Hybrid

We all know that with gas prices sky rocketing a new trend for automobiles for spring and summer will come. This new trend is hybrid cars. Hybrid vehicles represent less than one percent of the U.S. market, but recent signs show they are on the rise. As CNN/Money recently reported "with gasoline prices now around $3 a gallon, you might think it makes a lot of sense that hybrid cars are hot sellers." There are many other good reasons why people are starting to buy hybrid cars.

Many factors will influence how rapidly hybrid cars and other fuel-efficient vehicles move into the market. Government-based incentives, rebates, and mandates might play a major role. Less guilt regarding environmental pollution is a factor. Also global warming and greenhouse effect are beginning to show their powers.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists it's important to consider that of the many decisions you make as a consumer, car choice will have the greatest impact on the environment. Buying a hybrid car tells the automakers that there's definitely a market for greener cars.

Mileage on Hybrids is noticeably higher, anywhere from 8 percent to 10 percent or 2-3 mpg. Americans spend, on

average, an hour per day in the car, and collectively over 8 billion hours per year stuck in traffic. This contributes to the billions of dollars spent on gas.

The rays of the sun are becoming stronger because of the damaged Earth's upper atmosphere. Driving Hybrids will help prevent this from getting worse. Hybrids emit up to 97 percent less toxic emissions and half as much greenhouse-causing carbon dioxide as the average car, according to ThomasNet Industrial Market Trends.

Government agencies offer various incentives to hybrid owners, incentives such as tax deductions, tax credits, free tolls, smog-inspection exemption. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has provided the amount of tax credits for 2006. The estimates are as follows. Ford Escape Hybrid can get a $2,600 tax credit. Also the Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight Hybrid, and Toyota Highlander Hybrid qualify for $2,600 in tax credit. The highest tax credit of $3,150 goes to the Toyota Prius. This will add to reasons why consumers will buy hybrid vehicles.

There are many Hybrid vehicles available now and still many more to come. Honda has the most hybrids out in the marketplace now. Cars available are the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Honda