Can the hybrid version appeal where TDI has not? Can hybrid technology lift VW’s US sales? Back in college an old girlfriend drove a Volkswagen Jetta. I loved it, although I was glad I had the privilege of just driving it, not owning it. That Jetta seemed to need more servicing than normal, and it was always expensive. Still, it was fun to drive. Then again, when you don’t own…

The larger V couldn't lift Prius sales much in January A 20 percent improvement should feel better than this One might assume that a 20 percent improvement in Toyota’s hybrid sales, led by an 8.6 percent gain in Prius sales, is a great hybrid sale’s story compared to last year. It certainly …

VW taking microhybrid leadership to full hybrids soon 39 million micro-hybrids in the next five years New analysis by Lux Research suggests hybrid vehicles have a much bigger interim future than most might expect, especially here in America. Unfortunately, that future is driven by micro-hybrids, but at least that’s still a bit of an improvement. …

The world's best selling car Forget just US sales, let’s think worldwide Before the end of this decade, Toyota believes the Prius family will outsell the Camry. Whatever. Why not shoot for the moon? Within this decade, could a car like the Prius C help the family outsell the Corolla, and I mean in terms of total worldwide sales? I must admit even the idea …

Eco-friendly vehicles are available and ready for consumers. In time they will replace their primitive predecessors and reduce the pollution in the world. Hybrids, electric and biofuel cars are all quality examples of this.

A good long term hedge against higher gasoline prices? But I sure wish it was easier to sell the Civic hybrid “Get with the program.” That’s what an advertising agency friend told me once regarding Hybridcarblog. I’m too critical, he rightly pointed out. Instead, he suggested that I sell every hybrid and plug-in that I cover. That, he assured me, would drive ad revenues…

Pistons are so last century An easy hybrid revolution In a few months Toyota promises to offer a new smaller Prius that will achieve 50 mpg and cost just under $19,000, a pretty compelling offering, right. Well, imagine if that new Prius instead cost $14,000 and achieved 65 mpg. That’s the potential of the wave …

V – Best new wagon and best resale value in class They weren’t tops in their class, but these hybrids still scored While only 1 hybrid car, the Lexus RX 450h, took best in class according to Kipplinger’s 2012 ratings, a few hybrid cars were picked as best new models in their class. Likewise, many hybrids achieved the best …

Eco-friendly vehicles are available and ready for consumers. In time they will replace their primitive predecessors and reduce the pollution in the world. Hybrids, electric and biofuel cars are all quality examples of this.

Chevy Volt sales will spike in 2012. HOV lane access will trump non-existent fire worries Everyone that follows Chevy Volt and plug-in news closely knows that the fire concerns around the Volt’s battery pack have been blown out of proportion. I think even the politicians leading the charge in the Congressional investigation into the Volt know the Volt is safe. This is about politics and the NHTSA’s handling …

Toyota's Le Man's race hybrid car Using pop culture to sell fuel efficiency As I was web-surfing earlier today I was stopped dead in my tracks by a few images on the AutoWeek home page regarding NASCAR and Le Mans. Emblazoned upon the 2013 Ford Fusion NASCAR Sprint Cup car, in big and bold letters, …

M for Master of hybrid speed Best performance hybrids for the money? Nissan has been a vocal hybrid bear for many years. Instead of choosing to build a hybrid drive, Nissan first leased Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, preferring to instead focus on pure plug-in electric cars. However, eventually…