2010: The year electricity arrives
Okay, of course we already have electricity. But, as Motor Trend reports, 2010 will be a big year for all things electric in the auto industry. Pure electric cars, next-generation hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles will stage an onslaught on the market for 2009-2010. But it's not likely to be a high-volume onslaught. As the magazine states, "Except for established models like the Toyota Prius and the next Honda Insight," cars like the Dodge EV and the 2011 Chevrolet Volt will be produced in small numbers, probably fewer than 10,000 each in their first year. "In fact, it could be far fewer, a sub-1,000 number, depending on battery technology and cost." Highlights of this anticipated onslaught include two new models from Chevrolet, the 2011 Volt and the 2011 Cruze. Two Chrysler vehicles are also set to launch, the 2010 Dodge EV and the 2011 Dodge Hornet. Offerings from Honda are expected to include the 2009 Insight and 2011 Civic hybrid. A Toyota lineup will showcase a 2010 Prius, a 2011 or 2012 plug-in Prius and possibly a hybrid pickup truck, based on the A-BAT hybrid truck concept. And the rest? Ford plans a hybrid version of its midsize Fusion sedan. Nissan has an electric car promised for 2010. Volkswagen is working on a plug-in hybrid version of the Golf/Rabbit for introduction in 2011. And Mitsubishi is exploring pure electric and possible extended-range electric vehicles.
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Are you a fan of collectible or classic cars? If you are, then check out the MotorMouth blog at Startribune.com/cars. MotorMouth Kris Palmer, freelance auto writer and editor, who also puts together this section's Weekend Garage column every Saturday, blogs about vintage cars, the collectible auto scene and just about everything else that goes vroom. And, as with any good blog, you can participate. You can post comments and converse with others about a wide variety of vintage car topics.
