Toyota Camry hybrid

Toyota’s great hybrid sale’s month foretells a cautionary tale

The larger V couldn't lift Prius sales much in January

A 20 percent improvement should feel better than this

One might assume that a 20 percent improvement in Toyota’s hybrid sales, led by an 8.6 percent gain in Prius sales, is a great hybrid sale’s story compared to last year. It certainly squashes the idea that hybrid sales are declining, especially considering that the Prius C and the plug-in Prius are still on deck for later this year. 2012 only gets better from here, at least in terms of Toyota’s hybrid cars.

But I still would have expected bigger numbers. Read more…

Best new hybrid models for 2012 according to Kipplingers

V - Best new wagon and best resale value in class

They weren’t tops in their class, but these hybrids still scored

While only 1 hybrid car, the Lexus RX 450h, took best in class according to Kipplinger’s 2012 ratings, a few hybrid cars were picked as best new models in their class. Likewise, many hybrids achieved the best fuel economy in their class, but that’s not much of a surprise.

So, we’ll focus on the best new hybrid models for 2012. Read more…

Hybrid conundrum: Rare earth free but also cheaper?

A rare earth free electric motor

Rare earth free Toyota hybrids could be here in 2 years

I’ve been following the rare earth story now for a few years, since the resources are so valuable for the production of hybrid and plug-in cars. And it has always been clear that rare earth free hybrid cars are possible, but the real question has been the costs of rare earth free motors.

Thus, when reports hit the wire today that Toyota has developed a new technology to produce rare earth free hybrids, my interest was again piqued, but my focus was immediately magnified on costs. Read more…

10.8 years – Maybe the hybrid premium is an investment, not a cost

Prius provides real bang for the buck according to some studies.

At least for some hybrid cars

Americans are holding onto their cars longer, an average of 10.8 years, according to the latest data. That means old gas-guzzlers are becoming even bigger gas-guzzlers, not to mention more costly to fuel.

And maybe that means hybrid cars are a better deal than many might believe, and that the hybrid premium really is more of an investment rather than a cost. Read more…

Nissan Leaf, Toyota Camry hybrid flying off dealer lots

Camry hybrid more cost-effective than a conventional Camry?

But just because of limited hybrid and EV supplies?

As the Nissan Leaf begins to hit new dealerships, spreading to all 50 states by March, it has become one of the fastest moving vehicles in the industry, averaging just 6 days on the dealer room floor. Similarly, the recently revamped Toyota Camry hybrid is lasting just 7 days according to Cars.com.

But is this a story of electrified demand, or limited supplies? Read more…

NS4: Maybe the Camry hybrid can outsell the Prius one day

Integrate it into the Camry now.

Now that’s no science experiment

By the end of this decade the Prius family could outsell Toyota’s money-maker, the Camry, according to some company statements. However, the NS4 plug-in hybrid concept suggests that maybe Toyota is having second thoughts about using the Prius is its key platform for world hybrid domination.

In fact, it’s too bad that Toyota didn’t move closer to NS4 design language with the launch of the recently upgraded 2012 Camry. Read more…

Black Friday worth it for hybrid and EV buyers?

Searching for Black Friday hybrid deals

More car dealerships are getting in on Black Friday action

Here’s the good news. Black Friday shopping deals are coming to a dealership near you, in a trend that is gaining strength according to industry observers. Besides, it’s the end of the month and the end of the year — time to offload old product to make room for 2012 models — so Black Friday and auto deals just make sense.

But, here’s the bad news. The top deals expected heading into the end of this year will mostly be found in the gas-guzzler segment.

Still, if you’re seriously in the market for a new hybrid, this Black Friday is worthy of some car shopping. Read more…

Chevy Malibu Eco comes up short in hybrid sedan space

Malibu Eco can't shake up hybrid sedan segment

GM’s upgraded mild hybrid powertrain needs another upgrade or a cheaper price tag

Today GM announced the 2013 Chevy Malibu Eco will start at $25,995 when it goes on sale next year.

Using GM’s upgraded mild hybrid powertain, or eAssist, the new Malibu Eco offers 26/38 mpg city/highway, which combines to a fuel economy number far under other hybrid cars in this segment. Read more…

Sales push? Toyota Camry hybrid and Prius expansion buzz

Will the Prius C be cheap enough?

Can Toyota take its hybrids to the next level?

The 2011 hybrid story will mostly end up being about lost sales. Sure a significant chunk of the sale’s decline was caused by the Japanese earthquake/tsunami earlier this year, but even in recent months, the bleeding is still ongoing although tempered.

But a few new Toyota hybrid cars could turn that around next year. Read more…

Toyota hybrid sales back on track, led by Prius and Lexus hybrids

Can the 2012 Camry hybrid provide a hybrid sale's spike in November?

November could be a big hybrid sale’s month for Toyota

While Toyota’s hybrid sales were down 7.4 percent, Lexus hybrid sales were up 21.2 percent. Combined, Toyota’s hybrid sales seem to be back on track and fully recovered from the supply problems caused by the Japanese earthquake/tsunami this Spring.

Even better for Toyota, November looks like it could be a big month in terms of Toyota hybrid sales. Read more…