Toyota admits making hybrids was a mistake, announces immediate halt of sales of all hybrids

[priusenvy]

Tokyo (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Company CEO Katsuaki "Bud" Watanabe ended weeks of speculation today by announcing at an industry dinner that making hybrids was a fundamental strategic mistake, and that Toyota would immediately discontinue sales, manufacturing, and research on hybrid vehicles. Watanabe cited dismal 2007 Prius sales of only 280,000 units worldwide (180,000 in the USA), and tens of thousands of dissatisfied owners who only obtained 50+mpg fuel economy as leading factors contributing to the decision to end Toyota's involvement in hybrid technology.

"Hybrid automobiles are a constant reminder that fossil fuels are a limited resource, and that global warming is real. People don't want their cars to constantly remind them of these unpleasant realities. Driving should provide an escape, which is why we are converting the Prius and Camry hybrid assembly lines into lines to build what consumers really want, specifically Tundras, Sequoias, and Land Cruisers."

Watanabe cited a recent meeting with GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz as being highly influential in the decision to cease manufacturing of hybrid cars.

[Flying White Dutchman]

JOKE

[Syclone]

I'm really relieved. I'm going out right now and buying an H1 Hummer while the prices are still low. I hope they will take my Prius as a trade-in.I know by next week there will be a run on all of the really large vehicle dealers.

[DaveinOlyWA]

ok...*sigh*... this day is like getting pinched on St. Patricks day by your color -blind coworker

[SparrowHawk60]

Me too! Got run out quick and put my down payment, and work out a trade in for my Prius while it's under the 1000 mile mark.
Gonna get a H-1 in battle ship gray with all the brush guards, extra lights and spare fuel cans painted flat black! One ugly looking beast, but I want the world to know I don't care!
I'll only take in off road in virgin woodlands, ripping up whatever I can, squashing the little woodland critters as I go!

[zeeman]

Originally Posted by Syclone

I'm really relieved. I'm going out right now and buying an H1 Hummer while the prices are still low. I hope they will take my Prius as a trade-in.I know by next week there will be a run on all of the really large vehicle dealers.

ROTFL!

hey, at least most of the people on this forum figured out that this "news" has to do something with April 1st....

which i cannot say for some other forum users who would be on the floor now, in pool of blood arguing...

[richard schumacher]

Tokyo (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Company CEO Katsuaki "Bud" Watanabe

Didn't he play Long Duk Dong in "Sixteen Candles"?

[Prius Prime]

Unfortunately, I think most US automakers actually feel this way.

Hey, if we all drive big SUVs can we speed up to beat other cars to first to the red light? Really what are these people thinking?

Prius Prime

[hill]

A funnier 4/1 joke:

GM SORRY FOR CRUSHING ALMOST ALL THE EV1's :

They're refunding to the Fed's ~ all the MILLIONS of taxpayers dollars that they took from public funds to create it. Your refund will be coming this April 15th.


or, how about,

CHEVRON REPENTS: GOOD WILL GESTURE TO EV MANUFACTURERS
They're no longer witholding patent rights to the highest density to weight ratio batteries ever made.

[Flying White Dutchman]

Originally Posted by hill

A funnier 4/1 joke:

GM SORRY FOR CRUSHING ALMOST ALL THE EV1's :

They're refunding to the Fed's ~ all the MILLIONS of taxpayers dollars that they took from public funds to create it. Your refund will be coming this April 15th.


or, how about,

CHEVRON REPENTS: GOOD WILL GESTURE TO EV MANUFACTURERS
They're no longer witholding patent rights to the highest density to weight ratio batteries ever made.

even better :

GM announcing official start of VOLT productions as of 2010