GM Takes on Prius with Volt

With more consumers demanding green vehicles, manufacturers are scrambling to get environmentally-friendly, efficient cars into production. General Motors recently announced plans to build "tens of thousands" of the long-awaited Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid electric car, says the Seattle Times. The Volt differs from traditional hybrids because it can recharge from household electrical outlets and can run for 40 miles before recharging. According to the St. Petersburg Times, "A high-volume debut for the Volt matches GM's strategy of using technological advances to gain ground on Toyota, which has a decade-long hybrid lead with its Prius, the world's best-selling gasoline-electric car." GM is planning to build large numbers of the Volt within a year after starting production in 2010.

Meanwhile, BMW is planning to debut its own eco-friendly concept at the 2008 Geneva Auto Show in March. Edmunds reports that details are few, but the car "is being touted as one of BMW's Efficient Dynamics concepts" and "the company has previously used the Efficient Dynamics name for concept versions of the X3 and X6 with hybrid powertrains."

Younger drivers are increasingly turning to green cars to save money. "Don't be surprised if the young drivers in your circle seek out a fuel-efficient car with plenty of extras, even on tight budgets," reports The Examiner. Interested in going green? Check out the U.S. News rankings for hybrid cars and SUVs.