Hybrid Car

Al Gore III the new 100 MPH Hybrid Toyota Prius Spokesman?

You can’t pay for advertisement like this. What you haven’t heard?

Al Gore III was pulled over July 4th while driving 100 mph down an Orange County freeway in his environmentally friendly hybrid Toyota Prius.

Apparently there was more “GREEN” than just the hybrid car, because police after a search found marijuana, Valium, Xanax, Vicodin and Adderall.

I tried to reach the Gore’s for comments, but to no avail, however I can only assume that mom Tipper Gore would say, ” It’s that damn heavy metal music!” and Former VP and Green advocate Al Gore, JR would say, ” I demand a recount!”

As far a Toyota goes, no comment as well, but a Hybrid Prius reaching 100 MPH on the freeway making national news has got to be the best darn advertisement they could hope for.

I can just see them smirking and under their breathe say “Go Speed Racer Go!”

What next Al Jr and Paris Hilton Dating?

Hybrid Cars

Hybrids Shift into the Mass Market

Part II of an Interview with Bruce Ertmann, Corporate Manager of Consumer Generated Media, Toyota

Shifting a company’s customer base from early adopters to mass market consumers is one of the key challenges facing green marketers. Few green companies have been able to expand their niche beyond a core set of customers. One of the primary reasons is that consumers tend to not like paying price premiums for green products. Another reason is simply that consumers have not traditionally prioritized “green” as a deciding attribute when making purchase decisions.

Yet, certain green brands like the Toyota Prius seem to be crossing this “chasm” into the mass market. Though still in the early stages of their adoption, hybrids have already generated broad appeal with mainstream consumers. Moreover, the stereotype of hybrid owners as treehuggers is far from the truth: in fact, they are high income, mainstream consumers.
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Hybrid Cars

You are concerned about the environment enough to consider purchasing and driving a Hybrid car. But what Hybrid should you purchase? You are already aware of the tax credit benefits of owning a hybrid cars. You are aware of the gas saving potential of driving a hybrid. However, you may not be aware of the high repair cost of a hybrid car.

You made the right decision to do a little research before making your choices. Here is the Car and Driver Magazine had to say about the top vehicles:

Honda Accord Hybrid

The Accord was the first to exploit the double potential of hybrid technology: reduced fuel consumption combined with improved performance. Honda hybrids are engagingly simple and effective, making this the thriftiest of Accords, as well as the quickest Accord automatic. Highs: Added power, improved mpg, V-6 cylinder deactivation, dual air-conditioning system. Lows: Miniature hybrid operating gauges, electric motor assist limited by batteries, shrunken trunk, hybrid price premium.

Honda Civic Hybrid

This isn’t as overtly hybrid as its competition from Toyota, but its gasoline-electric system is simpler, which means fewer things to go wrong. Now in its second generation, the hybrid Civic is more powerful than the first edition and also more fuel efficient. Highs: Rakish new exterior styling, high quality fit and finish, elegantly simple hybrid system, more performance and mpg. Lows: This hybrid is better than its predecessor, but its fun factor lies not in driving but in monitoring mpg.

Toyota Prius Hybrid

The Prius has been a huge success for Toyota. It appeals both to environmentalists and people who are concerned with fuel economy. While it gets gas mileage comparable with that of a subcompact, it has the interior capacity of a mid-size car. Plus, it also has a unique look. Highs: Superb gas mileage, especially in the city; futuristic styling; space-efficient interior. Lows: Costs a lot more than many smaller cars that give comparable highway mileage; boring to drive. It also has mediocre dynamics, with slow, numb steering and hard-to-modulate brakes. Its skinny tires are a letdown.

Toyota Camry

If you want to be green but don’t want to announce it to other road users, the Camry hybrid is the perfect car for you. It uses the same system of a gas engine and electric motors as the Prius. Gas mileage is improved over a four-cylinder Camry, but it costs MUCH more. Highs: Terrific gas mileage; smooth, seamless power between electric motors and gas engine; excellent interior craftsmanship. Lows: Significant price premium over the non-hybrid Camry; not exciting to drive.

Ford Escape

The additional electric motors and batteries of the hybrid Escape and Mariner do not degrade the vehicles’ basically terrific packaging. In our hands, a hybrid Escape delivered a respectable 25 mpg, but it’ll take years to save enough gas to pay the $3000 premium over the gas version. Highs: Very good fuel economy for an SUV. Useful and roomy interior. Lows: Slow, turtle-like acceleration thanks to heavy curb weight. It’s big, and carries an extra $3000 Hybrid charge.

Making your decision on a Hybrid is a natural concerned choice. Now go Green and pick your options.

Hybrid Cars