The 40,000-square foot Eco Center area had all the new hybrids, including some cartoonish-looking concept cars, as well as production models from several carmakers on display, and a half-dozen or so conversions – gas-powered production cars that tinkerers and garage mechanics have turned into hybrids or all-electrics.

In fact, everywhere throughout the Convention Center there was a much greater emphasis on ‘eco-motoring.’  Among the representatives we talked to, all seemed to have a canned response for a question they must be hearing often; “Do you guys have a hybrid in the works?”

• Mercedes-Benz: Will have an M Class hybrid in 2010
• Suzuki: No need to go hybrid, as their cars, specifically the Splash, which is huge in Europe, gets 45 miles per gallon
• Scion: No hybrids, their cars get good gas mileage already, and they are committed to keeping the sticker price below $20,000
• Hyundai: They will have a hybrid version of the Sonata in 2010, using what their rep called lithium polymer battery technology
• Volkswagen: No hybrids, they’re going with diesel
• Volvo: Hybrids on the way, check back in a year

The real question: Given the uncertain economic climate, how many average working people will be plunking down $20,000 to $30,000 and up for new cars over the next year – hybrid or not?

And the other great unknown: Where will the price of gas be by the end of 2009?

Hybrids can save fuel costs and the environment, and increase our national security.

Suppose there was a cheaper way to get behind the wheel of a hybrid?

Just suppose there was a way to convert your existing vehicle into a functional hybrid, at a fraction of the cost of a brand new one?

Would you go for it?

Let us know in the comments!