Motor Trends Automobile of the Year for 2004, North American Automobile of the Year in 2004, 2004 International Engine of the Year, 2005 European Car of the Year, 2006 Energuide Award in the Midsize segment, this and more are the accolades given to the Toyota Prius Hybrid Vehicle. Undoubtedly one of the most popular and most regarded competitor in the ever growing hybrid automobile segment, the Toyota Prius has definitely made a marked in the motor industry.

The Toyota Prius is a Hybrid vehicle that makes a bold statement against environmental issues and the rising gas prices. It is also the first ever mass-produced hybrid automobile for commercial purposes. Its name itself means first.

The Toyota Prius hybrid car was first sold in Japan in 1997 before it was distributed all over the globe 4 years later in 2001. Its popularity was boosted by environmentalists touting it as the vehicle for the future to save our planet from air pollution. Sales in North America ws strong and increasing annually. By fall of 2006, the Toyota Prius hybrid car had the strongest demand and has the longest preorder and waiting list there is presently.

Toyota sees the Prius as a venue that would provide the consumers with a vehicle that would produce less pollution and to be very energy efficient. And Toyota certainly reached that goal. They created the Prius from the bottom up resulting to a true hybrid vehicle that's loved worldwide.

Toyota engineers came up with a couple of ways to develop the Toyota Prius hybrid automobile to be unlike other previous concept electric vehicles, the Prius doesn't ever need to be plugged in for recharging. The two electric motor generators get its power from the gas engine, recharging while the engine power is being used. Also, through regenerative braking, a process that recovers kinetic energy when the automobile brakes and transforming it to electrical energy to recharge the batteries.

By 2004 a second generation of Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle was released on the market. Capitalizing on the development of the new Hybrid Synbergy Drive technology, the previous Toyota Hybrid System was replaced in the new generation Toyota Hybrids. Many improvements were developed and infused in the technology making the Toyota Prius hybrid car even superior than before.

Aside from the engine, Toyota added more room to the Toyota Prius hybrid automobile making it wider and taller allowing for taller people to sit erect inside the car and allowing more views of the road.

Because of the success brought by the Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle and the public awareness it has developed, Toyota has extended its Hybrid lineup to their other cars. This includes the Toyota Camry hybrid and their top of the line Lexus marquee with the Lexus RX400H.

Truly, the Toyota Prius hybrid car has gone a long way. Its engineering superiority and its excellent reputation has made it a great choice for many people. Even a lot of notable famous people have purchased themselves a Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle to show their support to environmental awareness.

Toyota has definitely hit the nail in the head with the Toyota Prius hybrid automobile and we have the ability to anticipate to see more of this technology in the future. With Toyota's dedication to this endeavor, we have the ability to be sure that we have the ability to finally cut down on gas consumption and save our planet.

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Several models of hybrid vehicle placed in service by the end of 2005 are eligible for a clean fuel deduction of $2,000. Those put in use during 2006 could be eligible for a $500 federal income tax deduction.

Under current legislation cars purchased after 2006 won't be eligible for a deduction. If you purchased a hybrid vehicle before 2005, you can submit a claim for the deduction by filing an amended tax return for the tax year in which the automobile was bought.

The following stipulations must be met for your hybrid vehicle to qualify:

* You must buy the automobile new and for your own use. Automobiles purchased for resale don't qualify.

* You must drive the vehicle "mostly" in the United States.

* The automobile must meet all federal as well as state emmissions requirements.

* Government agencies, tax exempt organizations, and foreign entities are not eligible for the deduction.

* If any of the above conditions change within three years of the automobile purchase, you may be required to return some of the money saved by the deduction.

The following vehicles currently qualify for the deduction. Other hybrids may be approved at a later date:

2005 Ford Escape Hybrid
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid
2003-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid
2000-2005 Honda Insight
2001-2005 Toyota Prius

Whether you itemize or take the standard deduction doesn't matter. Either way, you can still claim the clean-fuel tax deduction. Simply include the deduction for your hybrid automobile on your 1040 form in the "Tax, Credits, and Payments" section. Enter the appropriate amount of the deduction you're claiming and the words "Clean Fuel" in the space to the left of the block for line 35 and include the deduction for your hybrid automobile in the total.

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Connecticut - Sales Tax Exemption:
Prior to July 1, 2008, new hybrid automobiles with a U.S. Environmental Protection Bureau (EPA) fuel economy rating of at least 40 mpg are exempt from sales tax. For more information see http://www.ct.gov/drs/

Florida - High Occupancy Automobile (HOV) Decal:
An Inherently Low Emissions Car (ILEV) or a hybrid automobile certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may be driven in a High Occupancy Car (HOV) lane at any time regardless of its occupancy as long as a decal is obtained. For more information see http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/titlinf.html

Kentucky - CMAQ Rebates:
Organizations or individuals located in non-attainment areas are eligible for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) automobile rebates for hybrid vehicles operating within a fleet. For more information see http://revenue.ky.gov/

Maine - Partial Sales Tax Credit:
A partial sales tax credit of approximately $500 is available for hybrid automobiles that do not have a comparable car model, such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. A credit of approximately $300 is available for vehicles that do have a comparable gasoline-powered model, such as the hybrid Honda Civic. For more information see http://www.say.me.us/revenue/

New Jersey - Substitute Fuel Car Rebate Program:
New Jersey's Alternative Fuel Car (AFV) Rebate Program offers rebates to local governments for hybrid vehicles. The rebate amounts vary according to the car weight and class. For more information see http://www.say.nj.us/treasury/taxation/index.html

New York - Substitute Fuel (Clean Fuel) Car Tax Incentive Program:
New York's Alternative Fuel (Clean Fuel) Car Tax Incentive Program offers a sales tax exemption for qualified hybrid cars equal to $3,000 unless the automobile manufacturer certifies a higher incremental cost. For more information see http://www.tax.say.ny.us

Oregon - Business Energy Tax Credit:
A Business Energy Tax Credit is available for the incremental cost of purchasing hybrid automobiles. The tax credit is 35% of the incremental cost of the system or equipment and is take over five years. For more information see http://egov.oregon.gov/DOR/

Oregon - Residential Tax Credit:
A Residential Tax Credit of up to $1,500 is available for the incremental cost of a hybrid automobile. For more information see http://egov.oregon.gov/DOR/

Pennsylvania - Alternative Fuels Incentive Allow Program (AFIG):
The purchase of a hybrid automobile is eligible for funding under the Alternative Fuels Incentive Program; funding amounts vary. For more information see http://www.dep.say.pa.us/dep/deputate/pollprev/AFIG/afvafig1.htm

Utah - Incremental Cost Credit:
Utah grants a credit for 50% of the incremental cost ($3,000 maximum) of a Honda Civic Hybrid.

Vermont - HOV Lane Usage:
Alternative Fuel Cars displaying the Virginia "Clean Special Fuels" license plate can use the Virginia HOV lanes, regardlesss of the number of occupants, until July 1, 2006. The Toyota Prius, and Honda Insight and Civic hybrid automobiles qualify. For more information see http://www.dmv.say.va.us/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/cleanspecialfuel.asp

Washington - Emissions Control Inspection Exemption:
Effective June 13, 2002, hybrid automobiles that obtain a rating by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of at least 50 miles per gallon of gas during city driving are exempt from emissions control inspections.

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For the past five to four years, there have been much ado about Hybrid Vehicles and the many benefits they could offer. Their popularity has been compounded by the ever surging gas prices and the concern for the environment. It seems that Hybrid Cars are the solution to both. When you use a Hybrid vehicle, you contribute less to the thickening air pollution, plus you save a lot of money since they require less fuel, plus there are numerous tax credits being given by many states.

For these reasons, hybrid cars have experienced a sharp increase in sales and more car manufacturers are joining the hybrid car arena with their own versions. For those who are planning to buy a hybrid car, the choices are numerous, that is why you've to compare hybrid automobiles with one another to see which one would go perfectly well with your needs.

Two of the top hybrid vehicle manufacturers are the Japanese giant's Toyota and Honda. They're credited with producing many innovations in the hybrid technology and their hybrid vehicles are the most acclaimed, most sought after and most awarded hybrid automobiles this day.

Here we'll compare the hybrid cars they are offering for 2007, these will include the Honda Accord Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Lexus GS 450H, Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

Their fuel efficiency can be compared through their average consumption per mile in different situations, like; City Driving - where the traffic is constantly stopping, Highway Driving - where the engine can freely operate at maximum level and their combined average usage.

Miles Per Gallon - Average Miles Used Per gasoline of Fuel

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The cost of fuel and the damage it brings to our environment has become very rampant, and because of that, hybrid cars are presently considered as very beneficial to the preservation of the environment. The reason behind this is that hybrid automobiles do not depend mainly on fuel for it to have power, but it also makes use of electricity that results to a smaller amount of fuel consumption and less emitted air pollution.

A hybrid vehicle combines an electric motor and gasoline engine to provide sufficient power to the vehicle with least fuel usage and fewer emissions. They're also far more fuel-efficient than purely gas-powered automobiles, and far more practical for each day use than purely electric-powered automobiles. Combining the two sources of power, a vehicle then is created that is relatively non-polluting and will lead to less fuel consumption which means it possesses enough power to have freeway speeds that does not need too much fuel, it is also great for the stop and go driving in traffic laden areas.

The hybrid vehicle was created due to the result of the demand and clamor to clean the environment from pollutions and for the need to rely less on fuel. To be able to recharge, plugging the hybrid into an electric outlet is not necessary.They charge themselves by means of power usually lost during coasting and braking and can also be charged by the car's gasoline engine.

It can offer more benefits than the usual regular gasoline engine type vehicles. Here's a list of the many advantages hybrid automobiles offers.

1. Pollution is less promoted

It is a fact that the continuous damage to our ozone layer is due to the greenhouse effect, and one of the factor that contributes to its damage is pollution in the air, in which perilous chemicals are transferred to the air, like carbon dioxide that are emitted by cars. The measure of carbon dioxide emitted by the hybrid vehicle is principally relative to the quantity of fuel it consumes; thus hybrid cars can completely be a contributing factor in lessening the advancement of global warming.

With the use of hybrid automobiles, fewer fuel is consumed because hybrid vehicle don't completely use gas in order to operate, it also makes use of electricity, a power source that doesn't bring any danger to the environment.

2. More mileage with less fuel consumption

The obvious advantage of hybrid vehicle is that it saves on gas. With the use of hybrid vehicles, you are able to save gas money because you do not need to buy gas after each long trip wherein you can go several miles consuming less fuel.

3. Hybrid cars can help lower your taxes

Tax rebates are given to hybrid automobiles buyers, so if you purchase a hybrid car your tax refunds can be withheld from your taxes and will provide you with additional savings.

4. Your money gains more value

A hybrid car can retain a higher resale value. If you ever want to trade or sell a previously owned hybrid automobile you can be sure that you will get more of what you paid for it.

5. Efficiency and performance are what defines Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid automobiles have smaller engines than the regular gasoline cars since the power is obtained form two sources, so the smaller engines are closer to the normal power necessity of engines that will give an efficient performance.

6. "Hybrid automobile technology" is the greatest solution to today's increasing problem in vehicle air pollution

Hybrid cars uses lesser fuel and a groundbreaking technology that might avoid possible damages to the environment caused by the usual cars

Despite of many uses and advantages, there's one thing to be considered regarding the hybrid automobiles, its actual price in the market isn't yet that inexpensive to a lot of people, but it is an investment that'll pay a hundred fold.

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Hybrid technology is now being integrated into vehicles to enable consumers, such as yourself, to save money on fuel. Hybrid cars are known to cut fuel consumption by more than half. With this kind of feature, people would really want to own a hybrid automobile. Although hybrid technology has been around for quite some time now, vehicle manufacturers have only just began to perfect the hybrid technology to be integrated in automobiles.

Just envision a vehicle that can run for up to 60 miles to a gallon of fuel. This kind of car is definitely the automobile of the future. Not only will it enable you to save a lot of money on fuel consumption, but it can also help in the protection of the environment. This is because hybrid vehicles are known to emit far lower levels of toxic fumes than conventional automobiles.

Hybrid automobiles have been around for quite some time now. However, for maximum fuel efficiency, new hybrid automobile models are now available in the market today. 2006 hybrid vehicle models are now available for purchase. These vehicles can let you effectively save money on fuel prices. Integrated with the latest in hybrid technology, these vehicles are far more efficient in fuel consumption and are far cleaner than the past hybrid automobiles existing in the market today.

However, there are already a lot of car manufacturers who are in the race to build the best hybrid car in the market. Consumers tend to be confused on which hybrid automobile they should buy. For this reason, you should know all about the different hybrid automobiles of 2006 available in the market today.

First of all, you need to know the concept behind hybrid automobiles. The concept of combining electric energy and gasoline engine to power a vehicle is what makes a hybrid automobile work. Even though electric automobiles have existed in the market for quite some time now, you've to consider the fact that hybrid automobiles are far more effective than electric cars. With hybrid cars, you no longer have to plug it in your power outlet in order to recharge the batteries. This is possible because it is able to recapture the lost energy when braking and coasting.

Toyota and Honda are two of the leading hybrid car manufacturers existing this day. Toyota developed the Toyota Prius that's able to operate in electric-mode only. This means that the car is able to operate even when the internal combustion engine is switched off. This will mean massive fuel savings when you're driving locally. Think of the gas engine as a backup when you are going on a long drive.

Chevrolet Silverado also developed the mybrid or mild hybrid. This particular pickup only stores a minimal amount of energy to the battery and it doesn't really provide much energy boost like the other hybrids existing in the market. However, Chevrolet's so-called mybrid pickup is perfect for camping where it can serve as a mobile generator for work or for camping.

With the constant increase in fuel prices, you have to anticipate that hybrid automobiles will be much more popular in the near future. You can also anticipate that hybrid automobiles of the future will be much better in conserving fuel and maximizing efficiency. Nissan will soon enter the hybrid car market as well as other big automobile manufacturers, such as General Motors, BMW, and DaimlerChrysler. So, you better be prepared to get rid of your old gas guzzling conventional car and get the latest hybrid vehicle in the market.

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