As recently as 2004, you could only find three models of hybrid vehicles on the available market and all three were from Japanese auto makers. As of 2007, there a total of eight US made hybrid vehicle models and with the advances in technology, that number isn't showing any signs of slowing down over a predicted increase in availability of hybrids over the next ten years.

Should you get a hybrid? The latest statistics for sales of hybrid vehicles show that you wouldn't be alone in your choice. In 2006 (2007 stats haven't been released yet) over 200,000 hybrid vehicles were sold. Granted this isn't a huge market share of the automobile industry, however it's a nice slice of the pie for something that is still considered in many fronts to be "new" technology.

To make hybrid vehicles even more attractive, there are tax incentives for owning a hybrid. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 offers tax incentives for owners of hybrids and it's not a tax deduction, it's a tax credit. As of last year, the credit amount can be as much as $3,400 per hybrid vehicle. There are some requirements the vehicle must meet so be sure to run this past your accountant - but in most cases, you'll find it is a happy tax credit to make tax time a little less painful.

One thing that keeps many people from purchasing hybrid vehicles is that misconception that they only go approximately 30MPH - a hybrid will go just as fast as your regular work car. It's safe to drive on the streets as well as the expressway - the hybrids of today may not be ready for the Autobahn just yet - but technology to make hybrid engines faster and more powerful is currently underway and energy efficient, clean running, ultra-horsepower vehicles may be available in the near future. If you don't want to make the commitment of a hybrid vehicle purchase, consider a lease for your next vehicle and make it a hybrid - you can do so for as little as $499 a month for a 2008 model.

If you haven't done so already, check it out for yourself and take a test drive, most people are shocked there is no difference in the way a hybrid and regular designed vehicle handle - see for yourself.

Labels: buy a hybrid, hybrid, hybrid vehicles, hybrids