Reduced emissions, increased fuel efficiency and the first car manufacturer to get their fuel cell vehicle on the road are buzz in the “Green Car” category at the 2008 L.A. Auto Show. As it should be. With more consumers desiring to purchase highly efficient and low impact “green cars” the industry is really beginning to show major moves in this direction.
This years auto show reveals this to be true as many important models in popular classes consumers are buying are now being produced with hybrid engines (gasoline-electric). In fact all 5 nominees for the 2008 “Green Car” title are all hybrids. Chevy is now making their Malibu mid-size and Tahoe SUV with a hybrid engine, both in contention for the “Green Car” of the year. Other contenders are the Mazda Tribute SUV Hybrid, the Nissan Altima Hybrid and the Saturn Aura Hybrid.
Fuel cell cars are the next giant leap in the automotive industry. Honda’s FCX Clarity pictured above is the next generation of the companies fuel cell vehicles. The BIG NEWS is they’re guaranteeing these cars will be released in 2008 (GO HONDA!). The FCX clarity comes with an advanced fuel cell “V Stack” engine with single hydrogen fuel tank powering the electric motor and the best part is it puts out 0 emissions.
Honda plans to lease this low slung eco-champion to a limited number of retail consumers in Southern California as soon summer 2008. They will launch the FCX clarity with a 3 year lease term with a price of $600 a month, including maintenance and collision insurance. You may be thinking where does one fill up a hydrogen powered car, but there is already stations in our nations 3 largest cities, New York, Los Angeles and D.C. For all the information on the FCX clarity visit World Honda.
Do you know of any other new or major green car developments?
