Car makers try to copy green halo of Prius | Markets | Markets News | Reuters There's some misinformation in the article though like "Honda's Civic hybrid, at $22,600 and with the same fuel consumption as the Prius..."
Overall a pretty good article although maybe a little short on fact in parts it is one more positive hybrid article.
Yeah Halo 3 for XBOX still rocks. LOL j/k Kidding aside carmakers have been doing this for years, I have seen lots of Ford's especially the Ford Ranger pickup's with their little tree and leaf symbol on the back for years now. I don't think the green image is why Toyota and Honda have gained so much market share though, I think it has more to do with that they listen to what people want and then actually build it and price it in line for that consumer. I think the reputation for reliability is still more of the driving factor.
I agree with this: "The buyer is not necessarily trying to make a statement," said Toyota spokeswoman Denise Morrissey. "They're trying to make a smart choice." The article overlooked the fact that the hybrids that haven't sold well don't offer much of an increase in fuel economy.
As I understand it, Ford has used the "road and leaf" badge since at least 1997 to designate vehicles with flex fuel capabilities: ford "road and leaf" - Live Search Images It has been used on the Ranger pickup truck, Taurus, and specially constructed fleet sales vehicles. FWIW
