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The major U.S. automakers are all jumping in the game developing their own hybrid car models.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Honda may offer a hybrid CR-V SUV. Honda's Koichi Amemiya said, "We'd like to see how the new 2005 Civic hybrid will be received in the marketplace first, before deciding on the CR-V." Toyota is set to release a hybrid version of their Highlander SUV sometime in 2005.

In early 2005, Ford released a hybrid version of its Escape SUV, which averages around 36 mpg. The Lexus 400h, a 270 hp luxury hybrid, is expected to average 27.6 mpg and be released in mid-2005. GM is planning to release its full size Sierra pickup with 'mild' hybrid technology, which boasts a 15% increase in fuel economy and a hybrid Chevy Suburban. GM is also testing a hybrid series called ParidiGM, which may feature an SUV, minivan and large sedan sometime in 2005.

Daimler Chrysler is ready to release a hybrid Dodge Durango with a 20% increase in gas mileage (22.3 mpg combined city/highway compared with 17.1 mpg for a comparable non-hybrid). Ford Motor Company and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have joined forces to develop a unique hybrid, high-efficiency vehicle that uses hydraulic fluid to store and provide energy to power the car. The technology could significantly improve fuel economy in SUVs and light trucks. The hybrid system uses hydraulic pumps and hydraulic storage tanks to store energy instead of electric motors and batteries, which are used in hybrid electric vehicles. As with other hybrid systems, energy saved when applying the brakes is used to assist in powering the car. This hydraulic power system may have cost and power advantages over hybrid electric systems, according to Ford and the EPA.

Nissan Chief: Hybrid Cars Make No Sense

NEW ORLEANS
The head of Nissan Motor Co. stated that building hybrid vehicles makes little sense in today's world because of their high costs. "They make a nice story, but they're not a good business story yet because the value is lower than their costs," said Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn. Yet, Nissan will begin manufacturing a gas-electric hybrid version of its Altima sedan for the U.S. market in 2006. However, Ghosn said it was only for the purpose of helping Japan's second-largest automaker comply with strict fuel economy and emissions standards in states like California, and not because he expects it to be a money-maker.
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General Motors turns focus to hybrid vehicles despite higher cost

TAIWAN
General Motors is expanding their line of vehicles to include half electric, half gasoline cars as well as hydrogen based fuel cell cars. These newer models would be cleaner for the environment but will be higher priced, costing consumers over $37,000. GM will continue to develop the new models despite the cost, but it remains to be seen whether hydrogen and hybrid cars be made in existing assembly plants.
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NUMMI bids to add Toyota's hybrid line

EAST BAY, CALIFORNIA
Hybrid cars have proven most popular with environmentally minded consumers in California. Now state and local officials in Northern California are working with executives at New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) to encourage Japanese automaker Toyota to situate its first North American hybrid car factory at the Fremont plant. Bringing hybrid car production to NUMMI would be a major coup and a joint venture between General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp.
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Hyundai Motor Delivers Hybrid Cars To Government

KOREA
Hyundai Motor Co., Korea's largest carmaker, recently delivered newly developed hybrid cars to the government for testing. "We have strived to develop eco-friendly cars since the early 1990s. Responding to the government's initiative to promote such alternative cars, we will make further efforts to achieve the best quality in this field," Hyundai Chairman Chung Mong-koo said. Data collected from the tests will be used to further improve the car for Hyundai's plans to introduce hybrid cars to the domestic market in 2007. Officials in Seoul say they plan to offer tax breaks on hybrid cars beginning in 2008.
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