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"Our customers are increasingly concerned about the price of gasoline,
air quality, oil supply issues and the effects of CO2 emissions on
climate change. At the same time, they tell us how much they appreciate the
versatility and capability of our SUVs. They don't want to give them up, and
we don't think they should have to. That's why we built the Escape Hybrid."
~ William Clay Ford, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Ford Motor Company
Cleaner vehicles with better mileage are no longer science fiction fantasy of the future of automotive technology - they're here today! Hybrid cars - the mating of a gasoline engine and electric battery - are available in several models now with more rolling off the assembly lines by the end of 2004.
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Ford Prodigy hybrid-electric concept vehicle unveiled at January 2000 North American International Auto Show
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Are car buyers interested in these strange new modes of transportation and can car manufacturers meet the demand? For the three existing models available through the year 2004, there's generally been a waiting list, on the other hand, not a lot of vehicles are being produced - yet, because the demand hasn't been large enough to increase production.
According to a survey of Internet car shoppers, most still lack a basic understanding of what hybrid cars actually are and what the advantages - and disadvantages - may be. Around 44% of women and 31% of men indicated they were "not very informed." In the survey conducted by Autobytel, Inc. 90% of participants stated a willingness to consider purchasing a hybrid car. However, a mere 10% revealed a willingness to buy a different style or size vehicle and only about 16% would compromise on horsepower and acceleration.
You might be asking: Why should I buy one of these relatively new and untested sensations when my good old car works fine - if it's not broke, don't fix it! The two strongest motives for purchasing a hybrid car have been: improved mileage and reduced polluting emissions. These economic and environmental reasons are becoming stronger every day - gas in some parts of the U.S. costs more than $2.50/gallon, while the air quality is deteriorating daily. And our dependency on foreign oil is a hotly debated political issue.
A J.D. Power & Associates research study predicts 870,000 drivers will own hybrids by 2013, compared with approximately 54,000 driving hybrids in 2004. In late 2002 and early 2003, the Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) received these survey responses from 596 hybrid owners:
Would you recommend your hybrid to a friend?
98% - Yes
Why did you buy a hybrid?
89% - Pollute the air less
73% - Appealing technology
71% - Save money on gas
What do you like best?
68% - Technology, style, handling
53% - Gas mileage
What do you like least?
7.5% - Does not achieve advertised mileage
5.5% - Limited storage space
5.4% - Car is too small
Perhaps a broader variety of models and more readily available information might entice additional car buyers to consider converting to hybrids. That's what this eBook is all about. It was created to bring the basic information - All About Hybrid Cars - to the car buyer so YOU can make a better, informed decision. You'll learn what this new breed of vehicle is all about, how it will impact you as well as your world and what's available now and in the near future. As a buyer of this book, you'll also be privy to the latest-breaking news about green cars. So read on - the future is now!
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