1,000,000 hybrids within 5 years, powertrain analysts predict

According to the article, Panel of powertrain experts sees strong growth for hybrids, "The success of the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid has forced manufacturers to build more gasoline-electric hybrids."

"We had no idea where the market would go when we were doing this. We are working to increase capacity. We have a plan in place. We will look at many potential partners," stated Mary Ann Wright, Ford's director of sustainable mobility technologies and hybrid programs.

According to the article, a recent study by the Automotive Technology Research Group in Thousand Oaks, Calif. found that as many as 50 hybrid vehicles could be on the market in five years, resulting in annual North American sales of 800,000 to 1 million units.

In addition to the Honda Accord hybrid, which was released in mid-December, three additional models will hit the street this year, the Mercury Mariner hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h, and the Toyota Highlander hybrid.