I would stand up and applaud if GM was to discontinue their non-hybrid vehicles, but that is obviously not the case. They will continue to manufacture and sell tons of conventional vehicles, while bathing in the publicity that the hybrid hype brings. It's good that they are introducing more FE products, but just as an option? I don't think that's really good enough, knowing how they push the profit-monkey SUVs and trucks. If catalytic converters were just an option, would they be significantly popular enough today to prevent any pollution? I really doubt it, in fact I think very few people would choose that option. FE is a bit different that pollution control, I know... but it is part of the same picture, less burnt gas, less pollution. Perhaps by 2010 there will be more concern for FE, and the "bugs" will have been worked out of the systems that we can get these corporations to stop selling stone age technology. I know that sounds drastic, but so did mandatory pollution control laws, and just look how people are "getting by" with catalytic converters etc.

2001 Prius Photos       2005 Prius Photos
'97 Prius Simulation Prius inner workings