Surprise, surprise hybrids top city picks by Forbes

According to Forbes, the soon to be deceased Honda Insight hybrid and the Toyota Prius are the two top cars for city driving. The Honda Civic hybrid came in at number 6. Of course it isn't a surprise that hybrid cars would dominate the list of best city driving cars. If they didn't, that would have been a surprise.

Hybrid cars: Is there a media bias?

So, Toyota has announced a huge recall which includes the Prius hybrid car, but not only the Prius. Yet, I have seen several T.V. headlines, such as on MSNBC, and I have read several online headlines which have announced, “Toyota Prius recalled”. While it is true that the Prius is part of the recall, the recall has nothing to do with hybrid cars.

So why is the media so attentive to issues regarding hybrids, when hybrids make up only 1% of total car sales? Is it hybrid hate, or do hybrids really draw that much attention?

E85 and Hybrid Cars: Hollywood, Democrats and Republicans

I just finished replying to a CNN Commentary by Robert Redford on Kicking the Oil Habit. Lately, the idea of kicking the oil habit has become a hot topic, but there is growing partisan spin using this platform for political gain. I find this unacceptable. Ultimately, both parties have enabled America's oil addiction, and most Americans have happily helped. Lately the favorite buzzword of many politicians has become E85 or ethanol. Yet, far too many scientists note that ethanol will never end America's oil addiction, nor even foreign oil dependency, if we don't move towards significantly more fuel efficient vehicles, such as hybrid cars. Yet, it seems that not only are politicians misguided, but even cultural leaders, such as Robert Redford, whom are too focused on partisanship, rather than real leadership and solutions for such a serious issue. (Full Story)

AutoWeek gushes over the Vue hybrid

AutoWeek recently test drove the Saturn Vue Greenline hybrid and they apparently loved GM's new hybrid. Now, I have not driven the Vue hybrid and it might be an excellent vehicle, but I'm also very skeptical of AutoWeek. Sometimes it seems that AutoWeek is more of a puppet of GM, concerned more with maintaining a slice of GM's monstrous advertising budget than with objective GM reporting. Additionally, the article tries to compare Ford Escape hybrid fuel economy to Vue fuel economy based on "track" testing. This is silly. Tracks determine mostly highway fuel economy. If you drive in congestion, then the Vue is going to offer far worse fuel economy compared to the hybrid Escape. If you drive mostly on the open highway, then the Vue hybrid is definitely worth your consideration compared to the Escape hybrid. (AutoWeek Review)

Ethanol isn't enough, but ethanol hybrids could be just right

Over the last several months there has been a tremendous amount of hype around ethanol. In fact, GM's GoYellow campaign seems to imply that every American could drive a flex-fuel Hummer and America could still end foreign oil dependency. Yet, scientists don't agree, and they say corn-based ethanol will have little effect on foreign oil consumption.

Of course, ethanol supporters suggest other forms of biomass, such as cellulosic ethanol - which still requires undeveloped technologies - could possibly achieve a 30% drop in gasoline consumption by 2030. "There are many people who believe that biomass has the power to replace our appetite for gasoline," said Kimberly Gray, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern University. "But that will only occur with significant improvements in energy efficiency and smart growth." (more)

In reality, despite GM's marketing deception, corn offers very little hope for America's fuel needs, especially if GM only produces Tahoes and Hummers. America needs smaller vehicles, and it needs millions and millions of hybrid cars. While smaller flex-fuel hybrid cars won't end gasoline consumption anytime soon, they could end foreign oil dependency - something flex-fuel gas guzzlers will NEVER accomplish.

Toyota Prius Recall

Toyota has announced a huge recall, which includes a number of Toyota vehicles, including the Prius hybrid car. The problem is related to the steering wheel, but Toyota has stated that problem has not resulted in any accidents.(MSNBC)

GM and E85: Fool's Gold?

Flip, flop. Mandates on the oil industry are bad, mandates on the oil industry are good - that's the position of Hillary Clinton on mandating that the oil industry put E85 pumps in half of America's gas stations. Hillary Clinton, like all good politicians, has learned to stand for votes, rather than convictions. While she has publicly stated that ethanol mandates would hike fuel prices and VOTED against them, now she knows ethanol mandates will hike auto worker votes in her direction. Convictions or votes? Votes or convictions?

Despite Hillary's strong convictions, I say, E85 is Fool's Gold for GM. (Full Story)

Honda Will Share Hybrid Technology

Honda announced that it would share its hybrid technology if other auto companies were interested, joining at least Toyota and GM/Chrysler/BMW. Already Nissan is going to lease Toyota hybrid technology for the upcoming Altima hybrid, and Ford leases some Toyota software. Perhaps, Honda is making a play for Hyundai, whom recently announced the delay of any hybrid cars until 2009? (More)

Government warns high gas prices here to stay

Think gas prices are high? Don't expect them to go down any time this summer. If anything, expect higher prices. Even worse, if a hurricane hits, prices will spike. That's the message the government is forecasting. (More)

I guess that means high demand for hybrid cars, and no break on pricing.

Japan versus Detroit: Who acts more American?

Automobiles versus fuel?

When automakers have faced Congress over the last week, there has been a striking contrast in style. Toyota, for example, has focused on incentives for building more fuel efficient automobiles, such as hybrid cars. Detroit, on the other hand, has focused on new fuels, such as ethanol, for their gas-guzzlers.

While ethanol holds great promise as an alternative fuel, the automotive technology to utilize ethanol is already complete. What isn't complete are new vehicles, such as flex-fuel hybrids, for example, which could make inefficient burning ethanol much more efficient. Fortunately, Ford has at least proposed such a vehicle.

Still, shouldn't GM focus on being a better automaker? If they want to be an energy company, maybe its time to sell the auto business? For decades GM has used fuel cell vehicles as an excuse not to compete with Japanese efficiency, now they are using ethanol. At a time when foreign oil dependency is causing so many problems for America, why is it that Japanese companies are doing so much more to alleviate the problem? You make cars, Detroit, not energy. (Sources: AutomotiveNews)

Ford Committed to Hybrid Vehicles

"I believe very strongly that hybrid technology will be one of the technologies going forward. It is helping us learn so much about other things as well," stated Nancy Gioia, Director of Ford's hybrid vehicles, recently. Despite numerous rumors that Ford might pull the plug on the Mazda Tribute Hybrid, Mrs. Gioia did also confirm that the hybrid Tribute should be available some time next year. Still, Ford hopes to produce 250,000 hybrid cars by 2010, whereas Toyota will top that number this year alone. Is Ford committed enough?

CNBC's Hydrogen Hybrid Video

Are you interested in the future of hybrid cars? Well, one potential path is hydrogen hybrids. These are not fuel cell hybrids that are fueled by hydrogen. There are no fuel cells in these hybrids. Hydrogen hybrids could help reduce foreign oil dependency, clean the environment, and build the fueling network for future fuel cell hybrid vehicles. (Watch)

CR: High gas prices creating hybrid interest

According to a survey by Consumer Reports, "More than a third of American drivers say they are considering getting rid of their current vehicle in favor of something more fuel efficient." Half of those concerned are interested in hybrid cars. Interestingly, those most interested in hybrids are very concerned with oil consumption and the environment - not just fuel economy. Even more important; however, those not interested in a hybrid were primarily worried about costs. As hybrid technology improves in the next couple years and as prices reduce, the market for hybrids will be huge.

Saturn Vue hybrid pricing announced

The Saturn Vue Hybrid, known as the Green Line, will begin at $22,995. While this price will make it the cheapest hybrid SUV, it will also be less fuel efficient than its closest competitor, the Ford Escape hybrid. The Vue Green Line is expected to hit dealerships towards the end of summer.

Prius production should pick up later this year

A couple of weeks ago Toyota announced that the production of the Toyota Prius had been reduced. This reduction of the world's most popular hybrid car wasn't caused by a lack of demand, mind you, it was caused by limited hybrid production capabilities. As it turns out, Prius production had to be reduced in order for Toyota to produce its news hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Camry hybrid. Nonetheless, the Prius production reduction - say that 3 times - has produced long waiting list in many of the Nation's hottest Prii markets. Fortunately, sources indicate that production of the Prius hybrid should be back to normal levels later this year when the Camry hybrid starts its American production in Kentucky. So, if you are disappointed in your Prius quests, just try to hold on a few more months.

GM, The Great American Company?

GM is going to cap the price of gasoline at $1.99 for those in California or Florida whom buy certain vehicles, such as the Chevy Tahoe, for 12 months. The cap is expected to save buyers around $100.00 per month, or $1,200 per year. Hmmm. So, if GM offered a hybrid Tahoe instead, you could easily cover the extra hybrid costs in just a couple of years via gasoline savings - five at the most? In addition, we could significantly disrupt America's dependence on foreign oil and dramatically improve air pollution? But who gives a crap about those issues!!!! (Source: AutomotiveNews)

Hybrid Vehicles: Neither an interim technology, nor a bridge to the future

The time for the hybrid car revolution is now

I regularly note that one of the best things about hybrid cars is the potential of hybrid technology. For example, the second generation Toyota Prius hybrid made great gains in efficiency and performance compared to the first generation Prius.

Ultimately, hybrids are an emerging technology and the best is yet to come.

Ironically, earlier today I noted that GM regularly tries to downplay hybrids, yet also admits that its fuel cell vehicles will be fuel cell hybrid vehicles. So, is this just deceptive marketing by GM, or don't they really believe in the future of fuel cells?

Inevitably, I don't care. The future will emerge - with or without GM. (More)

More than a Honda Fit hybrid?

Sure the Honda Insight is dead, but it will result in a brighter future for hybrid vehicles. In the past, Honda has been unsure about the future of hybrids, but the announcement that Toyota is going to produce a new 4 door hybrid that is more fuel efficient than the Insight and cheaper than the Civic hybrid is great news for hybrid consumers. While the new car might be similar to the current Fit, I think that Honda has realized that they need more than a Fit hybrid to challenge the Toyota Prius. Thus, I expect Honda's new hybrid to be a unique vehicle - a move Ford and GM need to heed.

Cheaper insurance for UK hybrid drivers

"We see climate change and the resulting flooding and subsidence as the biggest threat to our business over the next few years." Thus, Keith Maxwell announced that the drivers of hybrid cars would receive a 13% discount on insurance from More Than. (MORE)

Isn't GM full of it on hybrid vehicles?

Not long ago, GM's Rick Wagoner stated that hybrid cars were only about image for GM. Yet, if GM believes that the future is hydrogen, isn't calling hybrids just a P.R. move simply a lie? Even GM fuel cell engineers have stated that fuel cell vehicles WILL be fuel cell HYBRID VEHICLES. Thus, wouldn't pursuing hybrids today, help make tomorrow's fuel cell hybrid vehicles more cost effective sooner?

Not in your gas-guzzler

I was looking at this picture regarding Condi Rice's speech at Boston University and I couldn't help but think, How many of you valiant souls drive fuel efficient vehicles? Perhaps it's just my neighborhood, but I know FAR too many war protestors that drive gas-guzzlers. I say, NOT IN YOUR GAS-GUZZLER! If you drive a gas-guzzler, I say you've given up your right to protest a war ultimately rooted in oil. If you drive a gas-guzzler, whether you like or not, we are fighting the war IN YOUR NAME!

UC Davis hybrid prepares for Challenge X

UC Davis has strong history with hybrid cars, especially plug-in hybrids, so it comes as no surprise that students from the University will enter Challenge X. "UC Davis is the latest entrant to the upcoming Challenge X, a competition to develop a fuel-efficient SUV sponsored by the Department of Energy and General Motors. The UC Davis team's entry, called Trinity, is a modified Chevrolet Equinox whose batteries solely power the SUV for 50 miles before switching to the gasoline-electric hybrid system. A fuel cell powers secondary electrical systems such as air-conditioning." (AutoblogGreen)

No Hyundai hybrids cars until 2009 - At least

Reports are circulating that Hyundai will delay the development of any hybrid cars until at least 2009 due to "currency problems". (More)

Gen Y: Gas guzzling will be the rage?

While Gen Y likes to think of themselves as individuals, they are individuals that like to stand out. They are the bling-bling generation and when it comes to automobiles, most often, bigger is better. "Historically, the auto industry has made the assumption that young, entry-level buyers want small cars," says John Wolkonowicz, a senior analyst at forecasting firm Global Insight. "Usually, this assumption is far from true." Wolkonowicz says this group wants Escalades, Navigators and Hummers. For this generation hybrid cars aren't cool, they don't help "you get more chicks." I don't know about you, but I sure feel better about the future.

How will the next Ford Escape hybrid be different?

Recently, Nancy Gioia told AutoWeek that while the new Ford Escape hybrid design wouldn't remind anybody of some crazy science experiment, it would be different. Gioia said, "there is going to be some differentiation. People who drive hybrids want to make a statement that they are driving a hybrid." Hmmm, a shot at the Prius, Mrs. Gioia? Perhaps taking sly swings at your competition is a good marketing tool, but sales are really all that matter, right? By that standard it is the Escape hybrid which seems ugly - at least according to buyers. Nonetheless, I like the hybrid Escape and hope the new design helps sales. More important, Mrs. Gioia, make it a flex-fuel hybrid.

What do you think about the death of the Honda Insight

I know there are some huge Honda Insight fans out there, but the writing on the wall that the end was near has been building for more than a year. When it comes to hybrid cars, the Insight will always be a reminder of change, but it was never intended to be a big seller. Hopefully, the death of the Honda Insight will simply lead to more widely-appealing hybrids from Honda.

NY adding more hybrid taxis

New York City is adding more hybrid vehicles to their taxi fleet. Would you go out of your way for, or would you request a hybrid taxi?(MORE)

Congress and Detroit: The Dangers of E85

It will take years before ethanol, especially E85, makes a noticeable dent in America's gasoline consumption. Still, in a decade, if 10% of gasoline consumption were reduced in favor of ethanol, would it matter?

Perhaps not as much as first thought. First, in 10 years demand for fuel is going to go up. Second, without subsidies ethanol offers little in terms of free market competition, it simply isn't cheaper than gasoline. Sure, it does reduce foreign oil dependency, but how much and is that enough?

(Finished in Comments)

GM's Rick Wagoner is a hypocrite

Rick Wagoner lobbied members of Congress today for help with ethanol, noting that because Detroit automakers believe in free markets, "Incentives rather than mandates are the way to go." Yet, aides to Wagoner admitted that mandates would be required for energy companies. I guess there is nothing like free markets, huh, Mr. Wagoner? Why should we expect anything less than hypocrisy and deception from a man whom admits that his company's efforts to develop hybrid cars are purely about image?
(Source: AutomotiveNews)

Professional grade gas-guzzling: This is American?

O.K. I'm just going to vent for a few minutes. See, I'm offended that retired autoworkers would appeal to Americans and question how American are American-made Toyota, etc vehicles.

Are these folks really worried about America, or just their own pocketbooks?

How American is it that GM's best selling vehicles require ever-increasing foreign oil dependency? How American is it that GM's fuel efficient vehicles are largely produced OUTSIDE of America?

So, gas-guzzling is the only way to keep America strong? (Full Story in Comments)

Toyota Camry Hybrid Testimonials

I wanted to share with you that I just purchased a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid. I took it on the hwy, driving about 200 miles round trip. Without using the cruise control and Using the AC, I achieved an average of 37 mpg. That's extremely close to what was estimated for hwy driving of 38 mpg. I love the car, and am very glad I bought it. I traded in a 2003 Toyota Matrix 4X4. The Camry gets almost double what the Matrix achieved.

Sincerely,
C. P.

Are you the owner of a Toyota Camry hybrid? Tell us about your experiences with the Camry hybrid. What kind of gas mileage do you get in your hybrid Camry and in what kind of driving?

Add your Toyota Camry hybrid testimonial below.

More on the Camry hybrid.

More hybrid car testimonials.

New hybrid technology plugged to Congress

Yesterday, a number of scientists promoted plug-in hybrid vehicles to Congress whom might offer $250 million in incentives for such a program. (MORE)

New Honda hybrid, bolder hybrid plans

Honda appears interested in challenging the success of the Toyota Prius hybrid car, and has announced a new, family hybrid that will be priced less than the Civic hybrid. Rumors have been running wild that the Fit will be converted into a hybrid utilizing the Insight hybrid powertrain, but Honda did not name the vehicle. Even more interesting, is the expectation that Honda believes the vehicle can achieve U.S. sales of more than 100,000. In the past Honda has been much more bearish regarding hybrid vehicles than Toyota, but such a move seems to indicate that Honda is afraid to give Toyota too big a lead in hybrid production.

Used hybrids fetching a premium

Used hybrid cars, particularly the Toyota Prius, are losing little value - even after a year or two - according to recent data. The Honda Civic hybrid is also doing well in used sales. Since some hybrids, especially the Prius, are so hard to find, buying a used one can offer a better selection of colors and other amenities which could be putting a premium on used hybrids. Thus, if you were hoping to find a bargain on a slightly used Prius, you probably won't have much luck until gas prices drop significantly.

Forbes Getting on the Hybrid Train? Unbelievable!

A week or so ago, a number of articles hit the web announcing sluggish sales of hybrid cars. Then a few weeks later, another round of articles announced that hybrid sales were again hot. One of those articles, Hybrids Stuck In Neutral clearly covered the main issues behind the so-called sales slump, but it was the conclusion of the story that really hit me.

"A half-century ago, General Motors CEO Charles Wilson boasted, "What's good for General Motors is good for America." The bloom is off that rose, and lately GM has been grasping for straws, promoting its conventional Chevrolet lineup as "An American Revolution." With all due respect, a real "American Revolution" in the car business would be to move the country to hybrids."

Forbes publishing a hybrid revolution article? Unbelievable!

While Forbes has been a bit bearish regarding hybrids in the past, their change in tone wasn't just a temporary flinch. Today, Forbes published, GM's Fuelish Talk which takes a hard look at GM's automotive business. Again, while a clear and concise article, it was the conclusion that struck me.

"Finally, I think that GM should rise to the challenge of the Toyota Prius and make its own unique hybrid--something special, akin to the BMW Mini. If done right, the company could keep a factory busy making this vehicle, and get top dollar for it, too."

While I've made this claim numerous times, it's great to hear such a sentiment repeated by such a conservative business magazine.

Toyota Hybrids: The Calm Before the Storm?

When I first heard that Toyota was going to cut Prius production in order to produce the Camry hybrid, I was very disappointed. Let's face it, hybrid cars wouldn't even be on America's radar if not for Toyota, but cutting Prius production? How could they?

Now I know that many hybrid parts, particularly batteries, are in short supply and every automaker can only produce so many hybrids. Nonetheless, the hybrid supply chain is growing and no automaker is more knowledgeable about that subject than Toyota. They have essentially built the hybrid supply chain. Therefore, when I read that Toyota believes hybrids will become an important part of their profits by 2008, my disappointment turned to elation.

While there are numerous hybrid skeptics out there, I cannot help but feel that they remind of people that predicted computers were silly back in the early 80's, or that e-mail and the Internet were silly in the early 90's - and these were smart, successful people. I fully believe that the potential of hybrid technology has barely been tapped, the best is still yet to come. Ultimately, you can never judge an emerging technology only by the capabilities of the present - something done habitually by many hybrid critics.

GM might be building hybrids for P.R. and Nissan might think that hybrid technology isn't yet ready, but Toyota is now just sitting back quietly as the entire automotive world argues about the future of hybrids. But Toyota isn't just sitting, they are using their huge profits to take their hybrid technology to the next level.

Every other automaker better beware - this could just be the calm before the storm.

Foreign Oil Dependency: It all comes down to clean vehicle tax incentives

High gasoline prices are only the most obvious, negative result of America's foreign oil dependency. The worldwide geopolitical crisis that America is facing in an effort to maintain its dependency on oil is the real, but less visible, problem.

Now that CAFE is essentially dead, or at least rendered useless, the only thing that can make a difference are tax incentives. Congress must give consumers strong tax incentives to buy hybrid cars or to use bio-diesel, for example.

If automakers don't want to develop such technologies - they don't have to - but let consumers reward those that can and will.

It is simply ridiculous that vehicles, such as the Hummer, can receive a $25,000 small business tax deduction - a tax incentive far greater than any hybrid receives. When the Hummer achieves 35 mpg, then it might deserve such a deduction.

It's time for Americans to make a stand and demand that we stop giving so many incentives to oil companies and the likes, and that we give those incentives to consumers that reduce their oil use, or that move beyond oil.

American automakers have thus far failed America, oil companies have failed America, and if Congress doesn't pass a strong set of tax incentives for consumers, not corporations, to buy clean technologies, they will continue their failure of America.

Let's not let it happen. (More)

GM boss says only building hybrids for image

GM's boss Rick Wagoner doesn't believe in hybrid cars and is quoted as saying that GM is only building hybrids for 'image reasons'. Mr. Wagoner also noted that addressing CAFE will not help reduce America's foreign oil dependency. "We continue to think it's a misguided policy with literally nothing to show for 30 years, and built around the false premise that one can regulate energy policy changes without having anyone make any changes or sacrifices," he said. (AutomotiveNews) Why should we expect anything less from a marketing company that builds cars? Maybe we should sacrifice GM's gas guzzlers, since they seem unwilling to accept any responsibility for growing foreign oil dependency?

Ford Considering Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle

Yesterday, when Bill Ford was getting hammered by Ford shareholders, he announced that Ford was exploring a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Would plug-in technology have a significant effect on Ford's sales of hybrid cars, or was Ford just looking for a little positive buzz?