Shopping For a Hybrid

As little as three years ago, there were only three models of Hybrid vehicles on the market, and these were from Japanese auto makers. Since then, it has been clear to the U.S. auto makers that it is time to catch up. There are now eight models in the U.S. and that number will increase over the next five to ten years.

A lot of progress has been made by putting pressure on policy makers and auto companies to allow the full benefits of the hybrid to be realized. The good news is that some good incentives are coming out for those who plan to buy a hybrid vehicle. Last year, just over 200,000 vehicles were sold in the U.S. and this still represents a very small share of the overall market. It is a slow process of acceptance. The emphasis is sill on power and size and as long as the media pushes these concepts, there will be those consumer "pockets" of resistance.

The government has stepped up its involvement, and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 offers tax incentives if you own a hybrid. The move here has been from the tax deduction-to the tax credit. Presently, taxpayers can claim as much as $3,400 per hybrid vehicle. It can get a little complex, so it is best to consult with the tax experts to nail down the variables.

The market for hybrid cars is still relatively new. To get the best deal in this market, you will need to arm yourself with all the available information possible. A good course of action might entail looking at government reports, hybrid care reviews, word of mouth from hybrid owners, and the universe of information available on the internet. Patience is the key. However, when you purchase your hybrid vehicle, you will have the personal satisfaction of knowing you were at the forefront of the hybrid technology wave.