"Hybrids represent a bridge to the long-term solution of hydrogen fuel cells"
"Hybrids represent a bridge to the long-term solution of hydrogen fuel cells," stated GM chairman Rick Wagoner at the North American Auto Show.
It must be hard to get those words out, if you are an American auto executive, especially one that doesn't really offer hybrids.
When the 2004 Toyota Prius hit America by storm, American automakers seemed shell-shocked. What was GM thinking then?
The best America has done is one hybrid, the Ford Escape Hybrid.
While I love the hybrid Escape, Truck of the Year according to the North American International Auto Show, it wasn't built on proprietary technology.
Will Ford mass produce multiple lines of hybrid vehicles based on someone else's leased technology? I doubt it. This probably explains Ford's next big hybrid move.
The Mercury Mariner.
Wow! Excuse me for not being impressed, but isn't the Mercury Mariner basically the Escape hybrid?
I realize Ford just can't let go of the SUV, but even the hybrid SUV market will very soon be quite competitive.
In just a few more months the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV will be released and interest in that vehicle has already taken Toyota by storm. Just a few months after that rollout, Toyota will follow with the Toyota Highlander hybrid.
So, if hybrids are a bridge to the future, why is Detroit's bridge so narrow?
The Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Honda Accord Hybrid will go unchallenged for years by America, and soon the Toyota Camry will also be added to the mix.
Is Detroit just giving up that market?
Hybrid cars might be a bridge to fuel cells, but there is a very good chance that hydrogen fuel cell-powered automobiles might be at least two decades away. Additionally, perhaps hybrid powertrains will run the automotive fuel cells of tomorrow. More important, hybrids make important environmental and political changes today.
"I want to.....provide transportation that is affordable in every sense of the word - socially and environmentally, as well as economically. That means vehicles that are safe, clear and energy efficient," stated Bill Ford recently.
American auto execs keep talking the talk, but it's time to walk the walk.
Fleets of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are nothing but a concept. Hybrid cars are a reality, today. The future begins now, not tomorrow.
It must be hard to get those words out, if you are an American auto executive, especially one that doesn't really offer hybrids.
When the 2004 Toyota Prius hit America by storm, American automakers seemed shell-shocked. What was GM thinking then?
The best America has done is one hybrid, the Ford Escape Hybrid.
While I love the hybrid Escape, Truck of the Year according to the North American International Auto Show, it wasn't built on proprietary technology.
Will Ford mass produce multiple lines of hybrid vehicles based on someone else's leased technology? I doubt it. This probably explains Ford's next big hybrid move.
The Mercury Mariner.
Wow! Excuse me for not being impressed, but isn't the Mercury Mariner basically the Escape hybrid?
I realize Ford just can't let go of the SUV, but even the hybrid SUV market will very soon be quite competitive.
In just a few more months the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV will be released and interest in that vehicle has already taken Toyota by storm. Just a few months after that rollout, Toyota will follow with the Toyota Highlander hybrid.
So, if hybrids are a bridge to the future, why is Detroit's bridge so narrow?
The Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Honda Accord Hybrid will go unchallenged for years by America, and soon the Toyota Camry will also be added to the mix.
Is Detroit just giving up that market?
Hybrid cars might be a bridge to fuel cells, but there is a very good chance that hydrogen fuel cell-powered automobiles might be at least two decades away. Additionally, perhaps hybrid powertrains will run the automotive fuel cells of tomorrow. More important, hybrids make important environmental and political changes today.
"I want to.....provide transportation that is affordable in every sense of the word - socially and environmentally, as well as economically. That means vehicles that are safe, clear and energy efficient," stated Bill Ford recently.
American auto execs keep talking the talk, but it's time to walk the walk.
Fleets of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are nothing but a concept. Hybrid cars are a reality, today. The future begins now, not tomorrow.
Labels: Accord hybrid, Camry hybrid, Civic hybrid, Escape hybrid, Ford, Ford Escape hybrid, fuel cells, GM, Highlander hybrid, Honda, Hybrid Vehicles, Lexus hybrid, Mariner hybrid, prius, toyota
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:48 AM
1 Comments:
More people should learn about electric vehicles as a solution. "Zero emissions" is something that's going to be required by law one day (you know it will). Making the decision to go electric is far cheaper anyway, like 10 cents on the dollar vs. gas. (source: zapworld.com)
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