In past articles in this series, we’ve talked about the emerging meme of phone-car convergence. It is difficult to predict what sorts of automobiles will emerge, or how innovative automobile companies are willing to be in this volatile economic climate, but as we study trends in the two seemingly distinct technology areas of automobiles and cellphones, it is becoming clear that cars are well on their way to becoming highly sophisticated network computers. In this article we look at Android, and why it could be significant to the automobile industry.

With consumer interest in hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles continuing to follow the same trajectory as gasoline prices, an increasing percentage of these potential buyers are more interested in saving cash at the pump than in saving the planet. No matter what a consumer’s motivation may be for purchasing a hybrid, automakers need to be upfront about how close EPA fuel-economy estimates are to reality. The experience of one 2006 Toyota Prius owner, AARF’s Technology Director Krish Kuruppath, illustrates why this transparency is so important.

Green is no longer just one of several hues in which a vehicle is available, but a lifestyle choice. All of the leading third-party consumer automotive research and shopping sites now have dedicated green or hybrid sections along with buyer’s guides devoted to helping consumers select vehicles that best match their needs for fuel efficiency, environmental impact, body style and budget. The number one automotive site, eBay Motors, added Alternative Fuel as a vehicle type when it rolled out its new site design last year.

As with any social cause, conversations among people are what push budding ideas into the mainstream. Digital environments have become the main forum those conversations. Being active within the Green movement has never been easier.

If an ideal digital tool to go green exists, it is social networking. Drivers who are looking to lower their carbon footprint or just save some money on gas have access to a number of networking tools popping up online to help the cause.