Steady gas prices have made Kermit's words come true: It's not easy being green.
Still, despite American car buyers not exactly being red-hot for green cars, automakers are rolling them out, determined to meet government deadlines for fuel economy standards and emissions -- as well as being prepared for the next time gas prices spike and car shoppers start clamoring for the latest in alternative fuel and ultra-efficient cars.
The L.A.Times says "diesels and hybrids dominate the roster of finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year award, which will be presented at the L.A. Auto Show in December."
The goal of the award isn't to hype the latest experimental concept or alternative fuel solution that's years away from production. Rather, it highlights cars that are available to consumers now that show "environmental leadership in the automotive field."
The Detroit News reports, "The Audi A3 TDI, Honda Insight, Mercury Milan Hybrid, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf TDI are all in the running for the annual award . . . The vehicles are all new or redesigned for the 2010 model year and collectively represent the strongest showing of green vehicles to date." The Mercury Milan Hybrid recently became the top-ranked affordable midsize car in the U.S. News Rankings.
CNET points out, "That's two VW turbodiesels and a trio of hybrids; or four small hatchbacks and a small sedan. No matter how you look at it, there's not too much variation this year. However, three of the vehicles have taken our Editors' Choice award at different times this year and two of them have already done battle in a CNET Prizefight, so it will be interesting to see which is chosen as the overall winner."
Ron Cogan, publisher of Green Car Journal, told the L.A. Times, despite the similarities in the finalists, "We're seeing the trend for 'green' cars emerging at all levels, from entry-level cars to luxury models, and even performance cars and SUVs/crossovers." A diverse array of green choices is good for car buyers, he added. "Greater choice provides buyers a personal stake in lessening environmental impact, and that's important."
USA Today says, "the [award] judges are Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club's Carl Pope, along with Green Car Journal editors."
If you're in the market for a new car -- green or not -- check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.
