Bright Automotive is keeping a tight lid on its hybrid car.

It’s nearly May, and that means it’s almost time for Bright Automotive to launch its hybrid electric-fuel vehicle. I haven’t found a set date, but Bright has been saying for weeks that it will unveil its prototype in May.

Big promises

Bright has said that its vehicle will use only 20 percent as much fuel as a traditional vehicle. The start-up company says the car will get 100-miles-per-gallon. But don’t run out to get your personal loan to buy one yet. I haven’t found a projected price. Also, the vehicle isn’t scheduled to be available for purchase until  2012.

Ready, set…

The vehicle will debut at the EVS-24 exhibition this year. EVS-24 is May 13-16  on Norway. EVS-24 is a yearly car show that features battery, hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles. The vehicle is built to run solely on electricity for the first 30 miles of any drive and then convert to a hybrid. It can go about 400 miles at a time.

More car talk

While the world of hybrid vehicles appears to be surrounded by hype, the traditional auto industry is not doing so hot. But that is why Obama appointed an Auto Recovery director. The president today appointed Edward Montgomery to the role.

A big job

Montgomery is charged with overhauling the system in the auto industry. American auto makers GM and Chrysler are struggling, possibly failing. Obama believes Montgomery is the guy to change that.

“Together with Labor Secretary Solis and my Auto Task Force, Ed will help provide support to auto workers and their families, and open up opportunity in manufacturing communities. Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and every other state that relies on the auto industry will have a strong advocate in Ed,” Obama said.

Background

Montgomery is a former Deputy Labor Secretary. Both GM and Chrysler appeared enthusiastic about the move.

“We have significant challenges ahead of us, and a very tight timeline. I am confident that the GM team will succeed, and that a stronger, healthier GM will play an important role in revitalizing America’s economy and re-establishing its technology leadership and energy independence,” said GM CEO Fritz henderson.