Fickle consumers underscore need for hybrid technology
Most Consumers Still Demand Performance and/or SizeHybrid technology is just emerging and still evolving, but already there are mild hybrids, full hybrids, one-mode hybrids, two-mode hybrids, gasoline hybrids, diesel hybrids, hydrogen hybrids, plug-in hybrids, flex-fuel hybrids, etc.
Another class of hybrids, performance hybrids, have often been the source of much media ridicule because they are as much about performance as fuel efficiency. Such hybrids include the Lexus RX400h and the Honda Accord hybrid. Additionally, other hybrids, such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, could have been made to be more fuel efficient, but Toyota figured Highlander drivers, and many SUV drivers, still favored a certain level of performance more than fuel efficiency. Much evidence seems to show that Toyota is right.
According to a CNN/Kelly Blue Book study, almost 25% of consumers are willing to give up performance and size for better fuel economy; however, 25% refuse to give up anything for better fuel economy. The other 50% will give up a little size, or a little performance, etc.
Along those same lines, an AutoWeek article notes, Loyalists won't quit big SUVs; hauling power, improved fuel economy help move vehicles . "Arguably, Americans insist on SUVs. It's unique to their lifestyle and utility."
Additionally, while Congress is going to finally address CAFE, it now appears that the new regulations will still protect Detroit's SUV domain. It is just too obvious in Congress that Detroit probably cannot survive if CAFE is pushed too high.
Unfortunately, performance and size are simply more important to most Americans than is fuel efficiency. Nonetheless, ever rising oil prices, ever more realizations of the connection between foreign oil, terrorism and American hate, will slowly force more and more Americans to take fuel efficiency seriously.
The technology behind hybrid cars enables automakers to continue to provide performance and size to Americans, while also significantly reducing foreign oil dependency. This isn't something that should be done, it is something that must be done. While Congress will probably be weak on CAFE, they should be overly aggressive in offering tax incentives to promote hybrid technology.
Join our Campaign to Make Congress Act On Hybrid Tax Incentives.
Labels: Accord hybrid, clean diesel, Congress, Flex-fuel, Foreign Oil Dependency, fuel efficiency, Highlander hybrid, Honda, Hybrid Vehicles, Lexus hybrid, plug-in hybrids, toyota
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:05 AM
2 Comments:
When gas prices hit $3.50-4.00/gal, peoples attitudes toward gas mileage will change. Then, the sales of SUV's will be so low that it won't be as profitable for car co's to make them. We already know that hybrids won't sell in large numbers unless the economics make sense. Times, they are a changing.
I hope so, but I just saw another study today that says that moms want SUVs, and that the only thing different they want, is a nicer SUV.
In my neck of the woods gas is $3.35 and I see countless new SUVs - the biggest kind - far more often than any other vehicle.
Post a Comment
<< Home