Can U.S. Hybrids Beat Japanese Competition?

By BIANNA GOLODRYGA
Jan. 12, 2009

This year's Detroit auto show presents an opportunity for American automakers to not only tout new energy-efficient vehicles but also to convey another message: When you think innovation, think domestic.

Amid the somber reality that auto sales in the United States are likely to drop this year, automakers are unveiling new models they hope will spur some excitement among environmentalists and consumers.

But no matter how hotly anticipated these cars might be, the question remains as to whether this newest generation of energy-efficient cars can race past their Japanese counterparts when it comes to sales.

One of the most talked about cars at the annual North American International Auto Show, which started Sunday, was Ford's Hybrid Fusion. Said to be the most fuel-efficient car in the United States, the Fusion gets 41 miles to the gallon.

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