Hybrid Cars Proving Popular At Baltimore Auto Show
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Rising prices of gasoline could be forcing many people to think about fuel economy when it's time to buy a new car. And now, automakers are giving us more choices than ever.
Jessica Kartalija explains that hybrids are the hottest trend.
Everyone seems to be checking out the hybrid not just because the choice is environmentally sound, but also because it is easy on the wallet when it comes to prices at the pump.
If the cars showcased at the Motor Trend International Auto Show are any indication...
"More and more hybrids are going to be out on the road," Mike Murphy of the Ford Motor Company said.
Hybrids like the Ford Fusion are drawing praise from consumers.
"You have a traditional electric charging station that will then power the engine through hybrid and then traditional gas," Murphy said.
Drivers tired of riding the roller coaster at the gas pump say they're looking to go green to save green.
"A lot of customers are frustrated and concerned and don't know just where that top out is going to be with the gas, and this is great because you know how much you spend per kilowatt hour at home. It's very clear on your bill," Courtney Thomas of Nissan said.
The all-electric Nissan Leaf is one of the most popular cars on display at the Convention Center enticing consumers to help the environment. The IRS is offering rebates from $2,500 to $7,500 for consumers who buy green in 2012.
Additionally, almost all of the cars you see at the show this year are more fuel-efficient. They say 40 is the new 30 when it comes to gas mileage.
"If you walk around the show, you see very few V-8 engines any more," Peter Kitzmiller, president of the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association said. "They are all six cylinders or four cylinders. With the new technology given the same power but with significantly better gas mileage."
With competition to go green heating up, automakers are getting competitive with pricing.
"It's listed at $26,000 or $27,000, so I thought they would be more expensive," said Dennis Woytowich, a driver who visited the Auto Show. "The Volt is considerably more for what I think is the same concept."
Many luxury vehicles are also adding hybrids to their lines--Lexus, Mercedes and Porsche. We are also seeing a hybrid BMW.
The Auto Show is open to the public through Sunday.
