[coasty]

The Hybrid car is a route that we have to follow in order for manufacturers to develop a more efficient vehicle. I think that the current hybrid car is ok but when you analyse the vehicle as a whole life analysis ie right through manufacture and disposal then the damage to the earths enviroment and the fuels used is probably greater than a traditional fossil fuel car.

The trouble is like all new technologies you have to go through a development route top get to where you want to be. I think that the car will always have a part to play in our society. But the part will change , I think the day will come very soon where cities will be car free. Rail will be developed to some extent the trouble is for rail the costs are so high for development and running it will only be suitable for mass transportation.

I think in the short term with the economic problems car manufacturers will concentrate on low cost models and enviroment worries will take a back seat for a while... I have no doubt though that hybrid and electric cars are here to stay but have to agree that at the moment they are not the real deal...