SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–High gas prices, the housing crisis and general economic uncertainty are motivating consumers to look for the least expensive cars to own and operate. A new study by Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, indicates that many compact and subcompact vehicles are actually better choices than hybrids for consumers looking to save money. The data also suggests that only one hybrid, the Honda Civic Hybrid, would break into the top ten least expensive vehicles if gas prices were to increase to $5 per gallon. The results are based on Edmunds.com’s True Cost to Own^SM data, which accounts for total vehicle costs over a five-year period. (more…)

Study Finds Few Hybrid Cars Are Good Investment, Only For Some Drivers

COSTA MESA, Calif., July 9 /PRNewswire/ — With high gas prices, hybrid cars are a more affordable option than ever in terms of gas mileage, but only a handful of hybrid cars make solid financial sense, and only for some consumers, according to a new study by NADAguides.com, a vehicle pricing and information website.

Using current gas prices for ten major metropolitan areas, the company studied the number of miles needed to recoup the extra cost of buying a hybrid car over its gasoline-only counterpart. “We recognize that every
driver’s situation is different and that some people will achieve a return on the extra investment of a hybrid car much faster than others,” said Tara Baukus Mello, senior writer and lead market analyst for NADAguides.com. (more…)

As gas prices hit record levels again across the nation this week, restaurant chain El Pollo Loco is driving its marketing efforts in a new way — literally — through the rollout of two electric delivery vehicles from ZAP (www.zapworld.com).

BEVERLY HILLS, CA–(Marketwire - July 8, 2008) - As gas prices hit record levels again across the nation this week, restaurant chain El Pollo Loco is driving its marketing efforts in a new way — literally — through the rollout of two electric delivery vehicles from ZAP (OTCBB: ZAAP).

El Pollo Loco, the nation’s leader in flame-grilled chicken, now employs a pair of three-wheel, sub compact electric cars covered in bumper-to-bumper brand messaging and emblazoned with scorching red flames against a purple background. With over 400 fast casual restaurants, El Pollo Loco was searching for a delivery vehicle that would act as a moving billboard for the restaurant’s new delivery and catering restaurant in the Beverly Hills and Century City areas, as well as contribute to the company’s environmental stewardship efforts. The unique electric cars make an eye-catching statement as they whirr quietly down the street with El Pollo Loco’s corporate branding wrap. Studies show electric vehicles produce 97 percent less emissions than a gas-powered vehicle. A single electric vehicle driven for 30 miles a day in place of a gas vehicle saves about 700 gallons of gas per year. (more…)

IRVINE, Calif., June 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc. (Nasdaq: QTWW), today announced that the Quantum-powered Fisker Karma, a high-performance hybrid sports sedan built through a partnership with green automaker, Fisker Automotive, Inc., is featured in the July 2008 edition of the CAR Magazine, a U.K. publication focusing on trends and technology in the automotive industry.

“We’re very excited to see the car featured in such a popular publication,” said Alan P. Niedzwiecki, president and CEO of Quantum. “We continue to see growing interest in the Karma, both from traditional car
enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers around the world.” (more…)