Toyota and GM talks: Hybrids, fuel cells, or both?
When the Asian Wall Street Journal speculated that GM and Toyota might discuss sharing hybrid technology, GM went out of its way to quash such thinking. The meeting to discuss fuel cell technology was set over a year ago, GM immediately shot back while reaffirming its hybrid partnership with DaimlerChrysler. Still, Toyota has stated that its fuel cell vehicles will be hybrid vehicles. Toyota hybrids, such as the Prius, Highlander hybrid, and the Lexus RX400h hybrid are simply the beginning of a technological bridge to affordable fuel cells. Thus, isn't a meeting that involves Toyota fuel cells also a meeting about hybrids?
Labels: electric cars, fuel cells, GM, Highlander hybrid, Hybrid Vehicles, Lexus hybrid, prius, toyota
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:11 AM
2 Comments:
In the computer world there is something called the "Osborne Effect." Osborne was a maker of early portable computeres. They had a very successful product in the "Osoborne I" - the thing is, they announced the "Osborne II" about six months before it could ship. Osborne I sales essentially halted, as everyone waited for the Osborne II, and Osborne went bankrupt.
I'd suspect, that if GM is going to make hybrid SUVs, they'll want to keep them very secret, less they experience the "Osborne Effect" themselves.
Good point.
GM is in a tough spot on many levels, and I'm not sure I believe that hybrid SUVs will even be much help to GM.
I think the 90's-style SUV is a relic, and that all manufacturers, especially American ones, will have to incorporate efficiency into their product, or risk your "Osborne Effect".
In my opinion, a Tahoe hybrid isn't a vehicle for the future.
GM's research tells them customers want SUVs? Then how do they explain decades of declining marketshare? Its obvious GM has focused on one declining market segment and that segment doesn't have much more longevity.
That's why I think GM has to shock America with an efficient, unique automobile. Perhaps a diesel-electric hybrid crossover or sedan. And for crying-out-loud, why not a pick-up hybrid truck?
I think both Ford and GM could create a ton of buzz here.
If they don't do something radical soon, however, the future will be about the "GM Effect".
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