Hybrids, electric cars are auto industry's next big thing

Sorry George Jetson, there probably won't be any hover cars anytime soon.

But shoppers looking for a vehicle with great gas mileage and high-tech toys are in for a treat.

Economic turbulence and jaw-dropping gas prices have led to innovation in the auto industry, and Fond du Lac dealerships are noticing the effects. Consumers nowadays seem to think smaller, not bigger, is better, said Jason Gerken, general manager of Saturn of Fond du Lac, 416 N. Rolling Meadows Drive.

"It does seem like everyone is switching from trucks to cars," he said.

Those who purchase trucks usually use them for towing or hauling purposes, not driving back and forth to work, added Dan Giove, general sales manager at Homan Auto Sales, 925 W. Main St., Waupun. Work transportation is reserved for more fuel-efficient cars.

But consumers are willing to make exceptions if the price is right, noted Gerken. One of the dealership's most popular vehicles is the Vue, an SUV that seats up to five passengers. It may not be a small car, but families looking for something more spacious choose it for the gas mileage, he explained. The Vue can get up to 25 miles per gallon.

Those who want to be more environmentally friendly go for the hybrid Vue, which can reach up to 32 miles per gallon, he said.

General Manager Mike Berg noted that both hybrids and small cars have gained attention at Holiday Chrysler Dodge Jeep, 815 S. Rolling Meadows Drive. Just about any model that gets more than 30 miles per gallon is rolling off the lot.

"The trend is definitely going toward better gas mileage," he said. "We're selling (cars) like crazy."

New technology
Berg said hybrids are just the beginning. In the future, Americans may drive vehicles that have even better gas mileage and emit fewer, if any, harmful substances.

Experts are currently developing a fuel-cell hybrid, which runs on part gas, part electricity. Because it uses less gas, it will be less expensive to run, he said.

As a bonus, it will emit water vapor, which is safer for the environment, he noted.

"It's like the perfect car," he said.

Gerken said he wouldn't be surprised to see electricity play a bigger role in vehicle operation. GM will likely produce those autos first, but other makers will probably follow suit if it proves to be effective.

"Electric cars are supposed to be the thing of the future," he said.

Giove said he's glad to see companies making improvements, though the current products are still in their infancy. Some hybrids, for instance, have commendable gas mileage but still cost more to operate due to their batteries. Some batteries, which cost up to $3,200, need to be replaced every three to four years. Others cost about $1,500, and only need to be replaced every 10 years.

He added that hybrids help protect the environment, but they aren't the ultimate solution because they still use fossil fuels. He said he'd love to see vehicles that run on less harmful materials.

"(Hybrids) are kind of like putting a Band-Aid on a wound that should have stitches," he said.

Giove noted that he's still happy to see the innovations, especially after already going through one oil crisis. He can recall the oil embargo of the 1970s, when Americans ditched their gas guzzlers in favor of smaller fare.

"All we sold in those days was cars," he said.

Gas prices fell after that, but Giove said he wasn't shocked to see them climb again.

"I kind of saw it coming," he said. "I think people got a rude awakening with this."

Adults', kids' toys
Better gas mileage isn't the only feature shoppers are looking for in a car. At one time, power locks and windows and cruise control used to be special features. Nowadays, they're basic components, said Gerken.

Berg added that many new vehicles come equipped with high-tech parts, like satellite TV, GPS and iPod adapters.

"My kids hardly ever listen to the radio (in the car)," he said.

Satellite radio and On Star have gained popularity as well, said Gerkin. CD players are also common because they're less expensive to install than cassette decks, which have more components.

"It's an exciting time," he said. "Not for the faint of heart."

But what fate awaits the large truck or SUV? Berg believes they will always have their uses.

"When you work hard all day, you still want to take the boat out and go fishing," he said.

source:fdlreporter