Ford Expedition hybrid, with leased GM hybrid technology?
Ford has announced that is working on a hybrid version of the Ford Expedition, apparently, in an attempt to compete against GM's Tahoe hybrid, Yukon hybrid, and Chrysler's Durango hybrid. In fact, there is some speculation that Ford might even lease GM's Dual Mode hybrid powertrain (more).While I understand that there are a number of Americans that essentially demand large trucks and SUVs, where are the Big 3's hybrid cars? The Big 3 simply aren't going to survive in the future if Detroit can't build top selling fuel efficient cars in addition to huge SUVs. It is hard to take Detroit's hybrid efforts seriously until they come up with a hybrid to challenge the Toyota Prius.
Labels: Ford, GM, hybrid trucks, Hybrid Vehicles, prius, toyota
posted by Dahcredyns at
10:00 AM
4 Comments:
Ford and GM make their $$ on the big vehicles. Being the first to market with a full-sized hybrid SUV would fill a huge need right now... I know I'd swap my Expedition for a hybrid.
The SUV's are much more practical for families and have a much larger appeal to the masses than the Prius sized cars. The goal should be to make fuel efficient cars that people actually want to buy (in the size they need).
Clint
Father of four.
Hey Clint-
I'm not in the all SUVs are bad camp. "Father of four" - you need a big vehicle plain and simple.
I am bothered sometimes by single people, for example, whom drive a car that was designed for families. I have many neighbors that drive large SUVs, for example, but they neither have families, nor do they have anything to tow.
In this day of terrorism, foreign oil dependency, etc. I call that a bit irresponsible.
Nonetheless, I have high hopes for GM's hybrid SUVs, for example. I've driven the Tahoe hybrid and its a great vehicle. I had to title my article, the devil drives a tahoe hybrid because I was tempted to want one, but I don't need an suv that big.
In addition to large Ford hybrids, keep an eye out for an EcoBoost SUV from Ford.
I agree with Father of Four. But to add to his comment, Many people, like myself, prefer to own the Expedition over the Prius for the safety and comfort. We feel the extra $200 per month on fuel is worth the expense if the Family is Safer and more Comfortable. Besides, Prius vs Expedition in a collision of any sort? There is no contest here. Once Ford produces an Expedition or Full Size SUV with 30mpg or better fuel economy, many SUV owners will quickly do the trade in. The current 20 MPG City on the GM and Toyota Hybrid SUVs is not economically enough to justify a trade or purchase. I get 15mpg city in my 2004 Expedition XLT already.
Gener
Ford all the way!
If they made a hybrid conversion for the older Expeditions I would convert my 2000
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