Ford's Best Buzz Bet: Hybrid Trucks

Oil prices continue to climb, as Americans send more and more profit to countries that really don't like Americans.

Ford Automotive isn't doing well. Despite the success of the Ford Escape hybrid, Ford just hasn't been able to build much buzz with any of its new vehicles.

So, how about a Ford hybrid truck?

Sure, Ford won't be able to get too many of them on the road soon, simply because the parts necessary for Ford hybrid powertrains are not well stocked. Nonetheless, Ford could build considerable buzz with such a move - far more buzz than with the Mercury Mariner hybrid.

Foreign oil dependency is becoming a major issue for more and more Americans and Ford has indicated that it plans on utilizing hybrid vehicles to address those issues. While hybrid SUVs are an excellent way to address foreign oil dependency, some consumers ask, "Aren't SUVs part of the problem?"

On the other hand, this criticism isn't nearly as strong regarding pickup trucks.

Since trucks, in many ways, represent Middle America and the average American, "Fight terrorists, buy a hybrid truck," could become a powerful mantra at many Ford dealers - a mantra that is certain to resonate with many consumers.

Letting Toyota develop the first hybrid truck is something that Ford cannot allow. Ford needs buzz, they need to look like an innovator and the first hybrid truck could be just the remedy.