Hybrids are done. Nobody cares anymore

Since I work in close relationship to (but not for...I am a private contractor) the SCAQMD here in Southern California (the state smog folks), I have a somewhat different outlook.

Expecting technology that cleans up automobile emissions and to get better mileage to be cheaper is misleading. Buying a cleaner burning car, such as a Prius, is going to be more expensive. Get used to it.

The 'hybrids' that I have problems with are those that increase mileage only fractionally, say 2 mpg.We have a target to hit here, folks, and that is 45 mpg average. Taking into consideration the requirements for PM5 and PM10 (soot), diesels are effectively eliminated. All that is left is the Prius, the HCH and the Insight. The Accord Hybrid doesnt make the grade.

(PM stands for Particulate Matter, 5 and 10 refer to particulate size in microns)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Apr 13 2006, 12:54 PM) [snapback]239170[/snapback]</div>

Then if that is true why would any of these big vehicle ever be sold with less than V10 engines?

I actually like both, room and mpg. I even looked at a Ford Escape! I decided if I went for something with less mpg I would need more size to justifiy it! It just didn't feel that much roomier than a Prius.

And the rest of the big hybrids don't even pretend to get good mpg.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(finman @ Apr 13 2006, 02:24 PM) [snapback]239317[/snapback]</div>

If hybrids are going to sell there needs to be a 25% mpg improvement for say $1000 dollars. If not they will remain largely a niche vehicle with some spikes in sales when gas prices are around $3.00/gallon.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tomdeimos @ Apr 13 2006, 02:30 PM) [snapback]239325[/snapback]</div>

3-400 horsepower is plenty for most people. Only if their is a need to tow heavy weight is a V10, 8100 or a diesel purchased.


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mystery Squid @ Apr 13 2006, 02:29 PM) [snapback]239322[/snapback]</div>

The only thing the current silverado hybrid is good for is a generator in emergency situations. The vehicle is a joke as far as saving fuel.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Apr 13 2006, 12:41 PM) [snapback]239330[/snapback]</div>

* I get 200% better gas mileage with my Prius than I did with my Sport Trac!
* So people should limit their horsepower except if they have to tow something....what did you say before about trucks. Not everyone who has a truck or USV "needs" one. SOunds like you are talking out both sides.
* See, the Silvarado is one of the best reasons to look at GM and wonder what the heck are they thinking. I don't want to have anything to do with a company that is willing to put out crap like that.

And yes, we had a Malibu. Worst piece of crap ever, in the shop more than on the road.

 

By most definitions you'll find on PC, the Silverado is NOT a real hybrid.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Apr 13 2006, 03:41 PM) [snapback]239330[/snapback]</div>

 

What *is* the "first consideration of escalade buyers" ?!
.
_H*

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hobbit @ Apr 13 2006, 03:27 PM) [snapback]239367[/snapback]</div>

Luxury and/or prestige.

 

here's a neat article on msn on this...

http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4023397

 

Uh... I think I hear Malorn saying that any Hybrid, but Prius, are a flop.... No?

Anyone know where I can pick one up a RX400h for Invoice in CA?

Hmmm..... I take the HH if they go below invoice.... :lol:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dipper @ Apr 13 2006, 05:28 PM) [snapback]239406[/snapback]</div>

Talk to Diane... she was selling them below MSRP, maybe close to or below invoice (the HH).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Apr 13 2006, 04:20 PM) [snapback]239399[/snapback]</div>

I'm not justifying it, but that is the truth. same with Lexus or Infiniti or any other luxury brand. do you disagree?

 

Heck no...that is the ticket!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jonnycat26 @ Apr 13 2006, 02:31 PM) [snapback]239408[/snapback]</div>

Diane posted that info in Jan. Have not seen any updates since. I heard HH are selling a lot better on the Edmounds board... so don't know without talking to her first.

But I was hoping more for a Rav4 hybrid on Camry's 4-cylinder.

 

Toyota was brilliant when they created Lexus. LUXURY=LEXUS. Replace the u with an e, the r with an s and drop the y. And all these years you thought it was just coincidence.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Apr 13 2006, 12:16 PM) [snapback]239192[/snapback]</div>

Feb o6 I purchased a new 05 Prius, pkg 6, leather, wood grain, extra mileage opt. List $29,150.
Purchase price $25,500, with the additional tax credits(state/federal) the net cost will be around
$23,000. I was driving a F150 15/16 mpg vs 52.6 for my prius. Plus its a fun car to drive.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Apr 13 2006, 02:14 PM) [snapback]239304[/snapback]</div>

NAte I think their is a fair amount of interest in hybrids in much of the general car buying public. So far that interest is not being translated into sales. Most months Ford sells more Mustangs than the total number of hybrids that are sold. Would you consider the mustand a vehicle for the masses(high volume) or a niche vehicle?


very recent link:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...NEWS11/60413009
http://www.caranddriver.com/dailyautoinsid...a-subsides.html

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(malorn @ Apr 13 2006, 10:30 PM) [snapback]239521[/snapback]</div>

This is a fair point, but what is the supply of Mustangs like compared to Prii? If I wanted to go buy a Prius tomorrow at the nearest dealership, I don't think I could do it. If I wanted to do the same for a 'Stang, I'll bet I could. I'm not necessarily saying that the Mustang wouldn't sell better than a Prius even if they were on equal footing, but you should compare apples to apples.