# Eco-Car Credit Crisis Green Auto Companies Head Into Survival Mode By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-12-18 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eco-car-crisis-green-cars-on-life-support References: [treehugger](http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/12/gm-puts-volt-engine-factory-plant-on-hold-plug-in-hybrid.php) The building and developing of electric/hybrid cars is coming to a screeching halt. GM announced they are closing the plant that makes the motor for their electric car, the [Chevy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/corvette-eray-hybrid) Volt. [Tesla Motors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-Mini-Countryman-SUV), another electric car company, fired their CEO. [Toyota](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lexus-bev-sports) is stopping construction of a Prius plant in the U.S. and THINK, an electric car company in Norway, is on the edge of failing. One country is moving forward: China. BYD will bring a plug-in hybrid to market years before the Chevy Volt. GM assures the market, however, that they will still roll out the Chevy Volt on schedule. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 12% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Electric Car Slowdown:** An opportunity for entrepreneurs to create better and cost-effective batteries and alternative energy sources to power electric cars. - **Chinese Hybrid Car Expansion:** An opportunity for global car companies to learn from Chinese hybrid car technology and partner with established Chinese car makers to bring similar products to other markets. - **Rise of Non-traditional Car Companies:** An opportunity for new entrants to capitalize on the financial struggles of established car companies to introduce revolutionary products and capture market share. ### Where This Applies - **Energy Storage:** The energy storage industry can develop more efficient and durable batteries for electric cars to improve vehicle range and reduce production cost. - **Automotive:** The automotive industry can partner with innovative startups to introduce new electric and hybrid car technology to the market. - **Alternative Energy:** The alternative energy industry can provide cost-effective renewable energy sources for electric cars to make them more economical and eco-friendly. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Futuristic High-Tech EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/en-series.md) - [Chinese Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electra-e5.md) - [Nature-Inspired Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-prologue.md) - [Yellow Camouflage Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-Mini-Countryman-SUV.md) - [Hybrid Performance Sports Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electrified-corvette.md) - [EV Advertising Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chevrolet-bolt-campaign.md) - [Collaborative Electric Vehicle Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ev-initiative.md) - [Hybrid EV Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bajaj-auto.md) - [Disaster-Prepared Electric Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hw-electro.md)