In a recent interview with Reuters, Tomohiko Kawanabe (Honda’s COO of automobile research and development) broke the news that Honda is developing a new hybrid system designed for their larger cars. The announcement came as this “secret hybrid technology” apparently moved out of the research stage and closer to development. And, while no specific timeline was given for bringing the new hybrids to market, Kawanabe hinted that it would be “roughly the same time frame” as it takes to develop a new vehicle – about 3 years.

Although there wasn’t any additional new information offered in the interview, it is interesting to look at some of the most probable options that Honda might be considering.  Read more...

U.S. sales of hybrid SUVs and other fuel efficient vehicles will prove interesting to watch this year, especially if fuel prices remain relatively low. Expert predictions about where oil and gas prices are headed vary widely. Some expect both to remain steady due to global economic conditions while others point to the return of $3/gallon gas (in the states) fueled mainly by an increase in foreign demand.

In July of 2008, oil futures hit their record high of more than $145 per barrel and several areas of the country neared $5/gal. prices at the pump. Since then we’ve seen the price dip below $34/barrel (12/08) and most recently it has traded in the $70 to $80 range. During these huge fluctuations, sales of hybrid cars have closely mirrored what we pay to fill our gas tanks.  Read more...

Starting at a mere $73,425 the 2010 Cadillac Escalade hybrid takes the same gasoline / electric architecture used to underpin both the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid and provides it with a full-on luxury spin.  The result is a thoroughly decadent, 8 passenger sport-utility vehicle that doesn’t spoil the environment at nearly the same rate that it spoils its occupants. Only in it’s second year of production, this caddy is already getting some upgrades.  Read more...

The 2010 Mercury Mariner Hybrid is in most ways a re-skinned version of the successful Ford Escape Hybrid.  Both are front-wheel drive SUV’s that also offer the option of all-wheel drive for drivers who often have to deal with snowy winter roads or slick, wet pavement.  They also each offer very good cargo space for their size, with a 29 cubic foot trunk and 66 cubic feet of total usable space.  Perhaps what is most endearing about the Mariner is that like the Escape it offers real-world combined fuel economy in the neighborhood of 30 miles per gallon.  Read more...