The Switch is On

For the first time ever, America has lost its dominance in the car market. A 102-year history. Could this be a foreteller of what's to come? Or will the big three rally back? The New York Times just reported that foreign companies held 51.9 percent of the market in July, and as it stands, the current ranking goes like this:

1. GM
2. Toyota
3. Ford
4. Honda
5. Chrysler

Wondering what's up? It's the nature of the economy right now - gas prices are up, home sales are down and the demand for the big vehicles (like the big three's bread-and-butter SUVs and pickups) is down. There are many factors that contribute to the flux of the economy - and just as many that contribute to the factors that affect the cost of alternative fuels.

But we say that all the manufacturers have one thing in common - their focus on the future. And the future is bright for manufacturers that embrace alternative fuels. From global warming to figuring out ways to save fuel (think efficient hybrids and cylinder deactivation) to making the switch to alternative fuels, the roads all lead to the same place. Conservation, efficiency and greener alternatives. The new lineups for 2008 are being released. The heat is on for who will meet the need. What say you? Should manufacturers be offering clean diesels, hybrids or flex-fuels? We'll be updating our lists as the latest up-and-coming vehicles are announced, you can be sure. But we're curious now ... what company will get your hard-earned dollars when it's time to make that new vehicle purchase? What kind of car are you thinking of buying?

Here's one way to get a Toyota - paint that name on!
photo courtesy victoire_za - flickr