#Electric

August new-vehicle sales in the U.S. were up an impressive 17 percent compared to the same month last year, with almost every automaker posting solid gains. But perhaps a bigger surprise has to do with how well plug-in and electric vehicles performed on the market.

Hybrid technology isn’t just a Japanese specialty anymore, everyone is jumping on the electric bandwagon from the Detroit three to German automakers. Even the British are investing in cutting-edge batteries and motors.

When it comes to hybrids, Toyota is the undisputed king. The Japanese automaker’s ultra-efficient Prius is practically the gold standard when it comes to economical motoring, but just because they’ve been successful over the past 15 years doesn’t mean they’re slowing down.

By most standards, the  Nissan Leaf is a slow seller. Then again, most standards don’t apply to electric cars.

As fuel prices continue to test the limits of infinity, small cars are becoming more appealing to more new car shoppers; this downward spiral is evident. Many people that used to drive full-size SUVs a decade ago have opted for more efficient crossovers. Large-sedan buyers have traded in their tugboats for midsize models and compact-car owners are thinking even smaller, or outside the box all together. Schwinn is a great way to save money, both on gas and gym memberships.

Volkswagen didn’t need a supercar during this year’s Geneva Motor Show to get attention; it had the XL1. 

Fuel economy is a major purchase consideration for new-vehicle shoppers; in fact it’s the No. 1 thing they look for in a car or truck. Consumers continue to demand ever greater mileage, and so does the federal government. Washington keeps turning up the wick on its Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations. In response to these stimuli automakers are working day and night to improve the efficiency of their products.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive just made its world debut at the New York International Auto Show. It’s an ohm-inous reveal, especially for died-in-the-mohair enthusiasts who will no doubt find the car re-volt-ing and have amp-le things to complain about.

“Ask AutoGuide!” is our newest feature. It debuted last week to copious fanfare and considerable tweeting. Its premiere was the internet equivalent of a ticker-tape parade but without the high-school ribbon dancers and mess of confetti.

Fine folks in Europe will get a gift from Land Rover soon: a diesel hybrid version of the 2013 Range Rover. But it won’t be marketed to Americans… for now.

It’s no secret Fisker Automotive is in trouble. The maker of premium electric cars is clinging to life by its fingernails. One more setback could send them plummeting into the fiery abyss of financial ruin. Still, even if they roll snake eyes the firm’s founder has more than a few thoughts on what future transportation will be like.

Swooping in to save the world from evil, or at least this week’s Chicago Auto Show from boredom, Kia’s Superman-inspired Optima Hybrid is an interesting concept car to say the least.

Arguably electric cars are the future of the automotive industry. They promise smooth, quiet, pollution-free driving, but are they ready for primetime? If recent news is any indicator, the answer is a resounding “NO!”

Elon Musk, tech mogul and co-founder of Tesla is coming to the defense of his company as it faces a lawsuit from dealers in Massachusetts and New York.

Never one to shy away from striking designs, Nissan hopes to rekindle curiosity with its third-generation Murano crossover by taking it in a new direction.