Ford, Honda Unveil Latest Hybrid Autos

SAN FRANCISCO – Three major automakers unveiled their latest hybrid cars and technology at an environmental conference Friday, promoting their most fuel efficient vehicles as gas prices soar in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Ford Motor Co., Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. brought their hybrid vehicles, which run on a combination of gasoline and electricity, to the first national convention of the Sierra Club, the country’s largest environmental organization.

Environmentalists have criticized the auto industry for failing to produce more fuel efficient cars, but the Sierra Club wants to help automakers promote hybrid technology by organizing what it called "the world’s largest showcase of hybrid cars."

"The biggest single step to curbing global warming, cutting America’s oil dependence and saving consumers’ money at the gas pump is making our vehicles go further on a gallon of gas," said Dan Becker, director of the Sierra Club’s global warming program. "Automakers who live by the gas guzzler may die by the gas guzzler."

At the Sierra Summit, Ford offered consumers their first peek at their latest hybrid sports utility vehicle – the 2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The compact, four-wheel-drive SUV can get 33 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on highways.

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford’s first hybrid SUV – the Ford Escape Hybrid – are just the latest examples of the Dearborn, Mich.-based company’s efforts to produce more environmentally friendly vehicles, said Niel Golightly, Ford’s director of sustainable business strategies.

"As issues of climate change, energy security and fuel prices start to crop up more on consumer radar screens, we need to be able to meet that shifting demand," Golightly said. "What you’re seeing is just the beginnings of a growth in demand, but it’s a very clear trend."

Honda unveiled its latest hybrid offering – the 2006 Civic Hybrid, which can get 50 miles per gallon on highways and city streets.

"This new Civic Hybrid is the perfect example of how to balance the needs of our customers with the needs of environmental protection," said Gunnar Lindstrom, senior manager of Honda alternative fuel vehicles sales and marketing. "It’s all part of Honda’s commitment to blue skies for our children."

Toyota did not introduce any new model hybrids Friday, but announced earlier this year it would soon start selling a hybrid version of its Camry sedan and a seven-passenger SUV called the Highlander Hybrid. The company, which makes the popular hybrid Prius sedan, expects hybrid sales to make up about one-quarter of its total sales by early next decade,

Conference attendees are invited to test-drive a range of hybrid cars this weekend at San Francisco’s Moscone Convention Center.