the car is in its all-electric mode, the silence of the engine is amazing. With a combined horsepower of 110 and a 0 to 60 rate of 10.2 seconds, the Prius is definitely able to hold its own. It's distinctive style sets it apart from other vehicles, yet somehow it still has all the same comfort and familiarity as conventional cars.

What is interesting about this midsize hatchback 2009 Toyota Prius is that it is wonderfully available in three trim levels. One can choose whether to stay with the Standard, take a leap to the Base, or soar high with Touring. The standard model has 15-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, a six-speaker stereo with a CD player, keyless entry, touch screen, steering-wheel controls, tilt-only steering wheel, and a hybrid system display.

The 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid is hands-down the highest rated of the hybrid vehicles. Gas mileage, the most important consideration for many, is 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. This Toyota was designed from scratch as a hybrid, not modified from a conventional vehicle, and is considered by many the best blend of efficiency, dependability and affordability.

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.

Some of the Toyota hybrid cars are also expected to bring modifications in terms of cylinder performance so that they may come to mark a total change in independent circuit racing. Not everybody is prepared to adopt vehicles in the green line, and this is the reason why the production as such remains pretty limited. People interested in Toyota hybrid cars find info and assistance with local dealers, and they are the ones to intermediate the purchase.

Toyota Prius has an engine size of 1.5 L and an automatic transmission. This 4 cylinder vehicle can be driven for an approximate price of $466.00 per year that gets 60 miles per gallon throughout normal city driving. The Prius has been popularized by green celebs, namely Leonardo Dicaprio and Cameron Diaz.

The 2009 Prius was tops in the inaugural Most Bang for the Buck award. Consumer Reports has combines owner cost over the first five years with performance and reliability ratings to come up with a Bucks per Bang number. Toyota Prius Touring Hybrid got $325 bucks per bang. Compare that to $340 for the Honda Civic and $595 for the Nissan Frontier.

Speaking about fuel economy, the Toyota Prius achieves 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway while the Honda Insight delivers 40 city and 43 highway. Comparatively, the all new Ford Fusion Hybrid sedan which is larger than the Prius, delivers 41 mpg city, 36 mpg highway. Perhaps the most noticeable changes for the third generation Prius is that it is quieter and roomier than earlier models. Particularly the latter change will be most welcoming, giving the Prius yet another edge over its Honda rival.

Read about product reviews, and also read more about 2009 toyota rav4 suv and toyota prius hybrid car

The Best 2009 Hybrid Vehicles

It goes without saying that hybrid vehicles are the private transportation of the future. The reasons include the fact that we have a finite supply of crude oil, the rising cost of gas over which we have very little control, our dependence on unfriendly nations for our oil supply, and the negative effects of gasoline exhaust on the environment.

Saving, be it the environment or on gas, is the primary reason most people buy these types of vehicles. To this end, it is anticipated that 2009 will be a big year for makers of hybrids because consumers are trying to reduce their consumption in the current economic downturn. It is during times like these that high gas mileage trumps size and becomes a major deciding factor when buying personal transportation.

King of the Road
The king of high mileage per gallon of gas is none other than the Toyota Prius. One of the first alternative-fuel vehicles to appear on the US auto market, the Prius offers 45 city and 48 highway miles to the gallon. The 2009 model has a bigger engine; therefore, provides more horsepower and has been designed with a very light frame aimed at pushing the gas mileage as close to 50 as is possible by improving the length of time it can run gas-free.

Close Runner-Up
The Honda Civic hybrid is second and it offers 40 city and 45 highway miles per gallon. It costs a bit more than the Prius, but has a sleeker look. The 2009 model has better battery packs and its regenerative braking system is capable of eliminating almost all emission from the vehicle. It is, also, the best choice for consumers who consider safety a priority when choosing a vehicle.

Third in Line
The third most fuel efficient hybrid vehicle is the Smart For Two. The smart car burst onto the market in Europe and is slowly becoming popular in the U.S. It offers 33 city and 41 highway miles per gallon. The major drawback to the Smart For Two is its size. It is very small, light, and has comparatively low horsepower compared to the other hybrids. However, it can be considered cute, affordable, and is perfect for city dwellers who don't want to spend too much money on a car. The 2009 model comes with a transmission that can be changed between manual and automatic.

Another Good Choice
The BMW Mini Cooper is another great choice of hybrid because of its high gas mileage. It offers 28 city and 37 highway miles to the gallon. The 2009 model comes in automatic and manual. It is built with BMW's pure quality, has an updated suspension thus providing a smoother ride, and has enough horsepower to hold its own on any U.S. highway.

Hybrid vehicles can be more expensive than all-gas vehicles; however, in the long run they will save the consumer and have a positive impact on the environment. Furthermore, nothing says "I'm hip and aware!" as being behind the wheel of a 2009 fuel efficient hybrid vehicle.

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Hybrid the Environmentally Friendly Car

Not everyone is comfortable with a fuel efficient vehicle that only has two wheels like a moped or a motorcycle. There shouldn't be a push for a person who isn't confident in their ability to operate one to have to do so. This can result in a accident occurring and that isn't worth saving money on fuel costs.

For other people, those types of vehicles just aren't practical. You may have a family so you need to drop the baby at daycare and another child off at school. You can't do that without a regular vehicle.

You may live in an area where it is too cold for most of the year to get any real use out of those two wheeled options even though they are fuel efficient. There is no need to worry though as you do have some really good options.

One of them you have likely heard a great deal about: the hybrid car. This is a type of vehicle that operates using two different fuel sources. One of them is gasoline and the other is either solar power or electricity. With the solar power, there are cells that charge during the day. With the electricity there are batteries that have to be recharged on a regular basis.

Regardless of which one you choose, gasoline will be the back up fuel source. This means when you don't have any more solar power in the cells or any more electricity in the batteries you will switch over to the gasoline that is in your vehicle.

Once you have the opportunity to recharge the main energy source, it will switch back over. You don't have to do anything to get the vehicle to go from one power source to the next. It will be an automatic switch over and it can happen in the middle of your commute to work. You won't lose power in the vehicle so don't worry about the speed limit that you are driving.

A hybrid vehicle is designed to be able to save energy in ways that ordinary vehicles can't. Pushing on the brakes of your vehicle is a common practice. It helps you to slow down when you need to as well as to completely stop your vehicle. In a regular vehicle the braking process results in more fuel being used. This is because they car has to get back to a certain speed and it takes fuel to do so. Hybrids rely on a process known as regenerative braking. Instead of using more fuel you will actually create more energy each time you step on the brakes.

All hybrids also have an automatic shut off sensor. This means when you roll up to a stop sign the engine will completely stop. As soon as you step on the accelerator pedal, it will restart. As a result, the excess idling that adds up and wastes fuel is completely eliminated.

A smaller motor is used in hybrid vehicles so it takes less fuel to give them the necessary power. However, you don't have to worry about not having enough power to go the proper speed limit or anything like that. Some people have a fear that a hybrid car will be slow and that it will just leave them stranded due to not enough energy. This isn't a scenario that will ever become a reality for anyone with a hybrid vehicle.

They are very well made and for years they were researched before offered to the general public. In fact, hybrids were tested by companies all over the world including the various branches of the United States military.

For those individuals who want to continue driving larger sized vehicles, a hybrid can be the perfect solution. There are small vehicles but also the large ones including the Yukon by GMC and the Tahoe by Chevrolet. Both of these were added in 2008 to meet consumer demands. These hybrid vehicles are expensive though and that is what often prevents consumers from buying them.

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Ready to learn more about Hybrid Cars? Visit The Hybrid Car Website.

Hybrid Vans in the Future?

An increasing awareness of the impact that fossil fuels are having on the environment has forced manufacturers to seek alternative methods of powering all kinds of vehicles, including vans. Whilst the technology to create commercial vans that are entirely powered by 'green' fuels is still in its infancy, the hybrid vehicle is currently the market leader in environmentally friendly vehicle design.

Hybrid vans run on a combination of fuel and electricity technology, although with the advent of better battery design some manufacturers are now looking at producing commercially viable vans that run purely on battery power. Recent research into the charging time of standard batteries is producing some interesting developments in 'rapid charge' cells, but these are still a couple of years away from being an effective commercial option. So most manufacturers opt for the combination choice or even incorporate other fuels such as LPG (liquid petroleum gas) or natural gas into their hybrids. Those vans that incorporate fuel/electricity technology have the edge, though, as battery power does not directly emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gasses.

New design parameters are placing the drive battery under the van's flooring, which means that there is no loss of cargo area in the back of the van. This is an important consideration for logistics companies who want to maximise the use of space as efficiently as possible whilst still adhering to a greener transport policy.

The continuous action of stop/start traffic that most delivery vans find themselves trapped in on a daily basis is a major drain on the vehicle's fuel, so the larger capacity provided by hybrid technology can be of real benefit in congested, urban streets. The worst thing that can happen for any logistics company is for their vehicles to run out of fuel in the middle of a delivery run. By incorporating battery technology into commercial vehicles, the van has enough power stored in the battery to keep then running for longer. The driver dictates which mode they wish to drive in - either diesel or electric - at the touch of a button. With certain models once the van goes hybrid a control computer then manages the drive, letting the engine alternate with the electric motor in driving the van. Some other designs incorporate regenerative braking, using the wheels' momentum to act as a generator for the battery recharging function.

The amount of research and development being put into hybrid vans also includes a plethora of safety equipment, including innovations in crash prevention systems as well as the standard airbags and crumple protection zones. All of this can combine to make hybrid vans safer and consequently reduce the cost of both 'personal use' van insurance and commercial van insurance. With everyone looking to save money where they can in the current economic climate, any opportunity to acquire a vehicle that can offer cheap van insurance as well as being economically viable as a commercial vehicle and environmentally friendly at the same time has to be an attractive proposition. This, combined with a continuing emphasis into producing better and more efficient cars and vans means that hybrid vehicles have a great deal to offer and could change the way that logistics companies think about fleet management.

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The Best Toyota Hybrid Car this 2009

Toyota, the famous Japanese car brand, is one of the very few car makers that had initially taken the heed to develop and market hybrid cars in the market.

It is in this dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction that sets Toyota above the rest. Now, it enjoys being the top car seller worldwide, beating the long-time leaders and giants like the United States-based General Motors and Germany's Ford and Volkswagen.

Toyota has been on top for valid and practical reasons. It is determined to snap away leadership from threats and competition.

The strategy adopted by the company in unveiling and marketing hybrid cars is immensely amazing. Today, there are two top hybrid car models originating from Toyota that would surely be on top of your list when you shop around for hybrid cars.

The Toyota Prius hybrid

The Toyota Prius definitely is Toyota's middle-sized gasoline-electric or otherwise known as hybrid car. This

hybrid car, according to earlier buyers are really a joy to drive.

The Toyota Prius relies on an effective combination of the gas engine, the electric motor and a set of battery pack that move and run the hybrid car going along the road.

Prices range from $20,875 for the basic model, going up to about $25,940. Demand for this hybrid car model has outpaced its own production; thus, some buyers are already waiting weeks or even months just so they could own a Prius.

Consequently, Toyota has abruptly increased the production of this hybrid car. As most of the car's early buyers and owners would tell you, it is definitely worth all the wait.

Prius' technology

When you are driving a Prius, it would be hard not be amazed by the hybrid car's technology. Engine starting this hybrid car is not done simply by turning a key the traditional way, spurring ignition.

Initiating this hybrid car is done by pressing the round "Power" push button on the dash. You will also find an interactive, a touch sensitive, a multi-information display monitor or screen that is mounted within in the center console.

This display has a number of modes and can indicate things like energy flow between power and train components, the consumption of fuel, the radio settings, the sensitive climate control, or the many other function of this hybrid vehicle.

But the car's technology, just like its ultra and unique futuristic styling and exterior design, could be seen either positively or negatively, that would depend on an observer's point of view.

Overall, the Toyota Prius hybrid car delivers smoother ride and definitely has ample amounts of rooms for a number of passengers. The interior volume is also very versatile. Similarly, the lift-back hatch in the rear and the fold down seats in the rear will make make carrying heavier and larger items so easy.

The Toyota Camry

Definitely, no one will be accused of committing reckless driving for purchasing a Toyota Camry hybrid.

This hybrid car model is so safe, dependable, comfortable and attractive, not to mention predictable. Based on the sales volume-about 430,000 units sold in the United States alone in 2005-most Americans are so happy with the reliability and affordability of this set of wheels that are fit for the family.

The Toyota Camry hybrid has been America's top-selling passenger hybrid vehicle for the past couple of years.

Being practical, why not invest a premium or more for the Toyota Camry hybrid drive, which offers an Environmental Protection Agency high-rating of about 40 miles to a gallon, giving you about 700 miles between breaks or next visit to the nearest gas station?

The Toyota Camry hybrid car is not the industry's first attempt to offer a hybrid vehicle in an upbeat, vogue and ultra-popular model. In late 2004, rival firm Honda launched the hybrid version of its top seller Accord-the United States' second most popular model of car behind the Camry.

But, Honda run short on its effort for hybrids because it used hybrid technology for supposedly better performance rather than for fuel economy, which is deemed more important these times due to the soaring gasoline prices.

Overall, whichever Toyota hybrid car model you choose, for sure you will always be a winner. Toyota really has come up with the best and high-quality cars, hybrid or not, surpassing all the competitors.

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Top List Of New Hybrid Cars 2009

The list of hybrid vehicles currently available is fairly long. This is not surprising because hybrid vehicles are tomorrow's cars available today. Particularly for the American market, the hybrid vehicle is highly popular because of the growing concern with the environment.

Below is a random list of hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles that are available only in the Japanese market were excluded. And this is not to discriminate our Japanese friends because it acknowledged that their hybrid vehicles were the first to reach the world wide market in mass production.

What we have down there is a hybrid vehicles' list available in Europe and the United States, where the market for hybrid vehicles is huge.

Under Ford, we have hybrid vehicles list that include Ford Escape Hybrid released in 2005. The second is the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, released in late summer of 2004.

The Ford Escape (Code U204) is a compressed crossover SUV. It is sold by the automaker Ford Motor Company in the market since 2001 and priced below the Ford Explorer.

With Honda, the hybrid vehicles listed are Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Honda Insight. The third one was a recipient of International Engine of the Year Award for 2000.

The Honda Insight is a 2-seater hatchback hybrid automobile. It was the first mass-produced hybrid automobile sold in the United States, introduced in 1999. According to the EPA, the 5-speed manual transmission variant of this hybrid is the most fuel-efficient automobile sold in the United States. The Insight also features low emissions: the California Air Resources Board gave the 5-speed model a ULEV rating, and the CVT model earned a SULEV rating.

The Honda Civic Hybrid on the other hand, is a hybrid version of the Honda Civic sedan.

For this 2003 model of the Civic, its manufacturer added a variable transmission with an Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system similar to that of the Honda Insight. This has created a fuel efficient hybrid sedan. The current version of this car however, was redesigned.

The Honda Accord Hybrid though, is a hybrid version of the North American Honda Accord. The Accord Hybrid currently is priced at US$3,000 higher than the EX V6 model Accord, and retains the same trim and feature levels.

For the General Motors, their list of hybrid vehicles comprises the Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid, which is considered by many as a Mild hybrid. Also included are the New Flyer and Gillig hybrid buses with Allisons electric drive system as the main feature. The last two are the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid, and the Saturn VUE Green Line hybrid.

GM launched a hybrid version of the Silverado/Sierra in 2005, as the first ever GM hybrid vehicle. But as what have been said, it is a mild hybrid, strictly speaking. The electric motor serves only as power trimmings, but includes a system that also automatically shuts down when the truck brakes below 13 mph. When this happens, it automatically draws on electric power to restart itself.

The hybrid truck features four 120 volt 20 amp AC outlets. This vehicle is interestingly, suited to those in the building and construction market, since AC power is almost available in their worksite. The extra power reserve of this car makes it well-suited with this particular market.

Toyota on the other hand, includes Prius, the Highlander, and the midsized Camry.

For the record, the Toyota Prius is considered as the world's first commercially mass-produced hybrid vehicle. But although it went on sale in Japan as early as 1997, its worldwide debut was in 2001.

Records show that in 2003, some 160,000 units were produced specifically for three major markets: Japan, Europe, and North America. In Latin, prius means "before" or "first". The Prius 2004 model, was redesigned as a midsize hatchback, and was certified as an Advanced Technology Partial zero-emissions vehicle.

Prius has won the Car of the Year awards for Europe, Japan and North America.

Lexus' list of hybrid vehicles consists of Lexus RX400h, Lexus LS600hL, and the Lexus GS450h. The last on the list of Lexus, GS450h, is a compact hybrid vehicle.

Other hybrid vehicles that made it to the American market includes Nissan's Altima Hybrid; Peugeot's Peugeot 307 CC Hybride HDi; and Renault's Kangoo.
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Honda Hybrid Cars 2009

Modern buyers and car owners are getting brighter through the years. That is because there are lots of car models and car makes out in car market today.

Every car brand and car model is shooting to get to the highest level of support and patronage that would sustain for a very profitable and profitable revenues and sales not just currently but also in the future.

Car buyers have become more and more demanding as years goes by. Hybrid car buyers expect car makers to address the concerns and issues they raise against the current cars they own.

Car buyers anticipate upcoming new car models to eliminate the unlikely traits and restrictions of the current car types.

It is in this manner that hybrid cars came to become the most interesting and most wanted cars of the next generation.

Giant car makers Toyota, Ford, General Motors and Honda have all at the same time embarked on a tight and pressuring race to become the best hybrid car manufacturer and distributor.

Honda cars

Out of scrap, Japans Honda has been highly productive in building their niche in the global car business. Two decades ago, Honda was nothing. It was an unknown Japanese car maker that seemed to hang around on its prototype cars.

As the years have gone by, Honda emerged hard to win the battle. Its perseverance has paid greatly, and now, it is competing head on against fellow Japanese car manufacturer Toyota in the worldwide number one spot for car producers.

In the United States alone, gross revenue of Honda hybrid cars have been constantly been on the climb in the past few years, and rivals , particularly the local based Ford and General Motors, are starting to feel the grind in their individual gross revenue.

Honda has become areal threat to other car manufacturers. There are more than enough reasons for that.

Hybrid cars

When the tight race for hybrid cars started a few years ago, Honda was among the first few car makers to have really stood up and take the subject seriously.

Over the years, Honda has made a patient, determined and capable confident team to set up R & D efforts for the brands own hybrid cars lines.

With their massive effort. Now, the most modern and most wanted hybrid car models are displaying the brand trade mark of Honda.

The Accord hybrid

One of the most popular Honda hybrid cars is the Accord hybrid vehicle that is now out in the market and loving a huge and warm support from hybrid car drivers.

Honda claims that their hybrid car is zero-emission, but at the same time, the driver and car purchaser will get to know once again the exhilaration and feeling of driving a hot high-performance car.

This hybrid car model by Honda is labeled as the makers most environmentally friendly. The costs are high, though, in the higher premium to the most priced traditional or conventional car model in the market today.

The Honda Civic Hybrid Car

Honda has recently released its 2006 Civic Hybrids. This Honda hybrid car features of a capacity to importantly reduce on gasoline consumption while at the same time savoring the same old, well-loved characteristics of the traditional Honda Civic cars.

It is understood that hybrid cars are somehow more inferior and fall well behind compared to the traditional counterparts, because maybe of the limitations rising from the consolidation of electricity and gasoline burning inside its engine.

The honda Civic hybrid boasts that it has broke that limitation. The Honda Civic hybrid is currently available on the market at not so reasonable prices.

But do not let it set a setback for you to own one of these hybrid cars. The features and benefits of owning and driving the Honda Civic hybrid for sure would outpace or break the disadvantages.

Dave Leonard writes many articles on different topics. Find out more about Hybrid Cars at http://www.thehybridcarsite.com

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