Is global warming killing hybrid cars?
Global warming can't make hybrids mainstream?Turns out hybrid vehicles aren't very profitable, especially in the short term. Thus, although Mercedes is moving ahead with its hybrid program, the automaker is doing so cautiously (more).
That's probably because consumer research continually demonstrates that while consumers are interested in better fuel economy, they are not interested in paying more for it. For example, a new study shows that only 11 % of new car buyers are willing to pay extra money for green vehicles.
What about foreign oil dependency? Why are hybrid vehicles sold and marketed largely as environmental vehicles, rather than foreign oil dependency fighting vehicles? Imagine the PR campaigns that could be created around freedom-fighters. Besides if America ended foreign oil dependency, such an act would put a huge dent in our global warming emissions.
Isn't it time to unite the people? Isn't it time to sell hybrids in a way that justifies their cost and investment in the future in a way that a majority of consumers can relate?
Labels: Foreign Oil Dependency, global warming, Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
7:46 AM
9 Comments:
Hybrid is a word which means a combination of multiple technologies that serve the same purpose or function...in the case of cars this being the propulsion system.
This does not mean that hybrids always have to have an IC engine in it. Or for that matter an IC engine that runs of fossil fuels.
It'd be a shame to give up hybrids as a concept....because it's not excluse to gasoline powered vehicles.
If consumers demanded solutions to foreign oil dependency, automakers would be building numerous kinds of hybrid vehicles.
My point is that selling hybrids on the premise of environmental protection and global warming isn't the way to mainstream hybrid vehicle sales.
Selling Americans on the dangers and costs of foreign oil dependency, and on hybrids as a solution to those dangers and costs would, I think, be an effective way to increase consumer interest and desire - which is probably why automakers don't take such an approach.
It's easier to manage demand via the environment - there's only about 11% of us coo-koo enough to pay extra for our environmental concerns.
Slaves can't demand anything.
I think this an easy one..The technology is proven and what it proves is that it can save fuel and has equal performance. So all the government has to do is require that 80+ percent of the vehicles built by an automotive manufacture be hybrid. Yeh I know, "I dont want the government to tell me what I can drive" but even though you dont always know it they do it all the time. If they require it the price will drop, I guarantee it. Oh yeh write your reprentative, the more that do the more the pressure goes up.
Why should we be willing to pay more for it? Regular car prices have already went up to between 20000 and 30000. Who in their right mind would want to pay more for a car? To me cars are already over priced. Yes I want a hybrid but no I would never be willing to pay more for it than the expensive prices of cars today.
Would you be willing to pay more for quality food and water?
If the answer is NO...then we all know where you stand on your priorities of how important it is for you to promote a healthier, more involved lifestyle.
And NO...it's not any different. I'm willing to pay slightly more for that option if I know it's improving the environment around me.
I have no problem spending thousands of extra dollars to make a modern, energy efficient house...so why not a car?
If you want to complain about high prices of cars, go cry to the dumbshits who are willing to pay $50K for a BMW or $70K for an Escalade...not to someone who's willing to pay $20K for a hybrid Honda Fit or Civic or something like that.
More people should learn about electric vehicles as a solution. "Zero emissions" is something that's going to be required by law one day (you know it will). Making the decision to go electric is far cheaper anyway, like 10 cents on the dollar vs. gas. (source: zapworld.com)
Dude...what's with this idiot PAZ posting the same shit on every thread? Take your Zap crap and make a decent car...then perhaps we'll listen.
I've reported him to both zap and blogger. Unfortunately, outside of voodoo, there isn't much more I can do.
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