Around the Net

Automakers Talking Hybrids

Hybrid cars, not a new phenomenon as Bob Casey at the Henry Ford Museum will demonstrate (the museum has a 1916 Woods on display), and they also aren't a big slice of the U.S. auto market. But they are a big part of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Less than 1% of cars on the road have hybrid or electric technology. But for car companies to meet new fuel efficiency rules that will nearly double automakers' average fuel economy by 2025, that percentage is going to have to grow. Hybrid sales are under 3% of 13 million cars sold in the U.S. Brian Moody points out that automakers are making these vehicles "halo cars" because they make the makers look green.

"They want you to think of their company as primarily a green company," he says. "So the more they can get that message out, then the less ill you might think of them — and you may buy one of their cars even if it isn't a hybrid."

Nearly half of consumers say they'll never consider buying a hybrid, according to a recent survey by Kelley Blue Book.

advertisement

advertisement

Read the whole story at National Public Radio »

Next story loading loading..