10-02-2010, 02:08 AM
Germans invented the hybrid engine over a century ago, did they not?
The US is the number one market for hybrids, and yes they became popular as gas prices rose and concern for the environment increased.
Can't believe you are beating up Europe over use of gasoline! Come on. Life in European cities was not designed around needing a car, as it was here. Cars are smaller and more energy efficient (about half of them are diesel, for example.) The typical vehicle on the highway in Europe is far more energy efficient than in the US. No comparison. Consumers have been sensitive to this for a long time and consider many sophisticated engine options...things American consumers are only beginning to consider when purchasing.
In a few decades we will use less gas per person, no question. Other countries got quite a jump start on that.
The US is the number one market for hybrids, and yes they became popular as gas prices rose and concern for the environment increased.
Can't believe you are beating up Europe over use of gasoline! Come on. Life in European cities was not designed around needing a car, as it was here. Cars are smaller and more energy efficient (about half of them are diesel, for example.) The typical vehicle on the highway in Europe is far more energy efficient than in the US. No comparison. Consumers have been sensitive to this for a long time and consider many sophisticated engine options...things American consumers are only beginning to consider when purchasing.
In a few decades we will use less gas per person, no question. Other countries got quite a jump start on that.