While no one can argue with the fact that the Toyota Prius is currently the #1 selling hybrid vehicle in the world, it’s been fun to watch the shift in consumer interest as it relates to all hybrid vehicles.  Only a few short years ago, people doing research on hybrids were mainly looking for the Toyota Prius, followed by hybrid cars in general, with the Honda Civic hybrid a distant third.

Fast forward to 2008, and Toyota Prius is no longer the most popular hybrid “search” online, although it still ranks near the top.  According to Microsoft adCenter (subscription required), the most popular hybrid vehicle search today is “Hybrid SUV”.  And, since you need an account to view their monthly search statistics, here are two screenshots that show the current rankings.  Read more...

If you could have any Hybrid SUV, which one would you choose?  Cast your vote today and then view the results in real time.  Even better, add a comment to explain your pick…we’d love to know what makes you tick!

Another big auto show, another concept hybrid suv.  Interestingly though, this ones a little different than all the rest.  Unlike the mammoth hybrids that debuted in 2006 and 2007, Land Rover jumps on the scene at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show (aka the North American International Auto Show) with the LRX (Land Rover Exchange?), a 3 door, 4X4, smaller than the Freelander, turbodiesel/electric hybrid suv.  Read more...

It’s been nearly three years since German sports car manufacturer, Porsche, started talking about plans to build a hybrid, and based on recent news, it may be another 2-3 years before that happens.  In a recent article from the New York Times, Lawrence Ulrich wrote that Porsche plans to have their hybrid suv in dealer showrooms by 2009 or 2010.

If Porsche ever does release a hybrid vehicle (especially in the U.S.), it’s more likely to happen in 2011 or later, based on a 12/07 release from Automotive News (for those who subscribe).  You might recall that a concept version of the hybrid version of the Cayenne debuted at the LA Auto Show in November (’07), so while there’s been a lot of news, announcements, and updates in the past 90 days – it’s all speculation at this point.  Read more...