It looks like the Autobots are going green in the next installation of the Transformers movie franchise.

General Motors' vehicles were featured prominently in the first film, released in 2007, and it was revealed at this week's Chicago Auto Show that five more vehicles from the GM line-up will appear in the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. If that wasn't news enough, how about this: one of the star vehicles will be the company's rechargeable electric car, the Chevrolet Volt.

This is great news for the green car industry, especially when you consider that after a Camaro played a central role in the original film, awareness of the vehicle nearly doubled.

The Volt is capable of traveling as far as 40 miles on a single electric charge, but will also have a small gas engine to be used as back-up.

Check out the teaser for the new Transformers movie below.

» Forbes.com

If you believe all of the hype in the automotive industry, then you're fully aware that traditional gasoline-powered vehicles are poised to face stiff competition for new technology and alternative-fuel cars within the decade. However which of the prominent technologies will dominate this new wave of vehicles: biofuel-powered cars, hybrids, hydrogen vehicles or the electric car?

If a recent poll in any indication, electric vehicles will reign as the ultimate eco-friendly champion. A survey conducted by TheGreenCarWEbsite.co.uk found that respondents believe electric cars show the most promise promise for the future. Some of the notable points of the survey include:

- "Is electricity a viable solution to fossil fuels?" According to 93% of those surveyed, yes, electricity could give fossil fuels a run for their money.

- The source of the electricity was not as widely agreed upon: 49% said it should come for renewable sources while 44% felt that wasn't important, so long as the vehicles run on electricity period.

- A marginal seven percent believed electricity was not a viable solution to reduce society's dependency on fossil fuels.

“Our poll has shown that motorists are keen to ensure they minimise their environmental impact. The UK needs to meet its Renewables Obligation to allow electric cars to achieve their true potential as low-carbon vehicles” says Faye Sunderland of TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk.

In 2007, 77 per cent of the UK's electricity came via coal and gas, however licensed electricity suppliers will have to meet a target of 15.4 per cent of electricity coming from renewable sources by 2015 or 2016, as outlined in  the Renewables Obligation.

This could be great news for manufacturers with electric vehicles in the works, such as GM with their Chevrolet Volt, set for official introduction to the market in 2010. Of course expect big announcements and plans from other manufacturers, especially Toyota who is accustomed to ruling the auto roost with their top-selling Prius and will undoubtedly make an effort to keep their title as the producer of the world's number one-selling eco-friendly car. Stay tuned...

» The Auto Channel

The words "down to the wire" have been used to describe General Motors' plans for the Chevrolet Volt, which the care manufacturing giant hopes to have ready by the end of 2010. The Volt is a plug-in hybrid car that GM hopes will be able to give Toyota and its Prius and run for their money in the hybrid market. GM is almost ready to select a battery supplier for the new vehicle, but the company CEO admits the deadline is still proving to be a challenge as the company rushes to conduct experimental testing on the battery systems and begin developing other components of the car.

"At this point the focus for us 100 percent is getting the Volt produced in the U.S.," Wagoner told reporters on the sidelines of the Beijing Auto Show. "So far, so good, but it's going to be right down to the wire to meet the production deadline we've set."

The Volt has already been advertised despite the fact that its still two years away from launching. It will feature some of the traditional hybrid technology such as gaining energy from braking, however it will also be one of the first attempts to use lithium-ion batteries to power a car, as the batteries are generally used to power electronics. If GM has their way, the batter pack will last for 10 years, run for a minimum of 150,000 miles and accelerate to 60 miles per hour in nine seconds or less.

GM will introduce 16 new hybrid vehicles during the next few years, including the Buick LaCrosse, which will launch in China this summer prior to the start of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The car is not expected to experience huge sales due to its higher price point, which is why GM is aiming to introduce less expensive hybrid options. Typically the more affordable hybrids are the big success stories, as new buyers entering the market for the first time gravitate toward their more attractive price tag, hence the enormous success of the Prius. However, GM does hope vehicles like the LaCrosse will prove they are committed to the idea of fuel-saving technology.

» Reuters Environment

As Toyota looks to capitalize on the success of their hybrid car, the Prius, other automakers such as Honda, General Motors and Ford are simple trying to elbow their way into the hybrid market and establish a firm position there.

The Prius dominated over half of the hybrid market last year, though hybrid vehicles themselves only accounted for three per cent of U.S. sales in that time period. Though other manufacturers have introduced their own versions of fuel-efficient vehicles, none have come close to the success Toyota has experienced. Experts say the likely reason is because even though car buyers (or potential buyers) say they'll purchase a hybrid that looks the same as another established model, such as the Ford Escape or the Toyota Camry, they really do want to stand out from the crowd. The Prius is distinctive and its drivers are seen as wearing a sort of "green halo."

GM will attempt to establish itself in the hybrid market with the Chevrolet Volt. The car has already generated interest among "Volt Nation," a group of admirers, some of whom were recently invited to the New York auto show to meet with the designers and developers of the car. The car is even being advertised on television. Pretty impressive considering it won't even hit the market until 2010, at the soonest.

Research has shown Prius drivers earn an average $60,000 to $80,000 per year, and have higher education levels and income than the average new car buyer. This despite the relatively attractive price point of $21,100. Toyota dismisses the notion that Prius drivers are simply driving the Prius for accolades and attention.

"The buyer is not necessarily trying to make a statement," said Toyota spokeswoman Denise Morrissey. "They're trying to make a smart choice."

» Reuters Environment