Plug-in hybrids, or hybrids that can run entirely off electricity for at least a short distance, are being turned to by many automakers as the future of the North American market. Recent radical shifts in consumer demand brought on by high fuel prices have automakers scrambling to find a fuel-efficient powertrain for the next generation of vehicles.

They get higher commission on sales; banks will be asked to cut charges on credit card payments. The Malaysian government has raised the commission
for petrol stations after operators threatened to reject credit card sales to avoid paying bank charges.

The cost of crude petroleum is reported
at the end of the news every day.  Global warming is covered at least once a week and the motoring press reports another form of propulsion being tried every day. On the face of it, this looks a very healthy world movement away from the traditional gasoline engine.  But is it?

Bluetec vs alternative fuels

Amidst the energy crisis that is seeing fuel prices soar to new levels on a daily basis, automobile manufacturers are trying to develop engines which are capable of running on alternative fuels as well as lowering fuel consumption.