Can Honda sell 100,000 Insight hybrids in this market?
Recession-fighter?Had Honda launched the fantastically aerodynamically designed Insight hybrid at this time last year, it would have been impossible for Honda to match demand.
This year, however, is a whole different matter. Cheaper gas, a dead car buyers market, and a deep recession make the car business a bad business to be in these days.
Still, the Honda Insight is something different. The Insight isn't just the closest thing to a Toyota Prius contender - the undisputed kind of hybrid cars - it's significantly cheaper than the Prius. And, while the Insight isn't as fuel efficient as the Prius in all driving conditions, it's lower sticker price makes it a formidable challenge.
Nonetheless, with a third gen Prius just around the corner, coupled with current economics, selling 100,000 Insights won't be easy, or will it?
Labels: honda insight hybrid, Hybrid Vehicles, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
10:35 AM
5 Comments:
I will buy the honda insight when it comes out cause:
1. its the cheapest hybrid on the market 19,800
2. 40+mpg on the highway and city
3. its environmentally friendly
4. Honda's are reliable cars and that's a fact
5. i am a college student and can not spare any more "change!"
6. Its hard to save up money in this economic times and put it down for a car. I work two jobs "both security" 7days a week and goto school in chicago!
So for people like me "which is a high number" the sales goal for the honda insight wont be enough for demand and thats a fact! We will see how it plays out once it hits the US market!
I will buy the honda insight when it comes out cause:
1. its the cheapest hybrid on the market 19,800
2. 40+mpg on the highway and city
3. its environmentally friendly
4. Honda's are reliable cars and that's a fact
5. i am a college student and can not spare any more "change!"
6. Its hard to save up money in this economic times and put it down for a car. I work two jobs "both security" 7days a week and goto school in chicago!
So for people like me "which is a high number" the sales goal for the honda insight wont be enough for demand and thats a fact! We will see how it plays out once it hits the US market!
If not for the recession, I'd totally agree that Honda wouldn't be able to match demand. However, while I think the Insight will sell well, I think it will be affected by these tough economic times.
Still, I'd love to be wrong on that prediction.
1 - I think Insight is neat, however real world tests driving it with AC on and sometimes fast, sometimes average, gave the drivers average of 30MPG! :( wow..and that was repeated over and over(see YOU TUBE testing).
2- Toyota is coming out this summer with a tiny SCION IQ thats state of the art technology, averages 57MPG on hwy, has sun roof and navigation and more and will retail for around $17500 will all the bells and whistles!
3- In 6 months or less, Hyundai will leap frog Toyotas best hybrid technology with their BLUE Technology 'miracle'...a real Lithium Polymer super lite weight battery that charges super fast, and holds it charge much longer -- than the best Prius or Honda model out there!
It will look similar to a Sonata...and its price is believe to be around 21k fully loaded...and will beat the best Toyota or Honda has to offer in mileage as well.
4- in 10 months Ford is bringing its European TURBO DIESELS over here that are small, well built, fantastic mileage and competitively priced to boot, with interiors that are impressive and fun.
So who cares about Honda hehe, in just a short while there will be at least 5 SUPER EFFICIENT non, partial, and full hybrids on the market, many that will beat the Insights base price(you cant get even cruise control on Insight unless you upgrade for about 2500.oo more!! which then ='s toyota new generation prius which is better overall in every area than base insight. )
So I say Let the games begin and may the consumers win with this incredible new variety coming soon to a dealer near you ! :)
Well, I don't care about highway fuel economy for one thing. The future is congestion, even if its on the highway.
Also, while Hyundia's lithium polymer battery is interesting, Hyundai announced that the first such hybrids for the US market wouldn't be available until 2010/2011. Moreover, pricing will also be key.
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