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