The future of Ford's hybrid vehicles

Even Ford didn't really buy the concept of hybrid cars when the first Toyota Prius and Honda Insight hit the streets, but they are much more serious now.

Bill Ford has become a very vocal proponent of Ford's hybrid vehicle program and has been lobbying media and Congress to create more tax incentives to develop these vehicles. Hybrids represent automotive innovation, and Bill Ford wants Ford to be the industry's most innovative auto company.

How serious is he? While some skeptics might think it's all just talk, Ford appears to be very serious.

"Anyone who thinks or attempts to convince you that it's business as usual at Ford is wrong and would best serve us all by pursuing their interests elsewhere," Bill Ford said in an audio message e-mailed to workers Monday afternoon. "Our heritage of innovation must be reclaimed and renewed or the greatness of our company will become part of our past. It's that simple."(DetroitNews)

And according to AutoWeek, Ford is pushing far into the hybrid future, already working on its third generation hybrid drive, even though their second generation hybrid drive is still years from reality. Because, "We are not going to be rolling on a very long technology cycle. It's going to be much shorter," states Ford's hybrid head, Nancy Gioia, "Once you get it out there and you have proof of concept that things work, you can miniaturize and take advantage of the things technology can bring. We already have an idea of what Gen III will look like, and we even have ideas for what comes after that."(AutoWeek)

In the short term, Ford is focusing on developing a supply network for hybrid parts, while also finding partners for battery development, or even powertrain development.

One thing is clear; however, it isn't business as usual at Ford. Complacency can no longer survive in the auto industry, and the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid are just the beginning of the new Ford.

Fuel cell vehicles: Toyota versus GM

The AutoWeek article, GM's r&d guru says 'cooperation would make sense' in drive to create hydrogen-powered vehicles really bothered me when I read it this weekend. In fact, it made me research Crain Communications to see if they were somehow corporately connected to GM.

O.K., I couldn't find any connection. Nonetheless, AutoWeek is just one piece of Crain Communications and it is obvious that Crain Communications is about one thing - advertising. While there isn't a corporate connection between Crain and GM, there is certainly a huge relationship - advertising budgets.

But all automakers spend advertising dollars, why would Crain care the most about GM, you ask? Well, in the past several years, GM has spent about twice as much as any other automaker per year, and we're talking billions.

So, what was it that bothered me so much about the GM article?

I love the idea of fuel cells and I've read hundreds of articles about fuel cells and fuel cell vehicles. Ultimately, however, there are many issues regarding the functionality of fuel cells, especially in the near term - which is decades long. Just because GM has been promising fuel cells since the Nixon administration doesn't mean their fuel cell technology is the best.

Perhaps, as the article suggests, there should be cooperation between automakers regarding fuel cell vehicles, but any implication that GM is the fuel cell leader is a huge stretch at this point in time.

I'd say that GM, in fact, isn't the leader.

Toyota's approach to fuel cells is a good bit different than GM because Toyota fuel cell vehicles are hybrid vehicles. The fact that Toyota's gasoline electric hybrids can adapt into diesel electric hybrids, hydrogen electric hybrids, and -finally - fuel cell electric hybrids, offers something that GM doesn't offer - flexibility.

A recent press release from a Technical Insights Group at Frost & Sullivan notes, "Stricter emission standards are forcing companies to manufacture environment-friendly automobiles, with the resultant explosion in interest in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles. Automotive safety is another major concern, as advances in electronics and sensor technologies seek to make driving safer."

"Though Japanese companies such as Toyota and Honda have taken the lead in hybrid vehicle development, the growing concern over automotive pollution has led to a flurry of interest in this arena. Development is underway at all major automotive R&D houses to produce more fuel-efficient cars -- hybrid, fuel cell, or a cross between the two," notes Rajesh Kannan.

I repeat, "or a cross between the two".

Many autowriters have called hybrids just a step towards fuel cells, others have called them a bridge to fuel cell vehicles. Ultimately, however, today's hybrids can evolve into fuel cell hybrids. Today's gasoline electric Prius could be tomorrow's fuel cell electric Prius. Thus, some essential fuel cell developments are already taking place today in these hybrids and the future is that much closer.

Hybrids just might prove that billions of dollars for hydrogen fueling stations are not even needed. There could be a better way than GM's fuel cell vehicle path, perhaps even an easier, less expensive path.

AutoWeek writers work for Crain Communications and far too often AutoWeek has shown an unobjective bias against hybrids and for GM. The focus of Crain Communications doesn't appear to be an objective view of the automotive future, but rather a subjective grab for today's advertising dollars.

Tax the hybrid car drivers

The Chamber of Commerce has a problem, not enough revenue to maintain the system's highways. One idea, tax the drivers of hybrid cars and other alternative fuel vehicles because they are being too efficient notes the Detroit News.

I'd like to know which moron on the Chamber came up with that one. Is that the way government works? Congress spends money to get people to do one thing, then another area of government wants to take that money away. Here, we'll pay you to do this, then we'll tax you for doing it. That makes sense, right?

With hybrids comprising just one percent of the U.S. automarket, how do hybrids even come up on the radar? Does someone have an axe to grind?

Whoever is getting paid to come up with ideas like that needs to be fired.

AutoWeek and Hybrids: Makes me wanna laugh

I know that AutoWeek is a horsepower magazine and that many of their fans are the American-made, period, type of crowd. Still, sometimes the magazine is just plain silly.

I've noted in the past that any time a hybrid graces the cover of their website, it also includes some sort of negative caveat. Currently, things are slightly different this time on the home page of their website which includes a story about the Honda Accord hybrid.

"At $1.50 a gallon for gas, few Americans seemed to care about fuel economy, but how quickly apathy turns into concern when prices reach $3 per gallon. Suddenly, the word "hybrid" is on every lip. So the funny thing is, actual owners of hybrids - those who responded to our AutoFile survey on the Honda Accord Hybrid - seem to defy any real monetary motivation in their purchase decisions."

No, actually it isn't that funny. The funny thing is the way that AutoWeek plays dumb.

There are different kinds of hybrids vehicles. For example, Toyota hybrids, such as the Prius and Highlander hybrid, and Ford's hybrids, such as the Escape hybrid, are quite different than either Honda or Lexus hybrids.

Honda's hybrid technology increases fuel efficiency on the highway, where as Ford and Toyota achieve their best performance in the city. Ford and Toyota hybrids have the ability to function on just electric power during congestion and stop-and-go traffic, the same conditions that make conventional vehicles - even Honda hybrids - perform their worse. This is set to change with the upcoming second generation Civic hybrid, which will act more like Toyota and Ford hybrids. Still, there is a vast difference between Toyota and Honda hybrids.

The Accord hybrid, like the Lexus RX400h hybrid, is a performance hybrid. Sure the Lexus hybrid still offers excellent fuel efficiency in congestion compared to the conventional version, but it was not built for fuel efficiency, it was built for performance.

Both the RX400h hybrid and the Accord hybrid are about a second faster from 0 to 60 than their conventional counterparts, yet they achieve this performance while also achieving better fuel efficiency than their conventional counterparts. Of course, the RX400h excels at urban driving, while the Accord hybrid excels at highway driving. Nonetheless, you don't buy either one of these vehicles because you are on a budget trying to save money on gas.

Thus, contrary to AutoWeek, classifying the owners of the Accord hybrid with owners of the Prius hybrid, for example, is just plain silly. They are not hybrid owners from the same tree. So, why does AutoWeek do it? Is it because Forum members of AutoWeek are offended that some hybrid owners question their gas guzzling, so this article makes hybrid owners seem confused and silly?

I don't have the answer, but I know that AutoWeek knows fully well that comparing the Accord hybrid to the Prius hybrid is about as effective as comparing apples to oranges - they are fundamentally different. So, I can only guess that this appeals to their core audience - the hybrids just don't really makes sense audience.

Ultimately, there are different kinds of hybrids and consumers buy for them for many different reasons. Perhaps, one common thread of hybrid buyers is that hybrid consumers believe that buying hybrids sends a message to the auto industry that fuel efficiency is important, especially in light of the problems that foreign oil dependency so obviously has caused and continues to cause to America.

Let's be real, even Bill Ford believes that foreign oil dependency is important for America.

Hybrid vehicles, such as the Engima, and other experimental hybrids demonstrate that hybrid technology can lead to unbelievable gains in fuel efficiency and performance - something to which AutoWeek should be able to relate.

Until then, sometimes when I read AutoWeek, I guess all I can do is laugh.

Ford pushes increased tax incentives for hybrid vehicles

Yesterday, I wrote about how Bill Ford, CEO of Ford Motor, was appealing to the American people to stand behind the American auto industry.

Well, he also appealed to the government to help the American auto industry again become innovative, urging Congress "to offer a package of tax incentives to make the country less dependent on foreign oil and to drive innovation in the struggling domestic auto industry," according to the LATimes. Citing hybrid cars and ethanol, Mr. Ford stated, "If we put our heads together and keep in mind our shared interest in America's future, I'm confident that we can innovate our way toward the right solutions."

While I agree that the government should help, it is very disappointing that Ford and GM didn't take more proactive action a decade or two ago. Yes, we probably should help bail them out through quality tax-incentives, but these auto companies and their executives owe a lot to the American people. Instead of leading America, their lack of innovation has lead to the firing 10's of thousands of people, helped imperil the Nation's pension system, and now they are asking for more handouts.

We gave them a billion just a decade ago to produce an American Prius, and they accomplished almost nothing. What a shame.

This time, there can be no more excuses.

Toyota Prius output backed up due to fire

According to the article, Fire Forces Halt To Prius-making Toyota Unit's Operations the production for the Toyota Prius hybrid was shut down for about a week, creating about a 5000 vehicle backlog. Thus, if you are currently waiting to receive one of these hybrid cars from Toyota, you might be waiting a little longer than expected.

American hybrids: Make them and they will come

Bill Ford told journalists at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., "Now, more than ever, with the competitive pressures of globalization, America needs to respond to the economic challenges of our time. This is not the moment to stop investing and concede our competitive edge in vital parts of the economy. Just the opposite, we must take the lead and show the world that there is only one, true innovative manufacturing giant. And it has three distinct initials: U.S.A.,(more)."

The world already knows where the innovative giant of auto manufacturing is located, and it isn't in the U.S..

The Ford Escape hybrid is a good start at innovation, but Ford is going to have to look far beyond the hybrid SUV, and even 250,000 hybrid vehicles by 2010 just won't be enough - maybe for a follower, but not a leader.

In the 90's American taxpayers gave a billion dollars to Detroit to create vehicles like the Toyota Prius, but Detroit insisted - with our money in their wallets - that such vehicles didn't make sense. Instead, we should wait for even more senseless (in terms of current technology and costs) fuel cell vehicles.

In other words we should do nothing and enjoy our gas-guzzling SUVs.

Well, the Prius has proven Detroit wrong, and experimental hybrids, such as the Enigma, demonstrate that the real potential of hybrids is barely being tapped. Today's technology can change the world at costs that make fuel cell talk seem almost silly.

Mr. Ford is correct, innovation will be the key. For too long, GM and Ford have chosen to maintain the status quo while talking about the technologies of the future. It is time to stop talking and to start building and selling the future today.

American made, foreign oil reducing hybrid vehicles - if you build them, they will come.

Another example of hybrid vehicle potential

I was reading the article New wave of hybrids offer more mean, less green this morning when I came across the Engima. The Enigma is a diesel hybrid performance vehicle that was created by University of San Diego Engineering Professor Jim Burns. While it achieves 80 mpg, the $60,000 hybrid vehicle also goes from 0 to 60 in a blazingly fast 4.3 seconds (Mr. Burns is willing to sell the vehicles for $60,000.00, if he could obtain 1000 orders).

This is another example of what hybrid cars could do, so why doesn't the mainstream autoworld get its act together? Perhaps a company like ZAP will get involved - keep your fingers crossed.

Click here for an interview in EVWorld with Mr. Burns.

My Toyota Highlander hybrid test review

A couple of weeks ago, on one of my routine hybrid vehicle shopping trips, I noted how hard it was to find not only the Toyota Prius hybrid, but the Highlander hybrid as well. Thus, I put my name on a second list to be contacted when a Highlander hybrid arrived, as the first list hadn't provided any results. Yesterday morning I was finally contacted.

Now I'm not much of an SUV fan because I just don't see them as very efficient, but my wife is more open-minded. While a Prius serves the needs of our family of four just fine, my wife is interested in something that can seat a few cousins to join us on our weekend excursions. Since I will only buy hybrid vehicles, the Highlander hybrid seemed like a good choice. Besides I needed to review the Highlander hybrid for the Soultek Hybrid Car Club.

Well, the Highlander hybrid not only exceeded my expectations, but my needs as well.

Since the hybrid Highlander is a hot seller, dealers just take whatever they are given, but I am only interested in the base model, which runs around $34,000. The only available model at my dealer; however, was a fully loaded Hybrid Highlander, minus the navigation system. Thus, I was looking at a sticker price of $41,000 and some change.

This loaded 4WD hybrid SUV was beautiful inside and out, but $30,000 is more than I want to pay for any vehicle, and over $40,000, that's just not going to happen. Still, if you are looking for a loaded hybrid, or a luxury hybrid, don't limit yourself to just the Lexus RX400h, a loaded Highlander hybrid is a worthy competitor.

Like the Ford Escape hybrid and unlike the Prius hybrid, starting and shifting the Highlander hybrid is pretty much the same as a conventional vehicle, except for the beautiful silence.

Anyway, I only took the Highlander out for a short 3 mile test drive that included a stretch of freeway and this hybrid zoomed along and was much quieter than I anticipated - some have complained about the loudness of the hybrid drive. Perhaps I'm not as critical, but I had no such complaints and I thought the vehicle performed very well.

This Highlander came with a towing package, which made me wonder about its performance when towing. Rumor has it that the Highlander will loose both power and fuel efficiency when towing long distances.

Ultimately, if you are looking for a hybrid SUV, the Highlander hybrid is an absolutely fantastic vehicle, but it might cause a little sticker shock. Additionally,the Highlander hybrid offers 3rd row seating, unlike the Escape hybrid, which puts the Highlander hybrid in a class of its own.

As for me; however, the cousins are going to have to find their own ride - at least for now.

Hybrid vehicles: The end of the automotive industry as we know it.

Back in the 1990's Congress gave a billion tax dollars to Detroit to create America's next generation of clean and efficient vehicles.

They failed.

Though they developed electric and hybrid prototypes, Detroit refused to push the edge of technology forward, citing numerous excuses for not better utilizing the billion dollars we taxpayers gave them.

Toyota and Honda; however, built on an industry always striving for efficiency, took a different take on the same technology and proceeded with their hybrid programs to the ridicule and scorn of Detroit.

Fast forward to today and no one in Detroit is laughing any more. Delphi and GM are facing bankruptcy, as shares of GM have dropped to the lowest levels in 18 years. Ford takes two steps backwards with each step forward. American automaking just isn't going in the right direction.

Toyota, on the other hand, is on the verge of becoming the world's largest automaker as it sits on a pile of massive profits.

Sure, Detroit has been in this kind of predicament before, and it survived. This time; however, it is different.

In the 70's and 80's, when high energy prices pushed many Americans into Japan's economy cars, there was one main difference compared to today: Japan's vehicles were fundamentally no different than America's vehicles. Sure, they were smaller and built better than expected, but they functioned just like any other automobile. This converted many Americans into Toyota and Honda owners, but SUV popularity gave Detroit a product that Japan just didn't have.

Today; however, things are far different. This time there will be no SUV to save Detroit. Even worse, hybrid vehicles have come full circle to haunt Detroit's arrogance and incompetence. I mean, Detroit had a billion tax dollars and what did they do with it? Nothing!

Many analysts, such as J.D. Power, believe that by 2012, hybrid sales will achieve around 600,000 total units. I'm here to tell you that sales will easily surpass twice that number by 2012. Toyota will sell 600,000 hybrids per year - by itself - starting around 2008, but that's just the beginning of the bad news for Detroit.

Around that same time, when Toyota starts to make J.D. Power analysts look silly, Toyota will be utilizing its third generation Hybrid Drive, a move that is going to make hybrids more fuel efficient, more powerful, and CHEAPER, possibly cutting hybrid costs in half or more.

As Toyota achieves this level of production, Ford hopes to ramp up development of its hybrid program to 250,000 vehicles per year. That's good news for Ford, but will Ford hybrids compete with Toyota hybrids then? If Ford is using the same hybrid drive at the same costs in 2008 as they are today, how will they compete with cheaper, more fuel efficient, and better performing Toyota hybrids?

Then there is GM. GM is still a bit of a wild card in the hybrid game because, well, they don't yet have any full hybrids. GM's hybrid technology is going to vary significantly from the technology of both Ford and Toyota - yet early reports seem to indicate that the core of GM's hybrid technology will achieve its greatest improvements in highway driving.

Twenty years ago, Americans did do the majority of their driving on open roads and highways, but we no longer live in that world. Not only do the majority of Americans live in urban areas, they drive in significantly more congestion than 20 years ago - even those that live in suburban and rural areas. Stop signs and street lights have turned even the small town commute into stop-and-go traffic during the morning and evening commutes. According to transportation studies by government and university alike, the problem isn't only going to get worse, it's going to get significantly worse.

City driving, not highway driving, MUST become the standard by which fuel efficiency is determined. In such driving, conventional vehicles and even clean diesel vehicles simply cannot compare with hybrid vehicles, and hybrid technology is just emerging. For example, second generation hybrid technology turned the first generation Prius into a second generation superstar. Toyota's third generation hybrid drive will make the Prius, and all other Toyota hybrids, even faster, more powerful, more fuel efficient, and cheaper than current Toyota hybrids.

By the fourth generation such gains will again be achieved. By that time hybrid vehicle costs might equal conventional vehicle costs. At that point, it becomes very hard to justify the costs of conventional technology, not hybrid technology.

Yet, GM might barely be on the map by then. Ford, with its similarities to Toyota - in terms of its hybrid drive - might be able to capitalize on Toyota's success via better supply channels, but could they ramp up production quickly enough to match Toyota? Maybe.

Regardless, the automotive world as we know it, is over. GM and Ford might compete in this new world, but without developing their own Prius, it's not going to be easy.

A real hybrid statement from Ford, try hybrid trucks

Thus far Ford has focused all of its hybrid energy around one vehicle type, the SUV, and its near terms plans are all based around the Ford Escape hybrid and related SUVs, such as the Mercury Mariner hybrid and Mazda Tribute hybrid.

While this is a good niche for Ford to follow, considering that SUVs have received gas-guzzling scorn in recent years, trucks are what really makes Ford hum.

So what not a hybrid truck?

There has been an idea in the auto industry that pickup drivers just wouldn't be interested in such technology. These men of men that drive pickups are too busy pulling stumps out of the backyard and hauling tons of whatever here and there. New research; however, shows that fuel efficiency has become one of the most important issues for pickup drivers according to a new R.L. Polk study (more).

Interest in fuel economy, according to the study, has become more important than horsepower, off-road capability and all other attributes combined (and BTW, women have become some of truck's biggest buyers). Since Ford trucks are the nation's best selling vehicles, wouldn't addressing this interest with some hybrid effort be great PR for Ford?

Is Ford missing its best opportunity in hybrid vehicles?

Ford, Brazil & Europe: A few of today's hybrid tidbits

She speaks! Finally, Mrs. Nancy Gioia, the new head of Ford's hybrid cars program speaks.

"Hybrids are no longer a side project," she said. "I say, make it prime time." Beyond her enthusiasm, Mrs. Gioia didn't offer much new information in this DetroitNews article regarding Ford's hybrids. However, Mrs. Gioia did mention that she would like to make hybrids stand out more. "I'd like it to visually look a little different so that you know you're looking at a hybrid," she said.

I say forget about making it look different. If you want a different looking hybrid, design a unique hybrid, such as the Toyota Prius. The average buyer - the future of hybrid success - cares about value more than looking different.

Speaking of the Prius, Toyota will offer a slightly different Prius for Japan and Europe - where Toyota is expecting sell 15,000 units this year, according to Motortrend. While some have questioned the success of hybrids in Europe, European Prius sales aren't far off that of U.S. Ford Escape hybrid sales - not too bad.

As a final hybrid tidbit, PSA Peugeot Citroën is going to develop a diesel hybrid prototype that will be unveiled in 2006 (more).

On a side note, I am scheduled to take a Toyota Highlander hybrid test drive this afternoon, which I'll be writing about tomorrow.

Third generation Toyota Prius in 2008?

Editor's Note - This article was written in 2005, click here for updates on the Third Generation Toyota Prius.

The king of hybrid cars, the Toyota Prius, will offer a third generation hybrid drive for the 2008 model according to reports from Japan. Additionally, the new drive will also be included in the rest of Toyota's hybrids as well, such as the Highlander hybrid, Lexus RX400h, and the soon-to-be-released Camry hybrid.

According to one report, the new hybrid drive will offer new batteries that will be lighter than the current generation and will offer greater performance. The second generation Prius provided a significant increase in performance compared to the first generation, increasing battery power by 1.5 times. Thus far it has been stated that the new drive, "will cut prices for eco-friendly vehicles, reduce fuel costs and slash production expenses, company sources said."

Many analysts have noted that soon hybrid batteries will move from NiMH batteries to lithium-ion, but it has not been reported if this change will occur in time for the third generation Toyota hybrid drive.

Nonetheless, this could put Toyota far above the hybrid pack. By the time GM's hybrid program kicks into gear, Toyota will increase the fuel efficiency of their hybrids, while also offering better performance, and cheaper prices. Preliminary reports note that Toyota hybrid costs could be halved by this development.

At that pace, the fourth generation hybrid could possibly achieve prices in the same range as conventional vehicles, but offering significant gains in fuel efficiency. Imagine being able to buy either buy a 30 mpg conventional vehicle or a 60 mpg hybrid version for the same price.

Which would you buy?

Lower gas prices and hybrid interest

Phil Lebeau gave a special hybrid report this morning on CNBC. He noted that dropping oil prices have affected the amount of Internet research that was being done on hybrid cars, but it has not affected sales. Currently, hybrid sales are still smoking and my last hybrid shopping trip demonstrated the same.

In particular, Mr. Lebeau mentioned Ford and Toyota sales, noting that both the Prius hybrid and the Escape hybrid were selling extremely well and are difficult to find.

In related news, a new report notes that Toyota will be implementing its third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive for its 2008 models (more).

A major American failure: The hybrid vehicle

I was reading the article The Hot Hybrids published by E: The Environmental Magazine that was reposted by MotorTrend.

The article opens, "With $1 billion in taxpayer money poured into the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles in the 1990s, Detroit's Big Three developed a trio of hybrid vehicles (with both gasoline and electric drivetrains for maximum fuel economy). The resulting prototypes were shown off at auto shows, but the domestic automakers were steadfast in their refusal to actually produce these consumersubsidized eco-cars."

Always good to see tax-payer dollars hard at work! So, it took a billion tax payer dollars for Detroit to decide there was, "No market for them," and they were, "too expensive to build"? That's just great!

Well, a decade later, U.S. monthly Toyota Prius sales can surpass Audi, Volvo or Saab monthly sales, and the sales potential of the Prius still hasn't fully been tapped. Currently, supply simply cannot keep up with demand.

So what, the critics of hybrid cars say, it's just all the treehuggers and that market will soon run dry. It's just marketing hype they claim.

Fine, maybe it is hype, but couldn't GM use a little marketing hype?

The DetroitNews published an article this weekend called Black October: How one month changed the course of the auto industry. "It was the pivotal event in the month that may be remembered as the industry's Black October, when the vulnerabilities of Detroit's automakers were laid bare in dramatic fashion."

The American auto industry is in serious trouble and that trouble will resonate - has resonated - throughout the American economy, and the worst is yet to come.

Hybrid cars might not be the dominant vehicle of the future; however, in light of the connection between terrorism and foreign oil, global warming, hurricanes, and high gas prices, average Americans have become interested in hybrids. This interest takes them to Toyota and Honda dealerships because consumers are starting to feel like maybe they do have a choice. Maybe there is a difference.

Ultimately, hybrid technology might be expensive, but it is expensive because it requires some of the most advanced automotive technology - it demands invention and innovation. Since the potential of technology, quite simply, has few limits - technology can and will advance.

Hybrid cars utilize this kind of technology that can and will advance. Sure diesel, or biodiesel might compare fairly well with hybrids today, but hybrids are only an emerging technology. Experimental hybrids prove that the potential of hybrid vehicles has barely been tapped. Additionally, hybrid technology can also utilize the advancements made in diesel, biodiesel, hydrogen, or even fuel cells - in addition to hybrid advancements.

In today's world the potential of technology must be chased, and it must be chased ALL the time. For too long the American auto industry has succeeded at maintaining the status quo, rather than driving the technology of the future.

Some might say GM is a fuel cell leader - they are pushing the future, the real future. Maybe, but GM has been promoting this fuel cell future since the Nixon administration. When are real results required? The future cannot always be an excuse for doing nothing today.

When it comes to technology there is always a better, more efficient way to do things. If always finding a better way to do things isn't driving the core of a business, then that business might use technology, but it isn't a technological leader.

For too long, Detroit has used technology to maintain the status quo, not to innovate automaking. The success of the Toyota Prius has changed everything, and the bar has been raised. There is no status quo, there is only innovation.

GM's Bob Lutz once said that GM could have developed a competitor to the Prius by simply diverting a fraction of ONE year's marketing budget to such development. Actually, GM should have just used it's share of the billion dollars of tax payer money with which it was paid to do this.

If hybrids are just hype, why will EVERY major automaker be offering a selection of hybrids within just the next few years? That's a pretty expensive exercise in futility if they are just chasing hype.

Inevitably, hybrids demonstrate the complete failure of the American auto industry. Let's hope they can change, they OWE it to us.

GM dealers in mad hybrid push with Sierra / Silverado

According to AutoWeek GM dealers are trying hard to push the green factor of the Sierra / Silverado hybrid truck. While GM has been one of the industry's staunchest hybrid critics, its dealers are trying hard to utilize the frenzied interest in hybrid cars. And who can blame them when they are in the midst of a horrific sales slump?

Unfortunately, the Silverado hybrid barely qualifies as a hybrid. In fact, 'mild' hybrid is almost too strong of a word for this vehicle.

I would almost argue that the first generation Honda Civic hybrid and the Honda Accord hybrid are 'mild' hybrids because these Honda hybrids cannot function on primarily electric power, as do Ford and Toyota hybrids in certain driving conditions (fortunately, the 2006 Civic hybrid will offer more hybrid performance). This ability makes the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid extremely efficient in city driving.

The Silverado hybrid, on the other hand, lags far behind Honda hybrid performance.

As AutoWeek notes, "The trucks' big selling point is not the hybrid powertrain, but their capability as mobile power generators."

Ultimately, the GM Silverado hybrid is a baby hybrid and isn't scheduled to join the hybrid big leagues until 2008. That's too bad, because a full hybrid truck would sure be a great product right now.

Toyota Prius hybrid radio problems

Is anyone having problems with the radio in their 2005 Toyota Prius?

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.

NY Joins California to curb greenhouse gases from autos

According to Reuters New York is joining California to require that, "Cars sold or registered in New York state must cut carbon dioxide emissions beginning in 2009."

Of course the Alliance of Automakers is balking, as they did when California announced its legislation. "Automakers need a consistent national policy for fuel economy, and national fuel economy standards cannot be written by any single state or group of states," said Gloria Bergquist, spokeswoman in Washington for the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures, which filed suit in California to block regulation there.

I guess you can't blame the automakers for wanting to continue their complacency, but it is time, especially for American automakers, to move forward. Hybrid cars, bio-diesel vehicles, etc. prove that technology exists to change America now.

It's time to stop making excuses and time to start doing the right thing. Instead of spending 10's of millions on lawsuits and 100's of millions on marketing to prevent change, invest in real innovation.

Fuel cells: Another reason why hybrids rule

Already, Toyota is claiming that its hybrid cars will eventually become fuel cell cars. In essence, hybrid vehicles are providing the foundation for fuel cell automobiles. A recent article demonstrates that Ford is also starting to follow this path. "The FCV [Ford Fusion FCV] is a hybrid car that uses a fuel cell powertrain supplied by Ballard Power Systems Inc. as well as a nickel metal-hydride battery pack and a brake-by-wire electrohydraulic regenerative braking system."

If this is true, what is the foundation of most hybrid critics?

Hybrids, such as the Prius or the Escape hybrid, can achieve amazing fuel efficiency and clean emissions today, but the potential of such hybrids is barely being tapped. Better hybrid batteries, diesel hybrids or bio-diesel hybrids, demonstrate that we can change the world - in terms of foreign oil dependency and clean air - and we don't have to wait for fuel cells.

Nonetheless, as fuel cell breakthroughs do occur, we can convert hybrids into fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

Is it just because GM isn't leading the way that hybrids are so criticized? I know they have an amazingly huge marketing budget, but is that enough reason for critics to wear such blinders?

Ford answers hybrid concerns

Just a couple of weeks ago, Ford's head of hybrid vehicles program resigned (more). Amidst the financial restructuring that Ford is exploring, many wondered whether the axe was coming down on Ford's hybrids, thus resulting in this resignation.

Today, Ford, which makes the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid, announced that its hybrid plans had not changed and that Ford was moving forward with its plan to make 250,000 hybrids by 2010.

Still, it isn't hard to speculate as to whether Ford is really serious about hybrids. By 2010, there is a very good chance that Toyota will sell as many, or even more, than a million hybrids.

Currently, Toyota is selling 3 hybrids, the Toyota Prius, the Highlander Hybrid, and the Lexus RX400h. Soon, Toyota will add the Camry hybrid and a Lexus GS model won't be far behind. Additionally, work on the Toyota Tundra hybrid has already begun and who knows what else Toyota has up its sleeve, such as a hybrid minivan.

In terms of production capability, Toyota could climb several years ahead of Ford by 2010. Then, Ford won't be just competing with Toyota and Honda, but GM, Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and more.

Ford's hybrid plan will enable them to compete in the hybrid market in 2010, but their current plan won't let them keep the leadership role they currently maintain into 2010.

Hybrid vehicle shopping, again

Every couple months I go out and do some hybrid vehicle shopping to check out demand, availability on the lot, and to take an extra test drive or two. Thus, I hit the dealers in my neighborhood over the weekend for the first time since early August, and the results were not good.

My first stop is always Toyota, home of the Toyota Prius. While I did go there to check out the lot's selection of available new and used Prii, I was more interested in scheduling a time to test drive the Highlander hybrid.

Back in August, the selection of Prii was fantastic on this lot. There were 5 new Prii hybrids found in various packages and colors and there were even 2 used Prii, but there were not any Highlander hybrids. So, I added my name to the waiting list.

This time around; however, there weren't any hybrids on the lot and my saleswoman told me that every hybrid they receive immediately sells. This didn't really surprise me as I know that high gas prices have really driven hybrid demand since I last visited this dealer. Nonetheless, I wanted to know what it would take to get into a Highlander hybrid.

"In two to four weeks," my saleswoman told me, "2 new Highlander hybrids are scheduled to arrive, but we d0n't know the color, options, etc."

So I asked if there was a waiting list and I was told there was not - it was first come first serve.

Now I have several phone numbers and I use different names and numbers so that when I visit the same dealer on multiple occasions, their contact management system finds me as a new customer, rather than a repeat prospect that isn't buying.

So, if there isn't a waiting list, what had I signed two months ago? My guess is that there is no 'official' waiting list at many dealerships, and that different salespeople have their own lists and make calls as hybrids become available.

The last two Highlander hybrids, I was told, were delivered the morning of the previous Saturday and were gone by lunch. Thus, it probably doesn't take too many phone calls - if they are even calling. Maybe there is enough foot traffic that they don't even have to make calls, saving those numbers for when demand cools. Now, it's a salesman's free-for-all when a hybrid hits the lot.

Somewhat disappointed, I left my contact info and headed to Honda to check out the new Civic hybrid. Yet again, however, I was disappointed. I was told there wouldn't be any new Civic hybrids until December - the first two had been pre-sold. The only hybrids on the lot were the Accord hybrids - a vehicle I've already test-driven more than once (So no deals to be had on the first generation Civic hybrid - yet).

At this point, I was ready to call it day, but as two Ford dealers still stood between me and my home, I thought I'd give it a shot. While each did have at least one Escape hybrid on the lot, only fully loaded versions of the hybrid Escape were available, and I asked whether base models are ever available. Sometimes, I was told, but I find that hard to believe, since I haven't seen one in all my visits.

My day still could have been salvaged had I had the opportunity to compare and contrast the Mercury Mariner hybrid to the Escape hybrid, but I'm sure you already know that didn't happen.

If you are in the market for a hybrid, I'd suggest calling before visiting any dealers, especially if you are seeking a particular color, or option's package, as such requests will probably take months to fulfill. If you are looking for a deal on a hybrid....you might want to check back in a year or two.

When it comes to shopping for hybrid cars, unless money is no object, expect to be disappointed. Car-salespeople typically aren't the best salespeople to deal with any way, but when demand overwhelms supply, your salesperson is in complete control.

New Lexus RX400h hybrid pricing

Lexus has announced that it will offer two versions of the Lexus RX400h, starting in late December according to a company press release. Currently, the Lexus RX400h is offered only as an All Wheel Drive (AWD) version, but production has already started on a Front Wheel Drive version. FWD RX400h pricing will start at $44,660. Additionally, pricing for the AWD RX400h is going to drop to $46,060 because the DVD navigation system with a rear camera will now be optional.

In a related news story, Toyota announced that it might build more hybrid cars in North America and the Lexus RX400h is a prime contender according to Autoweek.

Do GM's hybrid vehicles demonstrate fuel cell lies?

GM won't really have any major hybrid presence until around 2008, yet GM has stated numerous times that its fuel cell vehicles will be a reality by 2010. "We believe we can design and validate a competitive fuel cell propulsion system by 2010," stated Lawrence D. Burns, G.M.'s vice president for research and development recently (more).

So, why is GM even developing hybrid vehicles? If GM can develop a "competitive" fuel cell system by 2010, then there is no need for hybrid vehicles, right? Even GM has stated, "Hybrids could be another niche, low-volume technology that is nice to have," according to Mr. Burns.

I guess GM is just a hybrid poser? "Toyota is at this moment skimming off all the altruistic people who are doing it for the birds and the bees and for energy independence," Bob Lutz, G.M.'s vice chairman, told reporters in Detroit in September.

Oh, excuse me for caring about energy independence and the environment, you putz, I guess those are just silly issues to GM?

Mr. Lutz has also stated that GM could have developed hybrids at a cost of a fraction of its YEARLY marketing budget. That's right, for a fraction of ONE year's marketing budget, GM could have helped fight FOR the environment and AGAINST foreign oil dependency, but GM chose to invest in INCREASING foreign oil dependency and environmental damage.

Is that an example of American corporate leadership?

GM has been telling the U.S. government that fuel cell vehicles were just around the corner since the Nixon administration, and GM has likewise cited increased U.S. fuel economy as a roadblock to its fuel cell outcome. Thus, after decades, fuel economy in the U.S. has gone nowhere, as have GM's fuel cell vehicles.

Good thing increased foreign oil dependency hasn't had any costs to America!

If GM can achieve its 2010 fuel cell goals, it will be decades ahead of the rest of the auto industry and it will salvage itself and America. However, if GM fails to meet its fuel cell goals, then it will have failed America as no other American corporation has ever failed America.

For now, I'll wish GM the best of luck, but if they fail, heads MUST roll - there can be no more excuses from GM.