Luxury IQ: The Aston Martin Cygnet

In the next Bond movie?

Aston Martin is preparing to offer the Toyota iQ based Cygnet city car to current Aston Martin owners in Europe. Early reports indicate that the Cygnet will come with a standard 1.3- liter, inline 4-cylinder engine, but some more luxurious interior accommodations.

Can the Big 3's new small cars sell in the US?

Small is the new cool?

At the LA Auto Show this year, US automakers showcased a number of new small cars, trending away from their over-dependence upon large, gas-guzzling vehicles along the way to increased CAFE requirements.

But will they sell? Is this the kind of car the US auto consumer wants, especially from the Big 3, whom collectively have a pretty shoddy record of selling small cars?

“Our research shows that, despite what the U.S. government is telling us, few Americans want to downsize to smaller cars,” says George Peterson, president of the Los Angeles-based consulting firm AutoPacific, “Finding more buyers inclined to purchase smaller cars will not be easy.”

Nobody wants small cars

If only the F150 were a hybrid

Provide a lot of incentives for consumers to buy small and efficient cars and some will take advantage. Interest also rises with gas prices. No duh, right?

Finish: Nobody wants small cars

Cheap rides: Small versus hybrid

Think small, light and foreign according to Forbes

Looking for a cheap car?

Well, think small and foreign, but don't think hybrid writes Forbes magazine. While hybrid cars offer greater fuel efficiency than compacts, they are packaged with more options increasing their costs while making them more expensive to maintain and to insure notes Forbes.

Finish: Cheap rides: Small versus hybrid

Some small cars can be very safe

Small, yet safe

According to crash test data by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a number of small vehicles, including two door small cars, can actually be quite safe. Top cars included the Ford Focus, the Volvo C30, the Honda Civic and the Chevy Cobalt.

Small cars getting much safer

Damn, that's small

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), safety on 2009 small cars has improved, although some models have improved more than others.

One important requirement for side crash safety, the Institute found, is side airbags, so if you are in the market for a small car, make sure it includes side airbags.

The Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix and Pontiac Vibe earned the highest rating of 'good' for side crash protection. Only the Ford Focus achieved a 'good' rating for rear crashes.

Ford committed to small cars

The future for Ford?

Ford plans to launch at least a half dozen new small cars in the next few years. Alan Mulally told the Automotive News that he doesn't believe that gas prices - now on the decline - will remain low. Additionally, the KA is still a possibility for the US market.

Alan Mulally, whom specialized in efficiency at Boeing, gives me hope for Ford. Hot on the heels of new information on the incredible fuel economy of the upcoming Fusion hybrid, this small car news demonstrates that Ford is headed in the right direction.

Small cars won't come close to ending foreign oil dependency

The tiny Nissan Versa

Amidst the financial crisis facing America and the inability of a significant percent of Americans to afford, or at least qualify, for a new car loan, a move towards cheaper cars appears necessary. Thus, Nissan has announced that it has reduced the price of its Versa to just $10,685.

For gas-guzzler haters, moving auto buyers into small cars seems like a great idea. Yet, what does it really accomplish?

According to Fueleconomy.gov the Versa achieves only 24 - 27 mpg in the city depending on the version. On the highway, where most vehicles achieve their best fuel economy, the Versa achieves just 31 - 33 mpg.

With the future of transportation a vision of slow, emission-spewing congestion, 27 mpg is not going to cut it. And, even if all Americans drove a Versa, the US would still be heavily dependent on foreign oil.

Sure the Versa is cheap, but that's about it. It might be a small band aide for Nissan in these turbulent times, but it offers nothing for the future.

Small Honda car sales sizzle

Production up 9.6 percent

Like all automakers, Honda sales are suffering. Still, Honda's smallest cars continue to soar off dealer lots. Thus, Honda is increasing production of the Civic and CR-V while "significantly" decreasing the production of larger vehicles, such as the Odyssey and Pilot according to the Detroit News.

"Honda has a very focused strategy" emphasizing small cars over larger vehicles, said Hirofumi Yokoi, a Tokyo-based analyst at auto-consulting company CSM Worldwide. "That leaves them in pretty good shape right now."

Insurance - The downside of small cars

Why not make guzzlers pay more?

So, you're tired of high gas prices and you bought a small car to save some money on fuel, but your insurance premiums went up so much you're barely saving any money. According to MarketWatch, small cars can cost several hundred more dollars per year to insure.

This seems unfair because if large vehicles were taken off the road, small cars would be safer. Thus, insurance companies are actually rewarding the drivers of vehicles that are causing greater global warming and foreign oil dependency, at the expense of people trying to do the right thing.

I say tax the fricken gas hogs.

Just can't get excited about the Mini E

Only a two-seater?

I'm glad to hear that the Mini E electric vehicle is going to be available for a one year lease for up to 500 lessees, but I'm still not that excited. Honda is going to lease hundreds of fuel cell vehicles, but that doesn't mean they are going to be mass-produced any time soon.

Even the MiniUSA site claims that this is a " pilot test" to help BMW with its "medium term" plans to develop electric cars.

What is medium term?

If BMW had more concrete plans for the next stage after this pilot program, I would be more hopeful, but, as it stands, its a step, but only a small step.

Deals on small cars increasing

$2,000 cash back on a Focus

If you're in the market for a small car, especially an American-made small car, now might be the perfect time to buy. While, just a few months ago, small cars were fetching premium prices, deals ranging from $300 - $3500 cash back on the same small vehicles are now common according to Market Watch.

Ford's small Ka a no brainer

Why wouldn't you try it in the US?

With Ford sales tanking along with the US economy, it seems trying to sell the compact Ford Ka would be a no-brainer. Over-dependent on trucks and SUVs and unable to make more than 25,000 hybrid vehicles per year, what else does Ford have to try to shake up its product mix?

Nonetheless, Ford has been against bringing the Ka to America, although now the automaker is reconsidering this decision. I guess it hasn't been such a no-brainer to Ford, which kind of makes you wonder about Ford's brain.

Is a Smart EV smart enough?

90 miles of range for more than $20,000+

The Smart EV electric car is an interesting little vehicle. Yet, even if it cost less than $10,000, I still wouldn't buy it. I have to have room for at least 3 people, period. There is no way around that fact, and I can't afford multiple cars for different types of driving. Most Americans can't.

Then there is the range. 90 miles sounds great, but how realistic is 90 miles? Most battery experts would tell you that heavy AC use, hills, and aggressive driving could drop that range down by a 1/3, maybe even cut it in half.

Then there is the price. Pricing has not been given on such a vehicle, but I'm certain it will be more than $20,000.

Now, obviously, there are some for whom the Smart car will work, but it's far from a mainstream solution. It's a micro-niche product at best. Can such vehicles really help push economies of scale to help bring down costs of electric cars?

The Smart EV is a good step, but I'd easily accept half the range for an extra two seats. The Smart EV just isn't smart enough for me.

GM's small car Cruze into the future

Cruzing ahead with GM

The Chevy Cruze is a strong step towards GM's future. A car that will be sold in the US, Europe and SouthEast Asia, the Cruze is an entirely new small vehicle from GM. Multiple engine sizes and configurations, including turbo diesel. 5 speed manual or 6 speed automatic transmissions. Variable valve timing. Multiple configurations for multiple markets - truly a world class car.

The Cruze will be bigger than the Cobalt, but smaller than the Malibu. Still, it will be bigger than any car in its segment, such as the Civic, the Focus or the Corolla. Yet, the Chevy Cruze will be able to achieve about 40 mpg on the highway.

And while the Cruze is a small car, an arched roof-line and long wheel base will make this compact feel like a sedan, even when getting into the back seat. And, the cockpit interior of the Cruze, GM claims, will be second to none, an example of "expressive value".

The Chevy Cruze is being designed to create a whole new class of small vehicle. Are you ready to Cruze into the future?

Ford puts $75 million Focus on small car

Can't keep up with demand

Ford is spending $75 million on an SUV factory that also builds the Focus, so that the company can increase Focus production if demand stays high. Additionally, Ford is moving some 1000 workers off SUVs into Focus production.

While this is a good reactionary move, I'm still waiting for Ford to take some real action towards the future.

Daimler has little vision for Smart?

2,559 sold in July

Daimler will probably sell about 100,000 Smart cars throughout the world this year, which is nearing current production capacity. Nonetheless, Daimler has no plans to either add new manufacturing capacity or to expand its brand beyond the ForTwo.

With sales and interest increasing, is this a mistake? Is it simply impossible for Daimler to make money off the Smart?

$500 million for Cruze Control

The Chevy Cruze

GM will invest $500 million to develop the Chevy Cruze a new, small car that will achieve almost 40 miles per gallon on the highway. More important, GM is out to prove that it can make money selling such small vehicles. But history is not on GM's side.

Recently, GM's Rick Wagoner told reporters that GM loses money on the Chevy Cobalt, which is now experiencing a sale's boom.

While this is a positive development, is GM being aggressive enough when it comes to offering more fuel efficient models?

JD Power: Best Sub Compact and Compact cars

The Honda Civic remains a leader

High gas prices got ya thinking about a compact car or a sub-compact car? JD Power just released its list of the best sub-compact and compact cars today. The 3 top sub-compacts, in order, are the Honda Fit, Kia Rio, and the Hyundai Accent. The 3 Top Compacts, in order, are the Honda Civic, Toyota Prius hybrid, and Hyundai Elantra Sedan.

Cheap small cars?

Maybe, if you don't care about AC

For those concerned about fuel economy, but with limited funds, small cars seem like a great option. But, can you buy a small car with air conditioning, power windows, and a CD player for less than $15,000? Not according to some analysis by Cars.com, which finds that small cars don't have such small price tags. (more)

Focus: Small hope for Ford?

30 percent increase in production

With Ford Focus sales up 23 percent so far this year, Ford is planning to increase Focus production by 30 percent. Nice to see a downtrodden automaker like Ford finding some success with a small car.

No iQ in America for Toyota?

Too big for America to handle?

When Toyota launched the iQ urban car at the Geneva Motor Show, they were quick to point out that this hot little car would not be coming to America. Why not? Is it that Americans wouldn't buy such a vehicle, or is it that automakers would simply prefer to sell more profitable gas-guzzlers, rather than less-profitable small cars, to Americans?

Smart Car: Fun Toy or Perception Changer?

Can it change the way Americans think about vehicle size?

I've been following the Smart Car since I saw these vehicles being used for deliveries in Pasadena, California several years ago. Since I live in a very urban area, where parking can be a serious issue, such a vehicle is very tempting.

Still, is this car just a toy for some commuters or something more? Read more...

Despite high gas prices, compact car sales rise slightly

Compact car buyers buying subcompacts

High gas prices have caused declines in the sales of some large vehicles, but that decline has not significantly increased the sales of small cars. According to the DetroitNews, small car sales are only up .04 percent so far in 2007.

Some large SUV buyers have downsized into smaller vehicles, such as crossovers, but they have not dropped into the small car market. On the other hand, many that have been driving compact cars have downsized into subcompact cars.

Apparently, it is going to take far more than $3.00 gas to cause serious shifts in consumer vehicle preferences.

Can VW come Up in America

Starting at $7,000

There have been some pretty cool small car concepts at the Frankfurt Auto Show. One that has stood out in my opinion is the VW Up! concept.

While it's a great looking car, a starting price of around $7,000 is the big news, in addition to more than 60 mpg.

IQ: Toyota's Smart Answer

It might even come in a hybrid version

If the Smart ForTwo, or another super small car, begin to sell well, Toyota is ready to act with the IQ Concept.

"At 117.3-inches long the IQ is nearly a foot (10.6-inches) longer than the Fortwo, or almost three feet (32.7 inches) shorter than a Toyota Yaris three-door. Designed in Toyota’s design studio in France," reports Car&Driver, "the IQ has a European look to it that blends harmoniously with the Japanese details like the headlights and taillights. No word on what will power the IQ, but we’re guessing a gas-electric hybrid powertrain of some sort, as the car is strictly a design concept for the time being."

Smart: $11,590 for Two?

Coming in early 2008

The DetroitNews is reporting that the Smart ForTwo will be sold in the U.S. by a Penske Automotive Group subsidiary, Smart USA Distributor LLC, in early 2008 at a base price of $11,590.

"The more richly equipped Passion Coupe featuring a panorama roof, power windows and heated side mirrors as standard equipment, will have a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $13,590, while the Passion Cabrio with a fully-automatic soft top, will start at $16,590."

Ford's future is small?

4 cylinder hybrid the future for Ford?

Ford CEO Alan Mulally recently told the Detroit News that the company will streamline its vehicle platforms, reducing them. Mulally also claimed the amount of 6 cylinder vehicles made by Ford will be reduced to just two.

Is this a sign that Ford is planning smaller cars and/or replacing 6 cylinder engines with 4 cylinder hybrid powertrains, such as in the current Ford Escape hybrid?

Ford ready to Verve around the small car competition?

The future of subcompacts for Ford?

Wow! Will somebody sponsor me to go to the Frankfurt Auto Show? I mean, WOW! Cool hybrid vehicles, hot small cars - Frankfurt is shaping up to be an impressive auto show for those concerned with the dangers of fossil fuels.

Well, Ford is also going to get in on the action of Frankfurt.

Check out the Ford Verve, which Ford claims "gives the first hints of Ford's future small-car design vision."

"Ford Verve Concept is presented here in Frankfurt as a bespoke concept car to generate reactions while our production plans are taking shape," said John Fleming, President and CEO of Ford of Europe. "Our Design team took an unrestrained approach to how our future small cars could look, and this eye-catching concept was one of the results. If we get the reaction we expect, I'm certain that the team will incorporate elements of this advanced design vision into our final production design. This will make the next generation of small cars from Ford very compelling indeed."

Hopefully, Ford won't leave the Verve and similarly designed vehicles on just one side of the pond!

Time for some Groove from Chevy?

Coming to America?

Yeah, it resembles a certain sub-Toyota model, but so what? That Toyota car is proving that such vehicles, namely small cars and trucks, can sell. Therefore, BusinessWeek thinks this Chevy Groove could make it to America.

"Any one of these cars could help prove that GM can make hip subcompacts. After GM showed them on the stage in New York, the company set up a website where consumers could weigh in with a vote on the cars. About 1 million votes poured in, with the Groove (pictured above) winning the most. Meanwhile, GM is cutting production at six pickup and suv plants because fuel prices have dampened sales. You think it’s time to put some real effort into the small-car business?"

Yeah, I do think its time. In fact, the time for such an effort is long overdue.

The Peugeot 308SW: Why not in America?

The small car conspiracy?

Why don't European vehicles, such as the soon-to-be-released Peugeot 308SW, or the Volvo C-30, ever seem to make their way into the U.S.?

Even U.S. automakers offer some compelling competitors to Europe's Best, but again, they never seem to make it into the U.S.?

Why?

In the past, Americans might not have been receptive, but Americans seem very receptive these days. So, what's the problem?

A Mercedes Mini Cooper?

BMW and Mercedes to partner on small cars?

"In July, the two companies are expected to make a decision on whether to build the next generation Mercedes A-Class on BMW's Mini platform, Auto Bild said in its forthcoming Friday edition without citing sources."

(Source: Reuters)

Once again, big isn't so much safer

Safer than a smaller car?

Many drivers of large SUVs and trucks drive such vehicles for safety reasons. While it is understandable that safety might be chosen over fuel economy, is the assumption of bigger is safer as correct as believed?

Recently, I cited an article that demonstrates that small cars are safe - far safer than what many Americans believe. Still, in many types of crashes, large vehicles can perform better. However, if hit from behind, many large trucks and SUVs perform worse than smaller cars. That's right. In some crashes, small vehicles are safer than large vehicles according to a new study.

Ultimately, consumers can pick smaller vehicles to achieve better fuel economy and still be safe.

Best small cars?

J.D. Power ranks small cars

Let's face it. Not everyone can afford a clean diesel vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. For many, the best way to have a more positive impact on global warming, foreign oil dependency, and the pocket book - when it comes to an automobile - is to buy a small car.

So, which small cars are best?

According to J.D. Power customer satisfaction surveys, its either the Honda Fit or the Toyota Yaris.

(Source:MSBNC)

What? Even the smallest cars can be safe?

Believe it. Even a car this small can be quite safe.

I finally got around to reading Dan Carney's Driving small doesn't mean you're less safe on MSNBC. If you are used to large vehicles, but have lately considered a small car, except for safety, then you need to also read this article.

Inevitably, those with small families concerned with safety do not have one option: a large SUV. Smaller families can be very safe in even the smallest vehicles on the market today, and you'll save a lot of money on gas.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles with fuel cells?

The fuel cell crazy train?

Fuel cells hold great potential for automobiles, but why do cars have to be fuel cell vehicles? As hybrid cars are converted into plug-in hybrid vehicles, why not add a small fuel cell to plug-in hybrids?

--> More on plug-in hybrid vehicles with fuel cells

Are hybrid vehicles the key to the hydrogen economy?

Ford's HySeries Hydrogen Plug-in hybrid drive

Could a new way of creating hydrogen turn hybrid cars into THE automotive technology of the future?

Researchers at the University of Purdue have developed a simple, on-demand form of hydrogen creation that could solve many problems related to the hydrogen economy - particularly storage and transportation (more).

Already there are hydrogen hybrids. Why? Because hydrogen is about as efficient as gasoline. Hybrid technology can make hydrogen 20-30 percent more efficient as a fuel with today's technology. Lithium-powered hybrid technology could double this efficiency, meaning the need for huge amounts of hydrogen would not be needed - making the hydrogen highway far less complicated.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles could further reduce the need for large amounts of hydrogen. Add in a small fuel cell, and even less hydrogen is needed. You get the picture.

Hydrogen and hybrids, a perfect marriage?

Honda's next hybrids

What Honda's next hybrid won't look like?

By mid-2009 Honda plans to begin selling its new economy hybrid, which will cost less than the Civic hybrid. Earlier reports indicated the vehicle might be a hybrid version of the Honda Fit, but now it appears the vehicle might be more like Honda's Remix concept.

Finish Honda's next hybrids

I'm not kidding, GM is serious about the Volt - Really! I promise!

No. Seriously. GM will build the Volt

The Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid is a fantastic concept vehicle. Still, it is 3 years away from reality according to GM, and even then, it will be produced in limited numbers according to GM via AutoWeek.

While America waits for this Toyota Prius-fighter, Toyota will have sold more than a million Prii, possibly several million. By the time the Volt hits the streets, Toyota will also be using lithium-ion batteries. In fact, by the time the first Volt is sold, Toyota might have already sold more than a million lithium-powered hybrid cars. And, while GM brags about the plug-in potential of the Volt, there is every reason to believe that Toyota will also offer a plug-in option for its hybrids.

I'm certainly not trying to diminish GM's hybrid efforts, and I'm extremely glad that GM is moving forward with the Volt, but I get it already. GM is serious about producing the Volt.

Ford: Gasoline engines here to stay

I'll take the Reflex over the Explorer any day

According to Susan Cischke, senior vice president for sustainability, environment and safety engineering at Ford, "Research shows that Americans want more fuel-efficient cars, yet they don't want to drive smaller vehicles. And they still have a need to move people, haul things and tow boats and other loads," according to an article on CNN.

Thus, according to Cischke, the gasoline engine isn't going to be phased out at least for the next few decades.

Somebody better tell Honda to stop making small cars.

Even with Democrats, no Toyota hybrid tax credits. Does America suck?

Is leaving Iraq a solution or a distraction?

While Democrats keep beating the Leave Iraq drum, they continue to do little to resolve the problem that eventually pushed America into Iraq in the first place: oil. While there isn't anything that can be done to immediately end foreign oil dependency, there are small actions that create strong messages that could result in real action. Extending Toyota's tax credits is one such action.

Besides, Toyota deserves the extension. Hybrid cars, plug-in hybrid vehicles - these vehicles wouldn't even be on the world's radar if not for Toyota. Even today, the Big 3 - led by GM - can't get off the ethanol crazy train. Fortunately, even the mainstream media are finally starting to address the truth about flex-fuel vehicles and corn-based ethanol - its a scam (See BW).

--> Finish Democrats suck: Why no Toyota hybrid tax credits

Another cut in Toyota's hybrid tax credits coming

Are you in the market to buy a hybrid?

Have you been out shopping for hybrid cars recently? If so, then you know there are some pretty good deals being offered on hybrids. For Toyota hybrids, the deal might never be sweeter. The current tax credits offered on Toyota hybrids are set to again be cut in half in April. So, if you were thinking about a new Prius, Camry hybrid or Highlander hybrid, you might want to act now.

Big Deal?! Honda's small sports hybrid

Unfortunately, Honda's new small hybrid is more concept than reality

Sure, Honda's new small hybrid sports car is cool looking, but it doesn't seem anywhere near reality. Honda, it seems, continues to believe there is little value in hybrid cars.

Disappointing....

Get your Toyota Prius incentives

Now that Toyota has significantly increased its capacity for producing hybrid cars, particularly the Prius, it is offering new incentives. For example, Toyota will offer 3 year leases on the Prius starting as low as $219/month. Additionally, Toyota will also offer low-interest loans on the Prius.

Toyota Prius sales were up 4 percent in January compared to the previous year, despite a 50 percent reduction in the clean vehicle tax credit.

Could Europeans lead the hybrid revolution?

The EU today rejected criticism from the German auto industry that a proposed plan to significantly decrease carbon emissions from automobiles was both unrealistic and a job-killer.

"Normally jobs are not lost when you pro-actively embrace change but when you reactively resist it," replied Commission spokesman Johannes Laitenberger (more).

Earlier this month Andrew Fulbrook, powertrain analyst at CSM Worldwide's office in London, claimed that if the EU legislation passed either hybrid cars or tiny vehicles would be required. "If we go from voluntary to compulsory limits and, say, the 120g/km average for 2011-2012 is enforced, then short of going to very small three-cylinder gasoline engines, the diesel hybrid will be required" (more).

Will the U.S. be pro-active or reactive? Will American automakers be pro-active or reactive?

Pricing on Escape and Mariner hybrids announced

Ford debuted the 2008 Ford Escape and the 2008 Mercury Mariner today in Claycomo, MO, where the new line of small SUVs will be built. The debut also includes the hybrid versions of both vehicles as well.

According to a press release the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid will start at $25,740, which is more than $1000 cheaper than last year's hybrid Escape. The 2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid will start at $26, 430, which is $1300 less than the 2007 model.

In addition to the lower prices both hybrids will offer "redesigned interiors feature upscale appointments and innovative storage options. Both vehicles include Ford's first "top of dash" information system, a standard MP3 audio jack and a new center console that provide enough room to store a laptop. At night, new ice-blue lighting replaces green on the instrument cluster. In addition, Escape introduces sustainable new cloth seating that is the first U.S. automotive application of 100 percent recycled fabric."

Why can't I find a dual mode hybrid?

Where is the Yukon hybrid?

This is a question I have been asking ever since NAIAS. Before NAIAS, I didn't really care about the GMC Yukon hybrid. I don't like large SUVs. Since NAIAS, however, I am interested in the Yukon because it will be the first GM hybrid to utilize GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain and it will be a small step towards the Volt concept.

--> Read the rest of Where are GM's dual mode hybrids

Volt Debut on YouTube

GM has YouTubed a video of the Chevy Volt debut at NAIAS, which includes a few interesting interviews. If you don't check out GM's FastLane Blog, it's worth a look. In addition, there are some other good posts about the Volt, which has been a major focal point of the FastLane Blog since NAIAS. Hopefully, one day soon there will be this much excitement about a real GM vehicle, rather than a concept vehicle. While I love the Volt concept, it is just a concept.

Ford to plug-in its hybrid vehicles as well?

My first thoughts of Ford's HySeries Drive - which debuted at NAIAS - were not great, particularly because this new plug-in platform requires hydrogen to power its fuel cell. The Chevy Volt and its E Flex Drive, on the other hand, provides a much more adaptable and flexible path to fuel cells, as does Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive (See my article on the Hybrid Synergy Drive versus the E Flex Drive). Most important, neither the E Flex Drive nor the Hybrid Synergy Drive are dependant upon either fuels cells or hydrogen - a significant advantage over the HySeries Drive.

It seems Ford is now also keenly aware of this fact. Today, Ford is going to display the Flexible Series Hybrid Edge at the Washington D.C. Auto Show. While it seems this new Edge is based upon the HySeries Drive, Ford has already made changes. "We could take the fuel cell power system out and replace it with a downsized diesel, gasoline engine or any other powertrain connected to a small electric generator to make electricity like the fuel cell does now," Gerhard Schmidt, Ford's vice president of research and advanced engineering. (more)

Was Ford influenced by the success of the Volt? Regardless, it seems the auto game is changing. Consumers aren't interested in what automakers are going to do tomorrow, they want to know what you are doing today, and that requires hybrid cars, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles - all of which can help develop a platform for fuel cells and hydrogen.

Of course, if lithium-ion batteries reduce the cost of plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, while also providing at least 400 mile per day range, consumers might question whether fuel cells and hydrogen are even needed.

Compact segment marketshare growing

Small cars, such as this VW Tiguan continue to gain U.S. market share

Compact vehicles continue to gain marketshare according to data from the Power Information Network (PIN), a division of J.D. Power and Associates, rising from 27.9 percent in 2005 to 31.2 percent in 2006 .

"Growth in the compact vehicle segments is being driven, in part, by an increase in the number of models and the popularity of small crossover vehicles," said Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at PIN.

"It will be interesting to see if prices stabilize at or below $2.00 a gallon, whether we see a return to larger vehicles," said Libby. "I don't think we will."

(Source: Car&Driver)