Two upscale automakers plan to bring new hybrids to the marketplace, providing new status symbols and more options for consumers searching for clean and efficient transportation but don't look for a Ferrari hybrid anytime soon. Saab is developing a hybrid vehicle based on technology provided by parent company General Motors. Saab hopes to reduce development costs by using parts produced for other GM vehicles. Meanwhile, Fiat's luxury sports carmaker Ferrari says it will unveil a new eight-cylinder model at the Frankfurt auto show in the fall and dismissed speculation it would eventually make a smaller, cheaper car.
Mercedes-Benz plans its first hybrid car in two years. Mercedes-Benz is in a three-way alliance with General Motors and BMW to develop full hybrids that link an electric motor and batteries to a standard combustion engine.