While traditionally-powered vehicles continue to dominate in the United States, hybrid and diesel vehicles keep gaining more and more market shares. Major debates and issues such as rising fuel costs, global warming and technological advancements explain this growing interest for alternative powertrains.
In fact, hybrid vehicles are expected to reach a 9-percent market share in 2009, with Toyota maintaining its leadership. By the way, it should be noted that more than 70 percent of all hybrid vehicles manufactured over the last two years are Toyotas. By 2009, company executives project that their market share will drop to about 50 percent, mainly because of the assault of other automakers in this field. Likewise, diesel technology seems to be naturally finding its place in Uncle Sam's land. Diesel-powered vehicles generally burn 30 percent less fuel than their regular counterparts. What's more, manufacturers have considerably improved their emission levels, quietness and quality.
photo: Toyota