2008 Hybrid Car Market Continues To Evolve by Jim Hofman

The 2008 auto year is officially under way, and new models of 2008 hybrid cars are now or will soon be available to consumers. For those unfamiliar with hybrid cars, let's briefly explain why they differ from regular vehicles and why environmentally conscious consumers prefer hybrid vehicles.

For those unfamiliar with how hybrid vehicles work and what they do, here's a short primer. Hybrid vehicles typically use both an energy storage system and a traditional gasoline engine, thereby eliminating sole reliance on gas for power. This in turn expends less gas and less harmful emissions.

To many, hybrid vehicles are appealing, especially as gas prices reach record levels. Hybrid vehicles boast an energy storage system, which recycles energy and circumvents the gas burning engine and powers the vehicle on this recycled energy. Those who may benefit most from hybrid vehicles are city drivers, who are more prone to gas wasting situations like traffic stops, idling, and stop and go traffic.

The Partial List Of New 2008 Hybrid Cars:

Midsize Hybrid Vehicles:

Chevy Malibu rolls out a new hybrid model as a 2009 offering late this summer or early fall. Others with similar plans include the Ford Fusion and Saturn's AURA in their Green Line. Also expect a new version of the Mercury Milan as a hybrid.

Crossovers and SUV's Go Hybrid:

Expect Saturn to roll out the VUE as the newest member of their Green Line, offering half the emissions of their regular model. Also with new models will be the Chevy Equinox, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Sienna.

Hybrid Pickups and Hybrid Trucks:

New from General Motors in the hybrid pickup and full size truck category will be the Chevy Silverado, a full size pickup expected to debut as a 2009 model. Also from GM and another 2009 model will be the GMC Sierra, also a pickup.

Other 2008 Hybrid Car Happenings:

Of interest is the first hybrid car from China, the Roewe 750, a midsize car. Chinese car manufacturer SAIE is producing the hybrid 750, their version of the United Kingdom's Rover 75.

Expect to see even more hybrid car and hybrid truck model introductions as we move into the 2009 and 2010 model years. The hybrid car and truck market is ever expanding, and auto manufacturers are more than happy to meet the demand.

About the Author

For an in depth look at 2008 Hybrid Cars, including side-by-side hybrid car and truck comparisons comparisons and model availability, stop by and visit our brand new 2008 Hybrid Cars resource website.