| We have all heard all the talk about the fuel | | | | the 2006 models in the US. They have been |
| economy and innovations of Hybrid Cars and | | | | available in Japan since 2003. The unit is |
| how they are sweeping the nation. Last year | | | | called the Hino 165 Hybrid; pictured here: |
| in 2004 in fact over 88,000 Hybrids were sold | | | | price is still a little steep at $116,000 per |
| and waiting lists are still climbing. Honda, | | | | truck which is just over two times the cost, |
| Toyota and Ford cannot build them fast | | | | but Hino a spokesman said in Transport Topics |
| enough. Things are changing indeed. Although | | | | that in fact the fuel savings over a three |
| still a drop in the bucket considering the | | | | year period would cover the additional costs |
| average 17 million cars sold each year in the | | | | and the Public Relations for companies and |
| United States we can see a hyperbolic trend | | | | the tax incentives in states like MA, CA and |
| forming as oil prices stay high. Also with | | | | NY would more than entice buyers to switch |
| China and India entering the global game for | | | | over. The fuel saving is a solid 14 to 27% |
| demand for oil we will see the price per | | | | over the conventional models like the Isuzu |
| barrel to continue to remain high even if | | | | and other competing trucks like the one |
| OPEC decides to stay on the same team, which | | | | pictured here; of North America is convinced |
| built their industry there.The Japanese are | | | | that buyers will put up the extra money for |
| now showcasing their technologies in medium | | | | the new hybrids and many government agencies |
| sized trucks. In fact Hino Motors, which | | | | are already trying to order them. Meanwhile |
| makes the very popular box type delivery | | | | waiting lists at some fleet dealership |
| trucks you see around town is now making a | | | | locations are not forming. Think on this. |
| diesel electric version to be available in | | | | |