Next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit is looking to be the battleground for hybrid vehicles this year – Toyota , Honda and General Motors all say they will introduce hybrid production cars at the show and Ford and Chrysler say that hybrid and battery-powered cars will dominate their stands.
Toyota will take the stage with the production version of the 2010 Prius hybrid and will show off a battery-powered concept car. Honda will unveil its new dedicated hybrid Insight, which is set to compete heavily with the Prius – albeit at a lower price point. Lexus will also unveil its HS250h, the first dedicated luxury hybrid.
GM will show off the production-intent Chevrolet Volt and promises a new hybrid. Ford will heavily tout its 41 mpg (city) Fusion Hybrid, which Leftlane recently tested. And count on Chrysler to display another fully-electric vehicle that could be production-ready.
Despite fuel prices hovering around $1.50 for regular grade across the country, show organizers are optimistic about the future of efficient cars.
“I think every manufacturer is embracing the need for fuel efficiency,” Joe Serra, senior cochairman of the show told the Detroit Free Press. “I think the theme is going to be efficiency this year.”
