Hey, I just got my new Prius and I'm so stoked! This is such an improvement over the first generation Prius's, which were, I hate to say it, not very exciting outside of the cool hybrid technology.

What's really great to see is that there is now choice out there in the marketplace. Consumers can now choose from sub-compacts like the Prius and Civic Hybrid, to SUVs like the Ford Escape and Lexus RX Hybrid.

Regardless of what you think about SUVs, this is still a move in the right direction. People want to buy cars that suit their lifestyle choices, and they now have options that will significantly boost their MPG, whatever their lifestyle choice is. This is a good thing on many levels:

1. A win for the environment. Increasing vehicle fuel efficiency to 40 mpg would result in a drastic cut in carbon dioxide emissions. Hybrid technology is a step in the right direction and is available to us now. If we wait for the government or auto manufacturers to lead us in the right direction, we will be waiting a very long time.

2. A win for the country. Reducing the consumption of gasoline will reduce our dependance on foreign oil. The Natural Resources Defense Council states that increasing the fuel efficiency of vehicles to 40 mpg would result in a savings of 4 million barrels of oil every day, which is more than we import from the Persian Gulf. That means less tax money going to the oil industry, the military to fight wars over oil, and to prop up corrupt regimes.

3. A win for the consumer. Less money out of our pockets at the gas pump. Hybrid car owners can expect to save $2000 in gas over the life of their vehicles.

4. A win for the car companies. A whole new market to sell new cars into.

Consumer demand is what's driving the auto manufacturers to build these cars, and it is going to be increased consumer demand that will turn this currently niche market into a major market. The bigger the market, the more choices we'll have, the lower the prices will become. And it's going to be driven by us, the consumer. Power to the people, baby.

I get a lot of people on the street asking me about my Prius. People are interested, but are not informed enough about these cars to seriously consider buying one. There are a lot of people out there that are genuinely concerned about the environment and global warming, and also want a car that fits their lifestyle.

So this has inspired me to create a new organization. I call it:

Hybrid USA

Hybrid USA is an educational campaign that seeks to inform the public about hybrid vehicles. The goal is to remove the mystery or misconceptions about these cars so they can make an educated choice about their next car purchase.

The strategy for doing this is through an informative web site, advertising, and direct contact with consumers. My idea is to put on community events where current hybrid vehicle drivers meet and caravan to a public community venue where people can see the cars and talk to owners. Regular people talking to regular people.

I envision printing up bumper stickers and T-shirts for participants, flyers and pamphlets for passers-by, and a line up of a variety of clean, hybrid cars. My plan is to seek corporate sponsorship to cover the hard costs of putting on these events and for the promotional materials.

Turning Ideas into Action

At this point, what I'm seeking are people who are inspired by the possibilities of making a positive change in the world. If you are tired of governmental inaction on the environment and want to affect change from the ground up, if you love your country and want to contribute in an effective way that doesn't involve violence, here's your opportunity.

You can participate in the events themselves, in organizing and planning the events, or in any other way you can. This project can use people who have talents in marketing, advertising, graphic design, web site development, printing, event creation, etc.

If you are interested or have any comments or ideas you'd like to share, please contact me directly. My email address is "philz@hybridusa.org".

Who Am I?

My name is Phil Zakhour and I'm just a citizen who is inspired by the possibility of regular people, in community, creating positive change. I'm a proud owner of a 2005 Toyota Prius who's not into making people wrong for the choices they make. I am into giving people what they need to make informed choices and to expanding their options.

I have no financial interest in this project. As a citizen who loves his country, I have a vested interest in the success of this project. My ultimate goal is no less than the reversal of global warming and reducing our country's dependance on foreign oil.

Who wants to play?


philz@hybridusa.org