With gasoline hovering north of $4 a gallon and public demand shifting rapidly, automakers are scrambling to get more energy efficient vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, and hybrids on the market.

On June 16 Toyota announced two hybrids in the coming year, one badged as a Lexus (to debut in January), as well as the third-generation Toyota Prius, which will be in showrooms in 2009.

The new Prius will continue to use nickel-metal hydride batteries, but Toyota is at work on lighter, more powerful lithium ion batteries that will first be used in the company's plug-in hybrid, which has a production date of 2010.

Currently, the company is sending a few dozen FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicles to selected areas in California with 200 of the cars expected to be on the roads within 12 months. Although considered by many to be the future of personal transportation, the lack of hydrogen fueling stations is a significant hurdle to mass sales.

For its part, Honda has plans to offer a gasoline-electric version of the Fit subcompact by 2015 or earlier, as well as a "sporty" hybrid and a re-designed Civic hybrid.

General Motors remains confident that their long-discussed, all-electric, Chevrolet Volt will be in showrooms in 2010 as well, with the capability to run 40 miles on battery-power alone. The company has yet to name a supplier for the Volt's battery.