Hybrid Car
Introduction
Imagine that you are in the market for a new
car after graduating from Clemson with your bachelor’s
degree.
You have been talking with some of your friends and family members
about the potential purpose. One of your classmates brings
up the
idea of buying a hybrid car. The notion sounds interesting
and
since you are not familiar with hybrid cars, you decide to do some
research…
Your Task
Your task for this research assignment is to
determine the following –
Should I purchase a hybrid car over a conventional car?
To complete this assignment, you want to briefly explain what a
hybrid
car is, but you primarily want to examine the merits and drawbacks
of
purchasing a hybrid vehicle. You should consider:
• The purpose of the car (what you plan to use
it
for, what type of driving you will do, etc.)
• The economic ramifications of selecting a
hybrid
(hybrid car cost versus comparable conventional car, potential
savings
on fuel costs, upkeep expenses, and the federal tax incentive)
• The environmental impact of a hybrid car
versus a
conventional car (pollution, mileage)
Based on these considerations, you must clearly decide whether or
not
to purchase a hybrid car. You should employ effective
argumentation rather than present a listing of random facts or
merely
articulate unsubstantiated personal opinion. Weight the
merits
against the disadvantages of buying a hybrid car. Since the
federal tax incentive has been a prominent feature of the hybrid
car
debate, you should address the issue of whether the national
government
should grant a tax benefit as a component of its energy policy.
Information
Please use the following links to assist you in
your
research and argumentation. This is not a comprehensive list
and
you are encouraged to also utilize websites and other resources
not
listed here.
General Links
“Hybrid Cars – FAQ”: http://www.hybridcars.com/faq.html
“Is a Hybrid Car Worth It?”:
http://www.omninerd.com/2005/11/11/articles/41
“Hybrid Cars – Tax Deductions”: http://www.hybridcars.com/tax-deductions-credits.html
“Hybrid Cars – Pros vs. Cons”: http://www.1800getacar.com/Hybrid-Cars-Pros-Cons.php
Buy a Hybrid
“Buy a Hybrid, and Save a Guzzler”: http://www.nytimes.com
“Top 10 Hybrid Myths”: http://www.hybridcars.com/top-10-hybrid-myths.html
“Hybrid cars – economic benefits, advantages”: http://www.allabouthybridcars.com/economic-benefits.htm
“Hybrid Car Incentives” (State by State): http://www.hybridcars.com/incentives.html
Don’t Buy a Hybrid
“Reasons Not to Buy a Hybrid”: http://www.hybridcars.com/dont-buy-hybrid.html
“Government gives hybrid buyers raw deal on tax breaks”:
http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosconsumer/0511/02/F01-368848.htm
“Surprising Effects about Gas Mileage”:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/maintenance-accessories/surprising-facts-about-gas-mileage-1005/overview.htm?resultPageIndex=1&resultIndex=1
“The Bad Way to Cut Taxes”: http://eidelblog.blogspot.com/2005/08/bad-way-to-cut-taxes.html