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The acceptance of hybrid cars could bring much needed awareness and investment to clean technologies, leading to a boom in related business. But where there are winners, there must be losers.
- Assembling the ideal hybrid package by
- Business & Economy Mon, 19 Nov 2007 1:19 p.m.
Hybrid engines can play a major role in increasing vehicle efficiency, but their promise won’t be fulfilled unless the components packaged around them achieve proportionate gains. Right now there are some diesel cars that have lower emissions than the average hybrid. In the future, as public awareness of sustainable living grows, attention will naturally be drawn to other car components that could become more efficient and less environmentally damaging.
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- Which brands will power the hybrid future? by
- Business & Economy Tue, 9 Oct 2007 5:01 p.m.
The reason that petrol rules our economy is that it has traditionally been a cheap, convenient way to store energy. It can be transported easily and converted quickly to propulsion via combustion-driven pistons. But, regardless of climate change, the world’s oil supplies are dwindling. Research by the International Energy Agency suggests we will run out in 30-35 years. The automotive industry is being forced to react and, in this context, the hybrid car represents a fuel diversification strategy as much as a response to environmental activism.
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- How lower oil consumption could help the UK economy by
- Business & Economy Tue, 9 Oct 2007 4:56 p.m.
If the "hybrid dream" were realised and the UK really did cut its oil consumption significantly, the benefits for our economy could be considerable.
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- Why there's no such thing as a standard hybrid by
- Business & Economy Tue, 9 Oct 2007 4:53 p.m.
If hybrids are ever to become mainstream vehicles, they need to reach a "tipping point," a moment of transition from niche interest to mass appeal. But for now their purchase price is still a disincentive to most drivers of conventional, petrol-engined cars. And there are many technological barriers to overcome before that price becomes truly competitive.
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- The key players on tomorrow’s hybrid production line by
- Business & Economy Tue, 9 Oct 2007 4:46 p.m.
The Toyota Prius may lead today’s hybrid popularity contest, but it’s not classically good-looking and, to take advantage of its efficiencies, you still have to pay a premium up front. We’ve yet to see a "killer2 hybrid car that is just too good a package for the average driver to resist - something that’s competitive in terms of cost, efficiency, looks and other criteria.
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