Rising gas prices cause growth in hybrid car sales
Hybrid gas-electric cars are poised for explosive growth in 2011 due to soaring gas prices, new federal regulations and a greater variety of eco-friendly makes and models.
Drivers are feeling pain at the pump, as fuel costs increased 30 percent between May 1, 2010, and May 1, 2011, according to the American Automobile Association. Pricey petrol has budget-strapped families pinching pennies wherever possible.
"A lingering recession has many people turning to hybrid-fuel vehicles as a way to save money. Hybrids are one of the fastest growing sectors of the automotive industry," said Valorie Staley, manager of the Valley Automall, which celebrates its 15-year anniversary in 2011. "Valley Automall has a huge variety of hybrid makes and models available, including everything from sedans and trucks to SUVs and coupes."
Hybrid refers to an automotive engine fueled by a combination of gas and electric power. The gas-electric mix improves fuel mileage by up to 60 percent, compared to traditional combustion powered engines, says the Hybrid Car Organization. Hybrids achieve this feat by automatically transitioning between gas- and electric-engine operation during stop-and-go traffic and idle time. Hybrids additionally reduce harmful emissions by up to 90 percent over comparable conventional vehicles, the organization states.
"Hybrid vehicles represent the latest advancement in automotive technology," said William Johnson III, general sales manager of Lexus of Henderson. "Valley Automall prides itself on offering the most sophisticated engineered vehicles available."
Hybrids are a sound investment with lower depreciation rates than standard gasoline cars, the Hybrid Car Organization reports. Nearly every major automobile manufacturer now has a hybrid model. This is due, in part, to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulation that requires carmakers to maintain a minimum fuel mileage for all product lines. A 2007 amendment to CAFE no longer exempts light trucks classified as SUVs or passenger vans. The move is expected to save 10.7 billion gallons of gasoline annually, says the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration. In other words, automakers must produce better gas mileage across the board, which means more hybrid makes and models.
The federal mandate, for example, has created some exciting new hybrid trucks such as the 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, as well as SUVs like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape, Volks-wagen Touareg, Lexus RX450h, Chevy Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. There are also luxury hybrid vehicles that combine comfort and elegance with fuel efficiency and performance such as the compact Lexus CT 200h, which gets 42 mpg.
Local residents Bernie and Elaine Halprin recently purchased a Lexus CT 200h from Lexus of Henderson inside the Valley Automall, 7736 Eastgate Road.
"The Lexus CT 200h is really sporty looking as well as eco-friendly and fuel efficient," said new hybrid owner Bernie Halprin. "We looked everywhere for this model. We even drove down to Southern California. But, it was Valley Automall that had the model in stock, so we could see and test drive it."
Despite misconceptions, hybrids carry the same power and performance, styling and luxury as conventional cars. High-end hybrid vehicles are increasingly becoming commonplace with models like the BMW X6 and Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid, which could be the first production luxury sedan with a lithium ion battery.
"Hybrids are no longer the ugly stepsister of the car world," Johnson said. "They're now elegant and sophisticated. It's simply the latest advancement in automotive technology. Hybrids are fast and quiet, as well as affordable and practical."
Indeed, the automotive industry's growing range of affordable small and mid-sized hybrid sedans consist of the Honda Civic, Honda CRZ and 42-mpg Honda Insight, plus mid-sized sedans such as the Lexus HS250h, Nissan Altima and Toyota Prius, which gets 50 mpg. There are even large-size sedan hybrids like the Lexus GS450h, Lexus LS600hL and 41-mpg Ford Fusion, which was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year in 2010.
"Hybrid vehicles are here to stay," said Staley. "They're fun to drive and feature the same grace and power of regular vehicles, but with better fuel efficiency and environmental benefits.
