As with several manufactures, Mazda's contribution to the hybrid market is with an SUV model: According to Mazda, the Tribute Hybrid SUV "Combines the well-crafted elegance of the Mazda Tribute with the energy efficiency of an environmentally friendly, gas-electric hybrid engine."
The Tribute utilizes the major hybrid systems, including an electric assist engine and regenerative braking. Something interesting about the Mazda Tribute Hybrid is its lightweight aluminum construction, which adds to the efficiency and handling. Unfortunately, these vehicles are still hard to come by, with Mazda only producing a limited run of 350 sold in select California areas. Mazda Tribute Hybrid HEV gets MPG 30 highway/34 city (2WD) and 27 highway/29 city (4WD), and is also available for up to a $3,000 tax credit.
2008 The Mazda Tribute was ranked #5 best Green Car
Mazda Premacy Hydrogen Vehicle
For the last 3 years, Mazda has been developing a hydrogen version of their Premacy line. According to Mazda, this Hydrogen Rotary Engine-Hybrid vehicle will begin leasing in 2008.Mazda RX-9 Hydrogen RE Sports Car
Also in development and soon to be seen on the street, is Mazda's hydrogen rotary engine-hybrid sports car, the Mazda RX-8 Hdrogen RE. According to wikipedia:At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Mazda unveiled the RX-8 Hydrogen RE concept car, designed to run on either hydrogen or gasoline. In February 2006, Mazda revealed that it would start leasing a dual fuel RX-8 to commercial customers in Japan, and in March 2006 announced its first two customers, claiming the first fleet deliveries of a dual hydrogen/gasoline production car.
When will the Mazda RX-9 Hydrogen RE come out? According to an article in Edmunds, a 2008 release is imminent.
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