Archive for the 'Hybrid Cars' Category

I’m happy to report a positive step in the movement to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Starting in 2008, America will be the newest market for Smart cars.

While the hybrid Prius has been my ideal choice for a future car, Prius has been officially replaced by the Smart car. I’m completely hooked and let me tell you why.

1. 60 mpg (miles per gallon)…nice! PLUS, they are developing hybrid and electric models to go along with the small, efficient design so don’t be surprised to hear about an unprecedented 100 mpg in the future.

2. Perfect for commuting to work and moderate shopping trips to the grocery store, etc. (trunk holds “approx. 8 gallons of milk”….plus there’s always the passenger side if you are riding solo)

3. Incredibly efficient for parking and city driving (the car is a mere 9 feet long!)

4. Price range for the brand will be $12,000 to $20,000

5. Yes, it’s safe. 4 of 5 stars on Europe’s car safety rating system. This is very impressive considering the weight and size of these cars. The brilliance of the design is that almost all of the strength of the car’s frame is focused to form a cage around the driver and passenger.

To compare how your current car performs in European tests (if it’s sold in Europe), click here for the section “How Safe Is Your Car?” The Smart car results are in the Supermini category on the sidebar.

6. Built for people up to 6′ 5” (At 6′ 2” myself, I was relieved to hear this)

7. The Smart brand started as a joint venture between the Swatch watch company and Mercedes-Benz, so you can count on a quality product.

8. 60 mpg

8. Oh, did I mention the fuel mileage on these cool little cars?…..60 mpg!!!

For more info, check out the United States portal for smart cars. http://www.smartusa.com/

For international readers, head to http://www.smart.com/

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Posted by Tim Roth, author of the political blog Think Anew and Act Anew

Check out this article that appeared in Wired Magazine about hybrid cars. Very interesting discussion about how Toyota has truly embraced the fascinating technology that powers hybrid cars. I smiled when they mentioned a few famous Toyota Prius owners: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, and former CIA director James Woolsey. Yes, that’s right, a former CIA directer is a hybrid owner. There was a special called “We Were Warned” that aired on CNN about high gas prices a couple months ago (still replays from time to time, highly recommended). In the special, Mr. Woolsey was interviewed while cruising around in his Toyota Prius and they showed his compelling bumper sticker: “Osama Hates This Car” - a reference to how Osama bin Laden uses the politics of oil to promote radical Islam. (Stay tuned for future articles that subject)

Enough about Mr. Woolsey’s bumper sticker, here’s the article:

“Rise of the Green Machine” by Brendan I. Koerner, a fellow at the New America Foundation - article was published in Wired Magazine

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Posted by Tim Roth, author of the political blog Think Anew and Act Anew