But its hybrid economic model continues to be based around a publicly owned core of banks and corporations.

One is the company's thrust into alternative-fuel vehicles, including cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells, as well as hybrid gasoline-electric models.

Toyota is developing 10 hybrid electric models for sale worldwide by early in the next decade, the company's top North American executive said on Wednesday.

However, a "hybrid model" that uses the internet to allow for greater government transparency and community participation in decision-making is on the horizon.

Car-sharing also does the environment a favor: fewer cars on the road mean less congestion and pollution, especially given the fuel-efficient and hybrid models.

Through 2011, it intends to introduce 16 hybrid models.

Currently there are three hybrid models available to consumers.

In the short term motorists will have to think long and hard about whether electric cars give better value for money than the best conventional and hybrid models.

Many have already turned to hybrid gasoline-and-electric models like the popular Toyota Prius, though the wait can be overwhelming.