Hybrid Cars: Scheduled Releases

Automakers are now developing new hybrid car models at a rapid pace. Here's a look at hybrid cars under development, and 'best estimate' dates for availablity to the consumer market:

2008 releases:
Saturn - GM hybrid midsize sedan, now available
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid - midsize sedan

cancelled models:
2007 Honda Accord - this is the last model year for the Accord Hybrid
2006 Honda Insight - the old Insight line ends with the 2006 model
Chrysler Aspen - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices
Chrysler Durango - production cancelled due to lowered oil prices

2009 releases:
Ford Fusion - full-sized hybrid sedan, recently released
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - full-size crew-cab pickup
Prius - third-generation model is slightly larger, with improved power and mpg
Cadillac Escalade - full-size sport utility vehicle
Chevrolet Tahoe
GMC Yukon
Honda Insight - a new model of the hybrid Civic at a lower price
Mercury Montego - fullsize sedan

2010 scheduled releases:
Porsche - hybrid Cayenne SUV, the first hybrid car from Porsche
Chevrolet Volt - plug-in hybrid
Honda Fit - small sedan entering the market at a low price for hybrids
Honda CR-Z - hybrid sports car
Hyundai Sonata - first Korean hybrid in the US. Will use lithium-ion batteries.
Mercury Milan - new sedan model

2011 scheduled releases:
Nissan Infiniti M35 - hybrid version of the luxury performance brand; Nissan's first hybrid model
Buick Regal - preliminary plans point to 2011 model featuring the drive train developed for the Saturn Vue