Ford hybrid taxis; GM's Chinese hybrids: Hype or the winds of change?

Yesterday, Ford CEO Bill Ford introduced a mini-fleet of hybrid taxis that will serve New York City. Considering that the fleet will only consist of 6 Escape hybrids, it is a bit interesting that Mr. Ford chose to make the presentation.

Or is it?

With Ford's hybrid head resigning just weeks ago, there was much speculation about the future of Ford hybrids, but now Mr. Ford appears to be taking the lead on hybrids. While fuel cells might be the distant future, hybrid cars represent the near future and they are proof that the auto industry CAN and MUST change.

Isn't it ironic that on the same day that New York announced that it will begin forcing automakers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, joining California, Mr. Ford was in New York promoting his company's hybrids?

Still, the drive to hybrid technology isn't just being driven by treehuggers from both coasts.

GM is now banging the hybrid drum in China, joining at least 3 other automakers that will soon begin developing and producing hybrid vehicles in that country.

Many auto analysts have long speculated that China will be the key market for major automakers as we head into the future. And according to a recent AutoWeek article, "The Chinese government is keen to develop more fuel-efficient engines to curb its growing appetite for imported oil and reduce pollution. An automotive policy released last year suggests preferential treatment for developers of fuel-efficient technologies."

Hmmm, does "preferential treatment" have anything to do with GM's new hybrid focus?

Global forces, including global warming, terrorism, hurricanes, global petroleum demand, and consumer interests are requiring - even DEMANDING - that automakers change. The hybrid battleground is no longer just about hype, it's about business survival. With China entering the fray, the prospect of much cheaper hybrid parts becomes not just a possibility, but an obvious reality.

Ultimately, a technological revolution is hitting the world's auto industry and it isn't being driven only by speed and horsepower, but also by fuel efficiency and environmental impact. Experimental hybrids demonstrate that hybrid technology has significantly more potential than is currently being exhibited in the Prius, the Highlander hybrid, or the Civic hybrid. Huge, monumental gains are yet to be made in this emerging automotive technology.

While fuel cell vehicles might be the inevitable future, that future might not be a reality for decades. Hybrids demonstrate significant, dramatic change can be accomplished now, without fuel cells, without hydrogen. Nonetheless, today's hybrids could quite easily become tomorrow's fuel cell hybrids, as both Ford and Toyota are currently displaying (more).

The hybrids ARE coming, and they are going to come in a big way during the next decade. In 5 years, J.D. Power's prediction of hybrids achieving just 5% of the market will seem like the silliest analysis ever made by an automotive expert.

Hybrid hype is over and the winds of change are blowing. The real battle is just beginning.