Going green is no longer just a friendly gesture toward Mother Nature. It's now becoming a hard-core selling point in a sluggish economy. Auto manufacturers are getting in on the act, and they're offering some significant rebates on fuel-efficient cars.

There was a day when the business world scoffed at environmentalists; pairing corporate interests with nature lovers was like mixing oil and water. Global warming, however, seems to be changing that mindset. There may be some disagreement over the scientific specifics, but the consensus appears to be shifting from bottom-line profits to sustainable processes. Recycling, alternative fuels, and conservation are now a major part of every industry.

No place is a shift toward a greener consumer world more critical than in the auto industry. The collective global automotive fleet is one of the leading consumers of fossil fuels, and produces an immense carbon footprint. Fortunately, manufacturers have begun offering rebates on some fuel-efficient vehicles. Here are some offerings from some top automakers.

Saturn helps Mother Earth

Two models from General Motors' Saturn division offer solid rebates. Saturn's Outlook crossover comes with a $1,500 cash rebate, an outstanding deal when compared to similar models. It may not be as friendly to the environment as a Prius, but the crossover SUV does deliver just more than 15 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, and 24 mpg on the highway. Saturn is also offering an Aura with a $2,500 rebate, although it's only included with the V6 model.

Chrysler steps up the pump

Chrysler's attempts to go green include offering $1,500 to $3,000 rebates on an SUV alternative-the PT Cruiser, which is positioned as a crossover SUV with throwback styling. Besides the retro-look, the Cruiser offers plenty of storage space, making it an interesting alternative to the SUV or the minivan. Chrysler also includes a promotion that offers gasoline for just under three dollars a gallon for three years. This rebate is paired with a cash incentive, which could be an attractive deal if you spend a lot of time on the road.

Green important for imports

While Toyota has the market's hottest selling hybrid in the Prius, two other imports-Mazda and Mitsubishi-are offering rebates on their fuel-efficient imports. The former is offering rebates ranging from $2,250 to $2,750 for the Mazda6 sedan, which boasts a fuel friendly 21-mpg city/28 mpg highway rating.

Mitsubishi is following suit with its 2008 Lancer, a solidly built set of wheels that comes with a $1,000 rebate. Considering that the car compares favorably with the Honda Civic, starts out at just under $15,000, and nearly hits 30 mpg on the highway, it's an exceptional buy.

Corporations are realizing the greenback-generating potential of going green. Auto manufacturers, in particular, are hopping on the bandwagon with rebates for their fuel-efficient cars. Not only will it help the car industry survive the slump in SUV and big truck sales, but it's also a step toward helping our planet survive the effects of a worsening environment.