Despite a tiny presence in the US car market, hybrid vehicles were the most popular topic at the Detroit Motor Show this week as executives gauged the future of the gas/electric and other engine novelties.

After a year with 88,000 hybrid units sold through just three brands, Toyota, Honda and Ford, sales of vehicles with hybrid petrol-electric engines are expected to more than double to at least 200,000 units in 2005 as high oil prices grab more consumer attention.

Some rosy forecasts for the end of the decade range from 500,000 units to one million. But while pioneer Toyota has aggressive goals to eventually offer the hybrid option throughout its entire range, many other major players remain cool on the vehicles, opting instead to promote other forms of fuel-saving technology such as cleaner diesel, hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and advanced direct injection systems.

Still, the powertrain got another boost as Ford, whose petrol-electric Escape sport utility vehicle (SUV) was crowned North American Truck of the Year on Sunday, unveiled plans to add three more hybrid models by 2008.

Mazda, will also roll out a hybrid Tribute SUV using Ford's technology.

Last month, General Motors made headlines by announcing a tie-in with rival DaimlerChrysler on hybrids in an apparent about-face after being one of the most vocal sceptics of the technology.

GM now sells only 'mild' hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickup truck in limited numbers, but has plans to expand its hybrid line-up to 12 models over the next several years. So-called mild hybrids achieve only about half the fuel savings of full hybrids.

Toyota has received more than 11,000 orders so far for the Lexus RX400h ahead of its April launch, more pre-sale interest than it has had for any other model. The Highlander SUV hybrid due in September has counted nearly 100,000 interested buyers.