Unveiled: 2010 Toyota Prius
Third generation Prius retains its iconic shape while increasing the engine size and improving the fuel economy, which stands at 50MPG now. Full press release after the jump:
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Tags: Unveiled: 2010 Lexus HS250h
As rumored, Lexus has unveiled its dedicated hybrid model HS250h. Offering the fuel economy of a Prius in a more luxurious package, Lexus promises car buyers who didn’t want to drive a Toyota a hybrid of their own. Press release after the jump:
Unveiled: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid
Ford’s mid-size sedan finally gets a hybrid version that promises up to 700 miles with a full tank of gas. Of course, given the tanking gas prices nowadays, this may not be the best time to tout a hybrid, but come Spring 2009, you will be able to take home Ford’s hybrid offering.
Full press release after the jump:
Unveiled: 2011 Chevrolet Volt
As part of GM’s centennial celebration, 2011 Chevrolet Volt was finally unveiled. Production is slated to start in 2010 for delivery in North America in 2011. Unfortunately, the most important detail of price hasn’t been revealed.
Full press release after the jump:
Hybrid saves the environment and endangers the blind?
Posted by: Aram on 
Oct 3rd, 2007 | 
Filed under: News
Gas-electric hybrids are becoming increasingly popular even though it does not make economic sense to opt for a pricier hybrid than equivalent gas model. However they give you a green image, make you feel like you’re contributing to saving the environment, and some authorities give you a tax break as well.
Now an advocacy group for the blind have completed unscientific tests specifying that they pose a health risk to the blind as they cannot hear the hybrids when operating in electric-only mode. Some are arguing for mandatory minimum noise legislations (really?). While I understand the need to protect the blind, I find argument for an artificial noise generation pretty weak: there are many things on the road that are virtually silent and could cause problems for the blind, and some of the attraction for the hybrid is its near-silent. Noise is also a serious pollution that people in big cities must deal with, and hybrid offers some reprieve in that aspect too.
Instead of making hybrids noisier, carmakers and governments should find innovative ways to ensure blind persons do not collide with cars in general.