EMISSION OMISSIONS: Part 1 of 2; Beware of hybrid hype; many small cars with internal combustion provide high mpg and do it cheaper.(Special Report)

Automotive News, November, 2006 by Truett, Richard

Byline: Richard Truett

Hybrids are now a credible niche in the United States. Through October, 211,134 hybrid vehicles were sold - a 23.1 percent gain over the 171,529 hybrids sold during the first 10 months of 2005.

OK, I get it. But as more of those vehicles reach the market, I want to ask one question:

Why doesn't the industry just do a better job making old-fashioned internal-combustion engines? After all, many of the small economy cars on the market are fine. They get highway mileage approaching 40 mpg, and they emit far less pollution than SUVs and other large vehicles. They look good. They drive well.

And they cost a lot less than hybrids - $10,000 less in some cases.

I know automakers still can do far better with...

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