Hybrid cars (but not SUVs) use about half as much gas as conventional cars — a big savings to consumers in the current era of wildly fluctuating gas prices. Even after factoring in the higher upfront cost of a hybrid (typically around $4,000), these cars will save their owners 20% more than that in lower fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.

The other big advantage to hybrid cars is that they produce half or less toxic emissions. As the general public has come to understand the real threat posed by global warming, hybrid cars have surged ahead in popularity.

“About a third of CO2 produced in the United States comes from transportation, and 90% of that travel is by automobile.” An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore (Rodale, 2006)

Over the last few years, the forward-thinking Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda have taken the lead in developing hybrid cars. On the other hand, domestic automakers continued to back gas-guzzling sports utility vehicles. While the Japanese won over American consumers, Detroit fought all attempts to “green” their industry — either through improved fuel standards or innovation. The result is that today the domestic automakers are begging the feds for a piece of the bailout while Toyota has rolled past General Motors as the leading car maker for the first time in history.

Personally, I always root for the greenest company out there. Although I’d love to see the domestic automakers get their act together but I’m not sure taxpayers should pay for their mistakes. At a bare minimum, if Detroit receives taxpayer money to stay above water I hope the government fires its top management and encourages the new leadership to green the domestic auto industry. I believe consumers would respond favorably.

What do you think?