The 2008 auto year is officially under way, and new models of 2008 hybrid cars are now or will soon be available to consumers. For those unfamiliar with hybrid cars, let’s briefly explain why they differ from regular vehicles and why environmentally conscious consumers prefer hybrid vehicles.

Hybrid cars (and trucks) are designed to reduce emissions by having at least two seperate power sources. Basically, instead of relying on burning fuel for all its power, a hybrid vehicle typically uses both an energy storage system in addition to gasoline, thereby expending less gasoline and less emissions.

Specifically, an energy storage system in a hybrid vehicle will in effect recognize when fuel is being wasted and will recycle energy to power the car or truck. Wasteful car and truck actions such as idling, traffic stops, etc. are recognized by the energy storage system and the gasoline burning engine is stopped. City drivers in particular notice a greater fuel economy with hybrid vehicles due to the constant stop and go flow of heavy city traffic.

What You Should Expect To See In 2008:

New Hybrid Sedans:

Chevy Malibu rolls out a new hybrid model as a 2009 offering late this summer or early fall. Others with similar plans include the Ford Fusion and Saturn’s AURA in their Green Line. Also expect a new version of the Mercury Milan as a hybrid.

Crossovers and SUV’s Go Hybrid:

Expect Saturn to roll out the VUE as the newest member of their Green Line, offering half the emissions of their regular model. Also with new models will be the Chevy Equinox, Toyota Prius, and Toyota Sienna.

Hybrid Full Size Trucks and Hybrid Pickups:

New from General Motors in the hybrid pickup and full size truck category will be the Chevy Silverado, a full size pickup expected to debut as a 2009 model. Also from GM and another 2009 model will be the GMC Sierra, also a pickup.

Other 2008 Hybrid Car Happenings:

Of interest is the first hybrid car from China, the Roewe 750, a midsize car. Chinese car manufacturer SAIE is producing the hybrid 750, their version of the United Kingdom’s Rover 75.

Expect to see even more hybrid car and hybrid truck model introductions as we move into the 2009 and 2010 model years. The hybrid car and truck market is ever expanding, and auto manufacturers are more than happy to meet the demand.