Hybrid cars that run on a combination of petrol, electricity and/or bio-fuels are no longer novel. Several new models are available this year for those who wish to drive around while, presumably, having less of an impact on the planet. Whether these hybrids really are safe or better for the environment are topics for another time.

Government plans for financial and other incentives this year to buy “green” vehicles may not happen – meanwhile, existing ones could end in Asia-Pacific countries due to “quality issues”, according to recent media reports. But make no mistake, the hybrid/electric/eco/green vehicle trend will continue in the short and long term. Consumers around the globe appear willing to buy alternative-power vehicles at a premium, whether there is a bit of money coming back from government incentives or not. Their decision to purchase is coming from the heart more than the head, which has already decided to buy a new vehicle. According to a recent Synovate study on climate change, 22% of people across 18 countries said that they had bought or were planning to buy a more fuel efficient vehicle.

At the prestigious Geneva Auto Salon this year, Porsche unveiled its 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid concept to join the ranks of carmakers around the world promising or offering hybrids, plug-in electric (concepts, mostly) and so-called “greener” vehicles of all shapes and sizes, including Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, Honda, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Ford.

The New York International Auto Show featured a large corner pavilion on the main floor of the Jacob Javits Convention Center featuring alternative-fuel vehicles and attendees could test drive plug-in electric versions of the MINI, Mitsubishi MiEV, a Chevrolet SUV and/or a Think, a relative newcomer that solely makes electric vehicles.

Among the few electric cars on most North American and European roads this year are the sports cars made by Tesla, which just became available in Japan.

However, Tesla recently announced that it has begun making right-hand drive models so perhaps they will show up this year in places such as Hong Kong. In the United States, the US$101,500 Tesla Roadster (top speed 125mph and 0-60mph in 3.9 seconds) can be leased for three years from US$1,658 a month. The company claims, “the cost savings compared to a similar gas-powered car could be US$131 per month. At the end of the lease you may purchase your Roadster or pay a fee and walk away.”

A Luxembourg-based company, Motor Development International is making compressed-air-powered cars that are being tested this year.  It’s an interesting concept, but commercial offerings are still around the corner.

As for what else is new in motoring for 2010, BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) purchased QNX Software systems, a software company that specialises in technology that enables cars to be Internet-capable for surfing, downloading and navigating. This and other technologies will mean that cars can also be Wi-Fi hotspots for a variety of devices, such as laptops and handheld devices. Look for a big marketing push for these technologies this year. Some automakers have already begun offering new models with Internet capability while older cars can have the technology installed.

It could be a good year to buy a new car, but waiting until 2011 and driving your “old” car in the meantime is probably the best course to follow. Just be sure to drive safely.

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