How could Scotland benefit from hybrid technology?

ADVANCES in hybrid technology have caused a new wave of electric-fuel hybrid cars to come onto the market. However, you may not be aware that buses are also getting in on the act.

BBC News reports that the First Group bus company has placed an order to purchase 955 new vehicles over the next two years. This huge order, worth £160 million, includes the purchase of 40 hybrid electric-fuel buses.

Rising fuel prices are causing more people to consider hybrid cars, and the new Jazz Hybrid from Honda is one exciting model to consider. Featuring an electric motor engine that is far more economical than a regular car engine, the Jazz Hybrid is a more environmentally and purse-friendly option.

First Group has placed its huge order with two UK bus manufacturers, Wrightbus and Alexander Dennis, providing a boost to the UK economy.

Wrightbus is based at Ballymena, Northern Ireland, whereas Alexander Dennis is based at Falkirk, Scotland. Both areas will feel the benefit of First Group's large order.

Giles Fearnley, managing director of First Group, told the BBC that: "The effect of (their) £160 million investment will help safeguard and create jobs in the UK."

"It demonstrates our confidence in the marketplace," he added.

First Group say that they are seeing steady growth in the UK, and this may be linked to rising fuel prices.

The bus company recently conducted a survey which saw one in seven respondents say that they are already using public transport instead of their car.

The survey also found that 27 per cent of respondents plan to ditch their car if petrol reaches £1.50 per litre. That's around a 20p increase on the current price of unleaded.

This seems to show that many drivers are finding using public transport to be cheaper than running their car.

Yet, bus travel is not always possible or convenient. Those who need to use a car may want to consider a hybrid car as a cheaper-to-run alternative.

Honda has been using hybrid engines in its cars since 1999, and since then, has continued to develop the electromotive technology.

The Honda Jazz Hybrid combines with all the amazing features of the original Honda Jazz, with the benefits of a hybrid engine.

The Jazz is a popular model which crams a wealth of features into a compact car. A short nose and rear end give the car an incredibly tight turning circle, making it perfect for city driving.

Able to squeeze into the smallest of parking spaces, the Jazz is a nippy little number. A low centre of gravity gives this compact car a stability that defies its size, and allows it to turn tight corners with ease.

Despite the Jazz's compact design, it is deceptively spacious on the inside. A versatile design featuring folding Magic Seats means that more space can always be found.

Perfect for times when you may have got a touch carried away at the shops, or underestimated the size of that new item of furniture; Magic Seats are a great feature of the Jazz that are sure to come in useful.

The Honda Jazz Hybrid has a small engine with an electric motor. This means that it uses far less fuel than a regular engine. Capable of doing up to 62.8 miles to the gallon, the Jazz Hybrid has amazing fuel efficiency that will be appreciated in these times of high fuel prices.

Adding further to its green credentials, the Honda Jazz Hybrid also has an Eco Assist function to make it an even cleaner and more efficient drive.

It's clear that hybrid vehicles have many benefits; however, this shouldn't be at the cost of style or performance. Aesthetically, the Jazz Hybrid epitomises the phrase 'little beauty' with a style that manages to be sporty and cute at the same time.

Safety wise, the model continues Honda's commitment to featuring the latest safety technology, including all passenger air bag protection.

The decision by First Group to include hybrid buses in its order shows that hybrid technology is not limited to use in cars. Taking the bus is already a more environmentally-friendly mode of transportation, and the introduction of hybrid buses will improve on this even further.

First Group's £160 million bus order spells good news for the environment and the economy, with Northern Ireland and Scotland sure to feel the benefit of such a large order.

The move from the UK's largest bus and rail operator to hybrid technology shows that hybrid is the future for more than just cars.

It could be said that, the future's green; the future's hybrid.