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EVs as a group are worst for reliability, hybrids and PHEVs best, according to Consumer Reports

Green Car Reports

Electric SUVs were the lowest-ranked category in the latest Consumer Reports reliability rankings, but hybrids and plug-in hybrids were the best.

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Polk: 35% of hybrid owners buying hybrids again

Green Car Congress

Polk’s assessment of hybrid loyalty by quarter. While the selection of hybrid models in the US has more than doubled since 2007, only 35% of hybrid vehicle owners choose to purchase a hybrid again when returning to market in 2011, according to recent analysis by Polk. Hybrid vehicles represent 2.4% Data: Polk.

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UCS Hybrid ScoreCard Dings Automakers for Forced Features in Hybrid Offerings

Green Car Congress

Hybrids don’t have to be luxury vehicles. As an example, the UCS “Hybrid Scorecard” gives both the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid a high “hybrid value” rating. But both models come with forced features that cost nearly as much as their hybrid drivetrains.

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XL1 dive and drive: Volkswagen aggressively optimizes for efficiency in its sleek diesel plug-in hybrid

Green Car Congress

During a media event in Wolfsburg, Germany, Volkswagen provided a medium dive into details of its two-seater XL1 Super Efficient Vehicle diesel plug-in hybrid ( earlier post ) as well as some driving time on local roads and highways. The entire hybrid unit is housed between the driven rear wheels. The hybrid power unit.

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Toyota Previews Generation III 2010 Prius Hybrid

Green Car Congress

Of that 10% improvement, about 6% can be attributed to the new hybrid system (including the larger combustion engine) and about 4% to efficiency improvements in other aspects of the vehicle, such as better aerodynamics, said Chief Engineer Akihiko Otsuka. Hybrid Synergy Drive. Click to enlarge.

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Cash for Clunkers Buoys US Auto Sales; Hybrid Sales Up 31.8% for Monthly New Vehicle Share of 3.55%

Green Car Congress

Monthly new vehicle market share for hybrids. Hybrids had an especially good month, with reported sales jumping 31.8% Hybrid gains were largely due to an increase in Prius sales (up 29.7% to 19,173 units) and Ford hybrids (up 323% to 5,353 units). Monthly sales of hybrids. Click to enlarge. to 443, 297 units.

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Toyota Prices the 2010 Prius for the US Starting at $21,000

Green Car Congress

announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2010 Prius midsize hybrid ( earlier post ), scheduled to go on sale beginning in late May at Toyota dealers nationwide. The MSRPs for the Honda Insight, which Toyota considers a prime competitor for the new Prius, range from $19,800-$23,100.

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