GM's first dual mode hybrid cars

The Cadillac Escalade hybrid

A few weeks ago GM announced development plans for a new line of smaller, more efficient electric motors that will first be used in GM's dual mode hybrids. Today, all of GM's dual mode hybrids are large trucks and SUVs, however, thanks to this reduction in motor size, GM will be able to add its dual mode hybrid technology to smaller vehicles, including cars.

According to one report, two of the first cars to receive the dual mode hybrid powertrain will the Cadillac ATS and the Cadillac CTS.

Unfortunately, however, it does not appear that these new electric motors will result in any full hybrids the size of a Toyota Prius. Instead, it seems GM will use its mild hybrid powertrain for any Prius-sized hybrid cars.

Diesel share declines in Western Europe

VW diesel vehicle

I've never been a big fan of the diesel versus hybrid debate. As hybrid technology is fuel independent, the whole debate seems rather illogical to me.

That certainly doesn't mean there isn't a greater role for clean diesel vehicles to play in the US, especially in the short term. Still, it seems too late to try to chase European levels of diesel adoption this late in the game. With a host of new technologies making gasoline engines much more efficient, a big rush to diesel seems unnecessary.

Ironically, even in Western Europe diesel technology appears to be losing share. In 2009, as small cars gained share in Europe, diesel vehicles lost about 7 percent share.

What do 100,000 Volts, Leafs or Prius hybrids per year really mean?

No impact on foreign oil dependence for 2 decades?

For several years now, Toyota has sold more than 100,000 Prius hybrids per year in the US. In fact, Toyota has sold more than 1 million hybrid cars in the US alone.

Yet, what effect have one million hybrids had on US foreign oil dependence? None.

Soon, GM will launch the highly-anticipated Chevy Volt, yet it might be a decade before GM is selling 100,000 Volts per year. Likewise, late this year Nissan will begin US production of the Leaf electric car. When Nissan's new production facility is fully operational, it will produce up to 150,000 Leafs per year.

Yet again, what impact will these vehicles have on foreign oil dependence?

Unfortunately, according to numerous studies, ALL electric vehicle sales in the US, combined, won't have any noticeable impact on foreign oil dependence for probably another TWO decades, and even then the effect might still be marginal.

Certainly, automakers have to start electrifying the automobile somewhere, and the Prius, Volt and Leaf are all noble and important products. Nonetheless, their impact upon the environment and foreign oil dependence will remain meaningless for decades.

Is this really the best that America can do?

Next recall: Toyota Prius

Funky brakes

Glad I don't own any shares of Toyota! As if the current recalls aren't bad enough, another could be in the works, this time on Toyota's ever more important Toyota Prius.

Toyota has received about 100 complaints about brakes on the third generation Prius. In most of these incidents Prius drivers complained that the brakes were "not so sharp", especially on bumpy or frozen roads.

Thus far Toyota has sold more than 1.6 million Prius hybrids and almost 90 percent of Prius owners would buy another Prius.

Is the Honda CR-Z hybrid being underestimated?

The first 6-speed hybrid

Long before hybrids, I drove a manual '94 Nissan Sentra. As I hopped from apartment to apartment, and job to job, I experienced many diverse Los Angeles commutes. Traffic, however, was always a common factor.

During those commutes I often hypermiled to work, pacing and spacing myself to minimize braking and to maximize coasting in neutral. Ultimately, I didn't do this to save money on my gas bill - it was the 90's - but purely for entertainment, purely to break up the horrible monotony of extremely slow stop and go traffic. It was just a game.

This makes me wonder about Honda's upcoming CR-Z hybrid. Finish: Is the Honda CR-Z hybrid being underestimated.

A few paces in the Insight hybrid

The Insight according to AutoWeek editors

I'm not the biggest fan of AutoWeek when it comes to unbiased reviews of hybrid cars. Nonetheless, I still like to read their their take on hybrids.

Today, AW has posted their 'Driver's Log' on the Honda Insight hybrid. It's a mix of good and bad. For anyone considering an Insight purchase, however, it's a worthy read.

Read the article

Hyundai Sonata hybrid: Cheaper than Fusion and Camry hybrids?

Hyundai's upcoming Hybrid Blue Drive

Today, Hyundai released pricing on the 2011 Sonata. While the Sonata hybrid was not on the list, the conventional Sonata is priced lower than the competition, especially at the premium trim levels.

Since most hybrids include many premium trim level components, Hyundai Sonata hybrid pricing might undercut both the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid.

Hyundai had a pretty good 2009 and 2010 is expected to be even better, especially in light of Toyota's recall problems. Topping the year off with a Sonata hybrid that is cheaper and more cost-effective than the competition would be some pretty sweet icing on the cake.

How will the Toyota Prius sell in February?

Less interesting because it's a Toyota?

When it comes to hybrid cars, the far majority of all sales come from Toyota, particularly from the Prius. Without Toyota, hybrid vehicles probably wouldn't even be on the average American auto consumer's radar.

Even though Toyota's hybrid technology has nothing to do with Toyota's recall scandal, they are still built by Toyota. Interestingly, as Toyota's recall problems have unfolded, I've noticed a greater increase in Prius commercials.

As the Prius sort of epitomizes Toyota's future - and it's not on the recall list - it serves as an interesting litmus test for confidence in Toyota. Certainly, one month of Prius sales will not predict the future, but it can certainly shed some light on Toyota's near term prospects.

So, will Prius sales take a nose dive in February or not?

Forget hybrids and EVs: Just make cars smaller and lighter?

Could it be this easy?

According to an Oxford Study the best path to decreasing emissions in autos, in the short term, requires a serious decrease in weight and size.

Over the medium term, however, the study finds that hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, offer "significant savings" while helping electric drive trains evolve.

While EVs, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell vehicles offer interesting potential long term, all have serious issues to overcome in the short to medium term, such as raw material availability.

Finally, first generation biofuels offer some localized uses. Second generation biofuels show more promise, but will still probably be constrained by land availability. Algae shows some probability of overcoming the land availability issue, but massive innovations and breakthroughs are still required.

Best hybrid deals for 2010

Escape to the best deal after tax credits and discounts

The Truth blog has carried out some analysis on hybrid vehicles that offer the greatest discount off MSRP for 2010. Not surprisingly, the hybrids that still qualify for federal tax credits fill out most of the Top 10 list.

After tax credits and discounts, Ford Escape hybrid buyers can save 14 percent off MSRP for a price of $26,306. The Nissan Altima hybrid came in a second with a price of $23,795, 13.5 percent off MSRP.

Check out TrueCar for the full list.

Toyota hybrids still for sale, but does that matter?

Can't save Toyota's image now

What can you say but, WOW? Now that Toyota has suspended production on many important models, one wonders just how low Toyota's reputation will go. Down. Down. Down.

At least, for once, it's a good time to be a US automaker.

For fans of hybrid cars, however, this is terrible news. Despite the fact that Toyota is still selling all of its hybrid vehicles, there is no doubt that this recall and suspension is going to have an effect on the sale of all Toyota vehicles by association, including hybrids.

Next year, Toyota planned to double its hybrid production to one million hybrids per year. Will these plans survive? Can they?

More important, if Toyota has to scale down its hybrid plans due this suspension and this inevitable image hit, will another automaker fill the hybrid void? Unfortunately, I doubt it.

Toyota Prius a mistake?

Silly to have invested in NiMH hybrids?

So, at a press release yesterday, a Detroit-located reporter suggested that Toyota made a huge mistake by developing NiMH hybrid vehicles because NiMH technology is obviously the wrong battery technology according to the reporter.

So, the Toyota Prius was a mistake? Swapping out NiMH in favor of lithium won't be a seamless task when its cost-efective?

This isn't the first time I've heard such a sentiment coming out of Detroit, and I'm sure it won't be the last; however, doesn't this attitude demonstrate exactly why the Big 3 have struggled so significantly in the last few decades?

As Mamma always used to say, don't put off until tomorrow what can be done today.

Likewise, according to Argonne, a huge advocate and major lithium-ion researcher, current lithium-ion batteries, just like NiMH, are probably only an interim battery technology as well. Perhaps automakers should avoid battery vehicles all together until they have the perfect technology for every consumer?

But back to Toyota, can millions of hybrid consumers and thousands of patents built around electric drivetrains really be so wrong?

GM motors into new hybrid investment

Powered by a GM built motor in 2013

With the help of a $100+ million federal grant, GM will invest $236 million into developing electric motors, GM Vice Chairmen of Global Operations, Tom Stephens, said on Monday. Because, much like in 2008, demand for petroleum will eventually outstrip supply, GM is working on a petroleum displacement plan that utilizes energy diversity and energy efficiency as the keys to improving fuel economy.

Because there is "no silver bullet" to displacing petroleum, GM will look to alternative fuels, especially electricity and hydrogen. Still, increasing the efficiency of current vehicles is critical as, according to Stephens, current technologies are going to be around for a long time.

Nonetheless, with the inevitable increased use of electricity and hydrogen comes the electrification of the car, and that means a greater dependence upon batteries, power electronics and electric motors. Consequently, GM is making an investment into developing electric motors in-house as a step towards an ever more efficient electric drive that GM will be able to use in a number of hybrid and electric vehicle applications. Thus, along with batteries and power electronics, electric motors are to become "core technologies" for GM according to Shephens.

GM's first electric motors will find their way into GM's dual mode rear drive hybrid vehicles in 2013. More interesting, however, these new, smaller electric motors will also enable GM to install their two-mode hybrid system into smaller vehicles, rather than just large SUVs and pickup trucks. Unfortunately, Stephens did not offer any details on any such new hybrid vehicles that might use this more compact hybrid drive.

Ultimately, this press conference left me with many questions, but more than anything I else I wonder, when does GM believe petroleum demand is going to outstrip supply?

Honda CR-Z: A smooth, but not fast, hybrid with great handling

1 second faster than the Prius to 60

Some Japanese reporters were able to take the upcoming Honda CR-Z hybrid for a spin, and Edmunds has translated the article into English.

Ultimately, the CR-Z wasn't slow, but not quite as fast as expected, although the reporters were impressed with how smoothly the CR-Z hybrid slips into cruising speed.

On the other, handling was superb and "worthy of the sporty-car label".

GM increases large SUV production

When will this be a plug-in?

GM is adding an extra shift to increase its large SUV production due to an increase in demand for these vehicles. Unfortunately, the far majority of this demand will not be for the much more fuel efficient hybrid versions of these SUVs.

In a country where the gas-guzzling Ford F-Series has dominated US auto sales for decades, and SUV interest is increasing just a couple of years after $4.00 gas, it's obvious that the small, hybrid and plug-in revolution has a ways to go in America.

Isn't it ironic, however, that only increased gas prices can reverse this trend, yet current gas taxes are insufficient to fund the basic maintenance and support of the roads these vehicles drive upon?

What if you can't afford a Chevy Volt?

A fantastic car for 5 percent of car consumers?

In recent months I've been criticized many times for being too critical of US automakers. Ironically, a year ago or so, I was criticized many times for being too supportive of the Chevy Volt.

So, what's my deal?

Ultimately, I became interested in hybrid cars after 9/11 because I decided that America's foreign oil dependence was beginning to cause far more harm than good for America and the world. Thus, hybrid cars presented a great way to take immediate action today, while investing in the potential of fuel cell vehicles and all other battery-powered vehicles for tomorrow.

For this reason, I was very supportive of the Chevy Volt at first. Yet, as time has passed from the debut of the Volt, I've realized that the Volt has almost become a distraction to my cause.

Finish reading: What if you can't afford a Chevy Volt. Thinking about foreign oil dependence

Will recall issues hurt Toyota, hybrid sales?

Funky brakes and sticky pedals

So, Toyota has added another few million vehicles to its recall list. Not much of a surprise. With the bad press Toyota has received and the talk of cover-ups a common thread in the LATimes, swift action was inevitable.

The real issue is how much this will these recalls affect Toyota's reputation for producing quality vehicles? Without a number of serious accidents making it to the front pages, will this just end up as a footnote in Toyota's history?

Or, will Toyota take a sales hit? More important, with claims of funky brakes on 2010 Prius hybrids, coupled with these recalls, will interest in Toyota's hybrid vehicles be affected?

Time for Honda to embrace full hybrids?

The Honda CR-Z hybrid

About a decade ago, when both Toyota and Honda were producing their first hybrid cars, each had very different visions for the future of hybrids.

For Honda, hybrids like the original Insight were simply an interim technology until fuel cell vehicles could replace them. Thus, until recently, Honda had no serious hybrid production plans.

For Toyota, on the other hand, hybrids were intricately linked to advanced technologies and to Toyota's future. Finish Reading: Time for Honda to embrace full hybrid vehicles?

Buying a used hybrid at CarMax

Forget the dealership?

Most people don't like buying cars. Dealerships seem to have every angle covered to ensure that the final deal favors them more than the consumer. Often, the situation seems even worse when buying used cars.

So, my friend Mary is looking for a used Toyota Prius, and she thinks she's found a good deal on one at CarMax, but she's a little unsure of buying a used hybrid from CarMax. Ultimately, Mary wonders whether CarMax has the knowledge to truly assess the condition of her potential new Prius.

Any CarMax hybrid stories out there?

Toyota strikes major lithium deal

All plug-in ducks in a row

Toyota, via one of its partners, has joined forces with Orocobre Ltd to mine lithium in Argentina according to reports.

Aside from securing a supply of lithium, Toyota is now positioned for greater profit potential in the sale of plug-in vehicles. As it did with its current hybrid cars, Toyota is now laying the foundation for its own supply chain of essential materials for battery-powered vehicles. By keeping a significant percent of its supply chains and battery development in-house, Toyota has been able to foresee profits in battery-powered vehicles where others have not.

Now the hybrid king appears on a path to also become the plug-in hybrid king.

Rent a hybrid? Good luck

Not at your local Hertz?

So, you're flying out of town and you'd prefer to rent a hybrid, since you already own a hybrid. Or, maybe you're interested in buying a hybrid, so you figured you'd rent a hybrid vehicle to try out the technology.

Unfortunately, finding hybrid cars at your local car rental agency probably won't be easy. Although interest in fuel efficient vehicles is up at car rental agencies, according to USAToday, there is very little hybrid supply at rental agencies, if any at all. Moreover, if you can find a hybrid, expect to pay premium prices.

Is China the future, or the end, for the Big 3?

Is BYD just the beginning?

In recent years, GM's Buick brand has been a top selling brand in China, but will that always be the case?

In China, according to a recent Investors Business Daily article, there is growing pride in home grown automakers, such as BYD - the automaker in which Warren Buffett recently invested $230 million because he believes it will be the world's largest automaker by 2025. Moreover, there are many other emerging Chinese automakers, such as Chery, that might just be a Volvo buyout away from gaining even America acceptance.

But is America even important to China? Not really. Sure, as a matter of pride selling in America is nice, but it's not the future. The Chinese new vehicle market is destined to be far bigger, and more important, than the American market.

On the other hand, the American market hasn't been very profitable for the Big 3 in recent years. Instead, most profits are derived from foreign markets, and places like China and India are seen as the future for the Big 3.

Finish: Is China the future, or the end, for the Big 3

2011: 1 million hybrids per year for Toyota

Expanding the Prius family

This year Toyota produced about 500,000 hybrid cars worldwide.

In 2011, Toyota plans to lift its annual production to 1 million hybrids per year.

To achieve this new output, Toyota is currently expanding its production into other countries, such as China and Australia. Likewise, at least one new dedicated hybrid is expected to enter production by 2011, along the path to at least 8 new hybrids over the next three years.

Are the plug-in studies wrong?

Can the Volt revolutionize the auto industry?

I've followed hybrid cars, intently, for a long time, and 5 years ago I would have predicted much greater hybrid penetration than exists today. Thus, when Toyota launched the second generation Prius, I believed auto analysts, such as Anthony Pratt of JD Power, for instance, were crazy when they claimed hybrid market share would barely reach 3 percent by 2010.

Unfortunately, however, Mr. Pratt was right.

Thus, as study after study - and analyst after analyst - has concluded that, barring something extraordinary, plug-in vehicle marketshare is going to grow slowly over the next few decades, I've carefully listened. If correct, these studies and analysts demonstrate that it will be decades before plug-in vehicles have any real impact on reducing either foreign oil dependency or CO2 emissions.

Based on the last 3 decades of US dependence on foreign oil, another 3 decades seems a scary proposition to this hybrid fan.

Therefore, perhaps alternative fuels, such as natural gas, should be considered more seriously in the interim. Likewise, maybe there should be a greater focus on incentives for conventional hybrids, especially ones that can be converted to plug-in hybrids down the road. Or, maybe just a simple tax credit for any car that achieves 50 mpg on the EPA's city cycle is the key.

Then again, maybe all the studies and analysts are wrong. Maybe a major breakthrough in lithium-ion chemistry isn't so far-fetched? Or, maybe gas prices are destined to double in the next decade?

Why might the bulk of the data piling up against mass plug-in adoption in the next decade or two be wrong?

10 percent green equals 100 percent greenwashed

A meaningless hybrid?

If you're at the Detroit Auto Show, or following the coverage, you might think the automotive world has really changed. All our troubles are behind and new green vehicles, particularly hybrids and plug-in vehicles, are set to make everything better.

Yet, in ten years less than 10 percent of America's automotive fleet will be hybrid or plug-in - at best - according to almost every automotive analyst and researcher.

Anyway, this year in Detroit the Ford Fusion hybrid was awarded The North American Car of the Year. And it's deserving. Everything about the Fusion hybrid is great, except for sales. Sure, almost 30,000 Ford consumers bought a Fusion hybrid last year, however, over 400,000 Ford consumers bought a gas-guzzling Ford F150.

And next year in Detroit, the Chevy Volt will probably win The North American Car of the Year. Yet, the Volt will probably move even less units than did the Fusion hybrid in its first year. Even more alarming, by 2020, according to GM executives like Bob Lutz, plug-ins like the Volt will still only appeal to about 5 - 10 percent of consumers.

Today, even hybrid king Toyota only offers the third most fuel efficient fleet in America - despite selling 200,000 hybrids - thanks to its many gas-guzzler sales.

Sadly, in tens years the US auto fleet won't be much more fuel efficient than it is today, and green vehicles will still be just a niche, but at least we'll get to enjoy a decade of superb greenwashing along the way.

Honda CR-Z hybrid takes new shape

Can you see CRX?

Here's the latest look at the Honda CR-Z hybrid that will go on sale in the US in August.

Honda has previously announced that the new CR-Z hybrid will largely utilize the same hybrid powertrain as the Insight, but there will be a few changes. Most interesting is the three drive modes: normal, sport and economy. The new Sport mode will enhance throttle responsiveness, power steering and electric motor assist - enabling a more sporty experience in this hybrid package.

In terms of fuel economy, the manual models should achieve about 31 mpg city/37 mpg highway, while the CVT models will achieve about 36 mpg city/38 mpg highway.

VW New Compact Coupe Hybrid Concept

VW hybrids are on the way

When the next generation of the Volkswagen Jetta hits the shores of the US, it might just come in a hybrid option. VW is ramping up its hybrid efforts and showing them off at the Detroit Auto show in the form of the New Compact Coupe Hybrid Concept.

A combination of a turbocharged, direct injected 1.4-liter TSI inline-4 engine and a brushless, disc-shaped electric motor, VW's new, full hybrid drivetrain achieves an overall output of 177 hp. While the NCC hybrid is a full hybrid, electric-only capabilities are limited by the small 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Fuel economy is estimated at 45 mpg.

Toyota Prius: Top selling vehicle in Japan in 2009

Japan goes green

While hybrid cars only make up about 2.8 percent of US new vehicle market share, they make up 10 percent of market share in Japan.

In 2009, the Toyota Prius was the top selling vehicle in Japan, where Toyota sold 208,876 of the hybrids.

The Honda Insight was the fifth best selling vehicle in Japan last year, selling 93,283 units.

Fiat India set to go hybrid

Small hybrids everywhere

Fiat India, a partnership between Fiat and Tata, is planning to roll out a new hybrid by the end of 2010 or early 2011.

So, does that mean a Fiat hybrid could soon be in the works for the US market?

Regardless, the future of the auto industry is going to largely be built in Asia, and Asian automakers are quickly embracing hybrid technologies. Outside of Toyota, and Honda to some extent; however, small hybrid cars for the American market seem like an oxymoron for the US market.

Nevertheless, can the US auto industry succeed without reconciling the extreme difference between the American auto market and that of the rest of the world?

Scion hybrids coming next year

$15,000 hybrids coming soon

InsideLine is reporting that Toyota's new dedicated hybrid that is to debut at the North American International Auto Show is going to be a new Scion IQ hybrid.

The first IQ hybrid will be a 5-door hatchback, however, a sedan and 3-door versions are also expected.

Fuel economy is expected to be more than 60 mpg and pricing is expected to come in at about $15,000 when the new hybrids launch in 2011.

Ford Fusion hybrid the best hybrid in the US?

The best car for America?

Boy, career paths are an important choice. It's a good thing that MSNBC's Dan Carney become a reporter for the auto business, rather than the someone working IN the auto business.

This morning Dan calls the Ford Fusion hybrid the best hybrid available in the US.

"It is the best in the U.S. in part because it is the best for the U.S. It wears no egg-shaped hypermile bodywork, doesn’t ask its occupants to contort themselves to fit inside like the old pack-college-students-in-a-VW stunt and doesn’t demand any creative financing for regular Americans with regular jobs to purchase it."

Really, Dan? So, then where are all the sales? If the best hybrid for regular Americans, why can Ford only sell 30-something thousand units per year? I guess sales don't matter for reporters?

I love the Fusion hybrid. In fact, if I were in the market for a car today, I'd probably buy a Fusion hybrid. Nonetheless, the fact remains that most Ford buyers aren't interested in the Fusion hybrid, nor are most Fusion buyers or hybrid buyers in general.

Years ago, Michelle Krebs from the Auto Observer said the same thing about GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain. Yet, after years, sales are still essentially non-existent. Great technology is, well, great, but it has to be both great AND cost-effective.

Inevitably, it just seems silly to me to call the Fusion hybrid the best hybrid in the US. Ultimately, the best hybrid in the US has to be one that can actually sell at least 100,000 units in the US year after year. Sadly, the Fusion hybrid doesn't seem on a trajectory to ever even come close to such a sale's figure.

Lithium battery breakthrough?

50 percent cheaper batteries coming soon?

British company Qinetiq has supposedly developed new lithium-ion batteries with iron sulfide chemistry that can reportedly offer twice as much power density as today's lithium-ion batteries.

More important, however, the new batteries should be half the price of today's NiMH batteries.

If true, hybrid cars would become both more cost-effective and more appealing to a significant percent of new car buyers. Likewise, plug-in hybrids and EVs might only cost an arm instead of an arm and a leg.

2010: An "ominous" year ahead for gas prices?

Ring in the new gas prices

Last year gas prices were almost a $1 lower than today, and by this weekend, gasoline prices could be at their highest point since 2008, along with diesel and home heating oil.

Analyst Peter Beutel of Cameron Hanover calls the move up an "ominous sign for the year ahead."

Might be a good time for potential hybrid consumers to make a visit to their dealership. If gas prices keep rising, so will demand for hybrid cars. Thus, today's hybrid deals might be the best deals of the year.

Hyundai's "practical hybrid solutions" near

The Blue Will hybrid concept

No, it doesn't look like a Hyundai. And some out right hate the face of this vehicle.

That's OK, it's just a concept. Like some hot new BCBGMAXAZRIA meant only for Fashion Week, the styling of the Hyundai Blue Will Hybrid Concept is simply a stylistic direction, or a "perfect expression to the advanced eco-friendly technologies found beneath the skin," notes Oh Suk-Geun, executive vice president of design for Hyundai.

And, it's what's under the skin that really matters, right?

Under the Blue Will's skin is an exciting new hybrid powertrain, a lithium-polymer powered hybrid drive that mates a 100 kWh motor to Hyundai's new 152-hp 1.6L directed injected four cylinder-engine. Using lithium, Hyundai is providing a battery that is 30% lighter, 50% smaller and 10% more efficient than the NiMH batteries found in today's hybrids.

Unlike the skin, however, this new hybrid powertrain isn't just a concept.

Later this year, according to MotorTrend, a very similar hybrid powertrain will be coming to the US in the form of the Sonata hybrid as the first example of "practical hybrid solutions that will appear on the next generation of [Hyundai] vehicles."

Cheaper and more fuel efficient than the Prius

Toyota's Prius contender

In less than 2 weeks Toyota will use the 2010 North American International Auto Show to debut a new dedicated hybrid that will probably be cheaper and more fuel efficient than the current Prius.

While Toyota has only officially released a few teaser shots of the headlight, for instance, it's obvious from the pictures that Toyota's next hybrid will be a small hybrid.

Likewise, over the weekend The Japan Times broke a story about Toyota's plans to produce hybrid vehicles based of its Vitz class - think Yaris in the US - at a new assembly plant in Miyagi Prefecture in 2011. According to the story the new hybrid will be cheaper and more fuel efficient than the Prius.

Cheaper and more fuel efficient than the Prius? That already sounds like a potential hit for today's economic-minded consumer. Moreover, the Vitz class offers Toyota a nice hybrid entry point for many other world markets.

2010: The big questions

The rubber finally hits the road

2010. Here we come.

While 2010 isn't going to be quite as significant for the hybrid market as I would have expected a few years ago, there are a few interesting stories developing:

1.) Will any hybrid, aside from the Prius, sell 50,000 units in one year?
2.) Can the Honda CR-Z hybrid reinvigorate Honda's hybrid sales?
3.) Will the Hyundai Sonata hybrid make it to America, and how will the Sonata hybrid compare to the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid in terms of price and fuel economy?
4.) What will be Toyota's next dedicated hybrid, and how many other hybrids will Toyota announce, debut, etc?
5.) Finally, after years of hype the Chevy Volt will go on sale. How many units will GM produce in 2010? Will there be any delays? Final pricing, options?

Toyota: How to take on the CR-Z hybrid

Bring back the MR2, as a hybrid?

Thanks to tax incentives, hybrid cars are hot in Japan. For the past several months, the 2010 Toyota Prius has been the best selling car in Japan, with the Honda Insight not far behind.

And, new survey data shows there is great Japanese interest now in hybrid sports cars, particularly the Honda CR-Z hybrid, which goes on sale in February in Japan.

For several years, Toyota has also been working on the concept of sporty hybrids, and the latest rumors suggest that Toyota might resurrect the MR2 for its new sports hybrid.

While the Prius Coupe also remains an option, something like the MR2 would give Toyota license to completely step away from any comparison to the Prius, particularly its relatively unique body styling. And what better way to overcome those boring Toyota perceptions than with an exciting, sleekly styled sporty hybrid with sprinter speed, yet fantastic fuel economy?

Long term consequences: The need for hybridization now?

Still on the road 20 years from now?

America learned many things from the recent Cash for Clunker program, yet one of the biggest takeaways should be the lasting impact of today's technology upon tomorrow's environment. In a fleet of hundreds of millions, old gas-guzzlers from decades ago still impact today's world significantly.

Unfortunately, neither upgraded CAFE requirements nor President Obama's initiative of 1 million plug-in vehicles by 2015 will be able to offset the impact of the many tens of millions of gas-guzzlers that will be produced over the next decade upon America's future. Consequently, the legacy of these vehicles ensures that America will still be very dependent upon petroleum - mostly foreign - for decades to come.

Felix Kramer, founder of the CalCarsInitiative and long time plug-in hybrid driver and advocate, recently told the LATimes that the only way for the US to make any serious, timely dent in oil consumption requires the retrofitting of existing gas-guzzlers into hybrid vehicles.

Moreover, such vehicles could be further converted to plug-in hybrids as the technology becomes cost-effective.

Quite simply, however, mass plug-in vehicle adoption is at least a couple of decades away. Even then, the legacy effects of 100s of millions of gas-guzzlers will still live on for decades longer.

Whether the answer is hybridization or not, based on the last 30 years of US oil consumption, can America really afford several more decades of foreign oil dependence?

Honda Insight sales slump: There can be only one?

Forever just a niche, forever the king?

Why doesn't the Honda Insight hybrid sell nearly as well as the Toyota Prius, even though it costs less?

What does a lack of Insight sales mean for the future of the hybrid market?

Some have suggested that most hybrid buyers aren't looking for bargains. Instead, they are seeking to send a green message.

Yet, is the Insight really that much of a bargain compared to a Prius? Ultimately, isn't it cheaper because it comes with less features, such as ever important safety features? Also, isn't it cheaper because it isn't as fuel efficient as the Prius, especially in city traffic?

Certainly, today, hybrid cars are not a "budget purchase", but aren't there plenty of budget shoppers that would gladly buy cheaper, non-Prius hybrids if equally equipped and fuel efficient?

Time running out on some hybrid car deals

Great time to lease?

Car shopping. It's never fun. Prices and deals often vary by region and dealership. Of course, most often, the best deals usually exclude hybrid cars.

Still, there are a few interesting hybrid offerings available now.

The Toyota Prius can be leased at $249/month for 36 months, with $2,589 due at signing; and the Honda Insight can be leased at $199/month for 36 months, with $2,199 due a signing. Both deals, however, end on the 4th of January.

Likewise, the Honda Insight also qualifies for 1.9% APR for 36 months, or 2.9% APR for 60 months. These financing options also end on the 4th.

Ferrari hybrids to the rescue

Does it make any sense?

A Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano hybrid concept is said to be ready for a Geneva Auto Show appearance.

Offering an impressive 35 percent improvement in fuel economy, the Fiorano hybrid almost seems to make sense. Still, overall fuel economy would be less than 14 miles per gallon, and far worse in pure city driving.

Lipstick just can't change a pig. A Ferrari is what it is and no amount of hybrid technology can change that.

Car of the decade

Now that was easy

I've been reading through some of the Best of 2000 car articles in various auto magazines, so I decided to do my own version.

Except, when it comes to hybrid cars, the Toyota Prius so dominates the list that its not really worth pretending that there is any serious competition.

I would have liked to fit the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Honda Insight into this piece as serious contenders to the Car of the Decade, but how could I? In terms of sales, neither competes with the Prius - not even close.

So, picking the Car of the Decade was easy this decade. Fortunately, next decade should be a far more interesting story.

Still, will any other hybrid, including plug-in hybrids, outsell the Prius in the next decade?

Toyota's hybrid vision leads the auto industry

The king of hybrid cars

For years now GM has been on the verge of toppling Toyota's hybrid cars according to GM's Bob Lutz. The dual mode hybrid powertrain was to be more sophisticated. The BAS mild hybrid was to be cheaper.

Neither has been competitive.

Might all that change when the Chevy Volt beats Toyota to market with a plug-in hybrid vehicle?

How is that even possible, some might ask? How could GM beat the king of hybrid cars to the plug-in hybrid market?

To answer that question, one needs to step back in time several years.

Finish: Toyota's hybrid vision leads the auto industry

Only 17 percent of consumers might pay extra to plug-in

Forever a niche vehicle at best?

Haven't had time to fully read the latest plug-in hybrid report by Pike Research, but I just finished CNET's review. Overall, the report suggests that only 17 percent of US consumers might be willing to pay a premium for plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

And, if plug-ins do 'take off', they will probably be short range plug-in hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid rather than the Chevy Volt, or short range pure EVs, as plug-in vehicles with smaller battery packs will be more cost-viable for the majority of consumers.

As I blogged early this week in Great hybrid hoax: Adding a plug to hybrid cars?, this report seems to also suggest that conventional hybrid cars will make a more appealing buying case to the majority of US consumers for at least the next few decades.

Along those lines, since full hybrids such as the Toyota Prius can so easily be converted into plug-in hybrids, wouldn't such vehicles more immediately tackle global warming and foreign oil dependency today, while providing a 'cash for plug-in conversion' option tomorrow?

Ford Fusion hybrid up for North American Car of Year

The Best American Hybrid

The Ford Fusion hybrid is a contender for the 2010 North American Car of the Year.

The Fusion hybrid could be the fourth hybrid to ever win the award, which will be announced at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and Ford's second hybrid winner.

Amongst hybrid cars the Toyota Prius, the Honda Civic hybrid, and the Ford Escape hybrid have won the award in previous years.

Civic hybrid MPG suit still not fully settled

What's the real mileage?

In 2007 a class action lawsuit was brought against Honda for a number of advertisements and commercials that inflated the real world mileage of the Civic hybrid.

Consequently, owners of Civic hybrids from 2003 - 2008 will receive a DVD for improving fuel economy, $100 cash or a $1000 rebate on their next Honda.

26 states, however, have objected to this settlement, largely because the rebate does not apply to new Civic hybrids, the Insight hybrid, Fit or CRZ. Plus, a number of state attorney generals have objected to the fact that the attorneys filing this class action lawsuit are set to receive almost $3 million in legal fees.

What if small car buzz fizzles?

America's next best seller?

This year's LA Auto Show featured several small cars that US automakers hope will drive big buzz - and sales - as automakers move towards new CAFE rules.

But what happens if they don't sell?

According to research from AutoPacific, these new small cars are facing an uphill battle. “People want technology to solve the problem of fuel economy," notes one AutoPacific analyst. They don't, however, want to be forced to downsize.

That means lighter materials, clean diesel, and hybrid technology. Yet, so far US automakers haven't been able to use these technologies to match the efficiency of the competition. Consequently, the average fleet fuel economy of each of the Big 3 isn't just far behind their Asian competitors, but even BMW has better fleet fuel economy than the any of the Big 3.

Can the Big 3 truly compete if fuel economy becomes the key driver of the US auto industry?

Hybrid market share to top 3 percent in 2010

Can the Fusion hybrid keep pace?

According to Edmunds.com, hybrid cars will achieve a 3.2 percent market share in 2010 compared to about 2.7 percent share today.

Unfortunately, Edmunds doesn't go into much detail as to how their hybrid numbers were derived, but one can imagine that a slightly less recessed economy is probably the key ingredient. Hybrid sales were hammered in early 2009 before picking up the pace a bit in the 2nd half of the year.

Currently, the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Toyota Prius are the two best selling hybrids in America, with the Prius accounting for about 50 percent of hybrid sales. That scenario will probably remain unchanged.

The great hybrid hoax: Adding a plug?

Better without the plug?

Depending upon the poll or survey, between 70 and 80 percent of Americans are interested in buying a hybrid car today. Many of them are interested because they are worried about pollution and global warming. Most, however, are interested in hybrid cars because they help reduce foreign oil consumption.

Unfortunately, hybrids are still too expensive, according to these same polls, for most Americans to act upon these various convictions. Most Americans are only willing to pay a little more to 'do the right thing'. Many, perhaps even a majority, are unwilling to pay anything extra for a hybrid, or any other foreign-oil dependency-fighting product.

So, what's the solution? More expensive plug-in hybrid cars and electric vehicles, of course, at least judging by the actions of today's politicians and US automakers.

Finish: The great hybrid hoax: Adding a plug?

Audi exec continues hybrid and EV slam

Still not viable even after a $7500 tax credit?

Yesterday, Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen, continued his attack on the political love affair between D.C. politicians, including President Obama, and electric cars, claiming that plug-ins were probably two decades away from widespread use.

"The 50 percent or so price increase that the Volt represents over a similar gasoline car cannot be offset through the savings from reduced fuel compensation," de Nysschen said. "The only way to offset the extreme premium is through taxpayer-funded subsidies," and that according to de Nysschen, "is not sustainable."

Instead, de Nysschen claims the free market should determine the winners, and according to de Nysschen, clean diesel would be a winner that would significantly reduce foreign oil consumption.

New Toyota hybrid concept debuting at NAIAS (updated)

Toyota's new ultra-cheap hybrid?

Toyota has announced that it will debut a new hybrid concept at the Detroit Auto Show that is expected to go into production within the next two years. Unfortunately, few other details are available, but this is supposedly a teaser shot of the new dedicated hybrid.

For years now Toyota has considered a number of Prius-based derivatives, including both smaller and larger versions. Likewise, since Honda announced its CR-Z sports hybrid, Toyota has also indicated that it has plans for a sporty hybrid as well.

If this picture is accurate, however, then it appears that Toyota will offer its smallest hybrid yet, which could potentially push pricing well under $20,000.

While there is a lot of hype in the press today about Toyota's plug-in hybrid plans, this vehicle might offer significantly more sales potential. Ultimately, if Toyota is going to achieve its goal of 30 percent hybrid sales by 2020, cheaper hybrid cars will be critical.

New cobalt mine hints at increased hybrid production

Hybrids good for Idaho

Canada's Formation Metals Inc is set to begin operations that should lead to a major cobalt mine in Idaho.

Currently, 27 percent of Cobalt is used in battery technologies, including hybrid cars and some plug-in hybrids.

In the past environmental issues have prevented much new cobalt mining in the US. However, by working with environmental groups in the area and guaranteeing money for pollution mitigation and watershed protection, Formation Metals was able to secure approval from these groups.

Suzuki hybrids based on VW technology?

Better off with GM technology?

Not long ago it seemed as if Suzuki hybrids based upon GM hybrid technology was a done deal. Of course, with GM shedding brands and executives like a furry dog heading into summer, technology partnerships might have been too much of a distraction for both companies. Likewise, GM still needs to prove that any of its hybrid technology can be cost-effectively viable.

Hence, it's not much of surprise that Suzuki would look for other technology partnerships. Nonetheless, it does seem a bit of a surprise that Suzuki and VW would hook up on hybrid vehicles considering that VW has yet to sell a hybrid in the US. Hence VW's technology might just be as ineffective as was GM's BAS hybrid powertrain.

Of course, perhaps Suzuki needed any partner. Or, even better, perhaps Suzuki received an inside look at VW's hybrid technology and liked what they saw. Hopefully, it's the later, as a little more serious hybrid competition is certainly in order.

Toyota Prius still tops Japanese auto sales

7th Month in a Row

The Toyota Prius is again the best selling vehicle in Japan, as it has been for the last 7 months. In fact, one of every ten vehicles sold in Japan is a Prius. Overall, Toyota sold 26,815 Prius hybrids in November.

The Honda Insight came in at 5th at 9,413 units.

In the last year or so there have been some studies regarding the inability of tax credits to help move hybrid cars. Perhaps that's the case in Canada, but it certainly isn't the case in Japan.

Subaru Tourer Hybrid confirmed for 2012

Boxer hybrids are inevitable

Not really breaking news, but still nice to hear that the Subaru Tourer Hybrid concept will be developed into a production vehicle.

Obviously the futuristic styling will probably be toned down a bit - I'm sure the winged doors won't last. Still, this vehicle is about one thing: mating the Subaru Boxer engine with a hybrid drive.

Too bad we have to wait until 2012 for this reality. Nonetheless, Subaru hybrid vehicles are coming.

Hyundai Sonata hybrid confirmed

Still on track

Despite a few rumors to the contrary, the Sonata hybrid is still proceeding according to plans from Hyundai at the LA Auto Show.

Is Toyota hybrid complacent?

All about the Sienna today

Well, the new Sienna minivan will offer a fuel efficient 4-cylinder version next year. That's good news, but how about some new hybrid hype?

Rumors of new Prius-based hybrids, for instance, have been floating around for years. Why not step it up? This the LA Auto Show, the green showcase, for crying out loud.

Early next year Toyota will put 500 plug in Prius hybrids on the road, months before GM begins production. That's not news?

Is Toyota afraid? Embarrassed? Why so hybrid complacent?

Small, Toyota Prius-fighting GM hybrids still a possibility

GM's hybrid story still developing

Sure, the Chevy Volt is the poster child for GM's clean and green efforts. And, even though GM doesn't like to call the Volt a hybrid, the Volt is also GM's marquee hybrid. But that doesn't mean GM's hybrid story is anywhere near the end.

Yesterday, I learned that GM isn't just redeveloping its upcoming lithium-powered BAS hybrid drive, nor just downsizing its dual mode hybrid powertrain for small SUVs, such as the phased out Saturn Vue. In fact, according to sources inside the General, GM is also working on a new hybrid drive derived from the dual mode drive, but redeveloped for small vehicles, including 4 cylinder cars.

Of course, it's possible that such a hybrid drive will never hit the market. Still, the possibility of small GM hybrid cars that could directly compete with the Toyota Prius is a positive sign. Always good to have your eggs in a few different baskets.

Chevy Volt for California only in 2010

Can it shock the the Golden State?

The Chevy Volt should meet its late 2010 production date, however, the Volt will only be available for sale in California until sometime in 2011.

Overall, seems like a fairly smart move. California is the by far leading state for the purchase of hybrid cars.

Small car blitz at LA Show: Too little too late?

The Chevy Cruze

Tomorrow I'll be attending press days at the LA Auto Show, and the big theme at this year's show is once again 'green'. This year, however, things are a bit different than past years. Instead of hybrid cars or clean diesel vehicles, the path to green is small cars, particularly a number of new offerings from the Big 3.

While this is great news, I cannot help but wonder, is this too little, too late?

Toyota and Honda have always done a pretty good job selling small cars in the US, and they will probably continue to do well. However, both automakers have hinted that smaller, cheaper hybrids will be critical to their future small car plans.

For now certainly the Chevy Cruze, for instance, will sell. Still, a semi-loaded automatic version of the Cruze will probably list for $18,000 - $20,000. But, what happens if Toyota can sell a slightly smaller Prius for around the same price, or if Honda can sell an even cheaper Honda Fit hybrid?

Without question, the Big 3 should proceed with their small car plans. Nonetheless, are the Big 3 avoiding small hybrids today much the same way they avoided small cars in general for the last few decades? Ultimately, aren't the Big 3 simply chasing the small car US segment when they instead should be showing some real leadership and vision in this segment?

Tata Nano hybrids coming, maybe even to US

Is cheap the future?

At $2000, the Tata Nano is the world's cheapest car, and soon the Nano might become the world's cheapest hybrid car.

Without providing many details, Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group confirmed that a hybrid version of the Nano is in the works. Likewise, Tata reaffirmed its interest in entering the US market.

Hybrid shopping specials this Black Friday?

Any after Thanksgiving deals?

One of the biggest shopping days of the year is fast approaching, and the deals aren't limited to laptops or a new pair of socks. Often, Black Friday can be the best day to buy a new car.

Unfortunately, demand for hybrid cars has typically been too high to offer many deals on hybrids, but could things be different this year?

A few months ago, for instance, Toyota Prius supplies were tight. These days there is more selection. Perhaps that will lead to some Black Friday specials? Likewise, Happy Honda Days are going on now. Might they not be a little happier this Friday?

Anyway, I'll be hitting several dealerships on Friday. If I find any deals, I'll be posting them in the comment's section of this post. So, stay tuned if you're seriously in the hybrid market.

Sonata hybrid pushed back to summer of 2011

Still coming?

Not long ago I had high hopes for Hyundai's upcoming hybrid cars. Now, I'm not so sure.

Last week, Korean rumors suggested that Hyundai's hybrid program might be cancelled. While Hyundai has not confirmed those rumors, the US launch of the Sonata hybrid has been pushed back from the fall of 2010 to the summer of 2011.

Hopefully we'll find out a little more about Hyundai's hybrid plans next week at the LA Auto Show.

Re: Safest hybrid cars

Coulda been a contender?

In last week's safest hybrid vehicles post I took a shot at Toyota's goose egg.

Turns out that Toyota didn't have any of its hybrid cars tested, nor many of its regular vehicles. The IIHS only tested the Camry, Yaris and Rav4, as Toyota decided that providing more vehicles - at the manufacturer's expense - wasn't a justifiable expense in this economy.

Did Ford get burned in automaker bailout?

The Mercury Mariner hybrid

If you analyze the total automaker bailout, according to recent research, US taxpayers are contributing $12,200 for every vehicle GM sells, and $7,600 for every vehicle Chrysler sells.

So the study asks, are we punishing 'smarter' automakers while rewarding the bad decisions of other automakers?

Certainly, Ford gained market share thanks to the fact that it did not accept bailout money. So, was Ford's gain in market share enough reward, or were Ford's 'smart' moves relatively negated by the bailout?

If so, how about some additional hybrid tax credits for Ford's hybrid cars?

New BMW hybrid makes Volt a real bargain

X6 Active Hybrid

In December the BMW X6 Active hybrid will go on sale with a base price of $89,725

While the X6 hybrid hauls ass, going from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds, is that really what hybrid consumers are looking for in a hybrid? Sure it's as loaded as can be, but $90,000 for a hybrid that averages less than 20 mpg?

Boy, makes $40,000 for a Chevy Volt look like a steal. Also, seems like more evidence that the Cadillac Converj could really dominate the green luxury market.

Honda Civic hybrid: Safest hybrid vehicle

Safe and fuel efficient

With Toyota scoring a big goose egg on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Picks, hybrid cars were destined to rank poorly.

Still, the Honda Civic hybrid, along with all Civics, except the SI, with stability control - now standard in the Civic hybrid - ranked as Top Picks in the small car category.

Prius impresses MT judges

But can it win Car of the Year?

Later today MotorTrend will announce its 2010 Car of the Year Award, but I wouldn't put my bet on any hybrid cars winning the award. However, the 2010 Toyota Prius has a chance.

MT judges have released some of their notes on the cars reviewed and both the Honda Insight and the Lexus HS 250 h were reviewed rather harshly. The 2010 Toyota Prius, on the other hand, impressed the judges with its "single-minded devotion to high technology and its refinement".

Fleet sales to significantly increase hybrid demand

A big opportunity for dual mode hybrids?

Fleet managers will be purchasing more than 4 million hybrid vehicles by 2015 according to forecasts by Pike Research. The biggest growth area in this new demand will be "medium/heavy duty trucks and buses" according to Pike.

Such an increase in demand could be a great opportunity for GM. Not only is GM already a leader in hybrid technology for buses, but its dual mode hybrid technology, as found in the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, is an ideal technology for many large vehicle applications.

Of course, millions of hybrids beyond the commercial market will require a serious uptick in worldwide hybrid battery production. That should bode well for the consumers of conventional hybrid cars as well.

Lexus HS 250 h falls short on luxury?

Just stick with a loaded Prius?

This week MotorTrend has been providing notes on its car reviews for the 2010 Car of the Year.

Unfortunately, it's not looking good for hybrid cars. Earlier this week, MT staffers were critical of the Honda Insight.

Today, MT claims that the Lexus HS 250 h falls short on luxury. Ultimately, while the HS 250 provides better overall performance and a nicer drive at high speeds compared to the Toyota Prius, MT staffers felt the Prius is a better deal for the money.

Larger, lithium-powered Prius next year

The Prius family is set to expand

Starting next year, according to an unconfirmed report coming out of Japan, Toyota will begin producing a larger Prius-derived hybrid that will use a lithium-ion battery pack. Sources indicate the new hybrid will be either an SUV or station wagon and cost about $22,0000.

Toyota has brought up the idea of expanding the Prius line for years, so this news isn't that surprising. However, the fact that Toyota will utilize lithium is interesting.

Recently, Toyota claimed that 30 percent of all vehicle sales will be hybrid by 2020. However, Toyota has perpetually had a hard time producing enough NiMH batteries for its current hybrid cars. So, this seems to indicate that lithium will be integral to Toyota achieving its future production plans, and it won't just be lithium plug-ins, but lithium conventional hybrids as well.

Ford Fusion shows reality of hybrid car sales

Can it sell 30,000 units in '09?

Here's the good news. The Ford Fusion hybrid has helped the Fusion achieve a record year in sales for Ford, while stealing hybrid consumers away from Toyota and Honda.

Here's the bad news. Overall, total hybrid sales are still under 3 percent of total market share, and half that share is the Toyota Prius.

Moreover, while this is positive news for Ford and its excellent hybrid technology, the Toyota Camry hybrid still moved more units than the Fusion hybrid, despite an $800 tax credit in favor of the Fusion. What happens when the Fusion's hybrid tax credits expire?

Still, that's not really the point. In reality the hybrid versions of the both the Fusion and the Camry demonstrate that hybrid cars are not ready for serious market penetration without a significant increase in incentives and/or much higher gas prices.

Peugeot hybrids nearing reality

Hybrid 3 Evolution Concept

The idea of Peugeot hybrid cars has been around for a few years now and some time in 2011 a few models should become reality.

The 118 mpg HYbrid3 Evolution scooter concept could be the basis for some of those hybrids. The Evolution utilizes a 4-horsepower electric motor in each of its two front wheels coupled with a 41-horsepower gasoline engine, and a lithium ion battery pack.

This basic hybrid configuration will probably be the basis for some of Peugoet's first hybrid cars. Of course, larger engines and motors will be utilized.

Still, this scooter seems to hint that Peugeot might develop more than just diesel hybrids, as this scooter is powered by a gasoline engine. Likewise, Peugeot recently contracted with Sanyo for enough NiMH batteries to build tens of thousands of hybrids per year, so the battery issue still seems a bit unclear.

The Toyota Sienna hybrid minivan

Would it sell?

Over the years the question of hybrid minivans has often come up. If hybrid vehicles are to go mainstream then segments like minivans, many have argued, are essential for a hybrid option.

Last week, while announcing that a new, totally redesigned Toyota Sienna minivan would make its world debut at the LA Auto Show, Toyota hinted that there would be a fuel efficiency surprise.

Certainly, that doesn't mean that the Sienna will finally come with a Hybrid Synergy Drive option, but what if it does?

Today, the base Sienna lists for about the same price as the base Highlander. The Highlander hybrid, however, starts at almost $10,000 more. Of course, the Highlander hybrid offers a lot more features than a base Highlander.

Still, if the hybrid version of the Sienna could list for just an extra $5000 - about $30,000 - would it sell?

Cadillac Converj could be Volt's best friend

Ready to plug in this Cadillac?

I'm a fan of the Chevy Volt, a pretty big fan actually - at least in the technology powering the Volt. Yet, in the next decade Toyota will sell millions of hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius, as GM sells hundreds of thousands of Volts.

Unfortunately, the technology powering the Volt just won't be cost-effective for the masses until the 2020s, minimally, as the Prius turns into a profit machine and a gateway to Toyota plug-in vehicles.

However, the Volt's range extended plug-in drive might just be the perfect fit for Cadillac. And according to the DetroitNews, the Cadillac Converj plug-in hybrid has been approved by GM's board.

Already Toyota has proven that there is a market for luxury hybrid vehicles, and it seems the market for the Converj hybrid could be even far riper. American-made and green, this plug-in might just be the ultimate bling for luxury consumers.

Even better, a successful Converj could provide a big boost towards scaling down the Volt's costs, and I'd bet the Converj will be a wildly successful Cadillac and luxury vehicle.

Is there a hybrid for everyone?

Have hybrids gone mainstream?

Today, consumers can find hybrid options for trucks, large SUVs, small SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks. So, is there a hybrid for everyone?

Today, 9 out of 10 of the most fuel efficient vehicles available in America are hybrids according to the government, and some believe that means hybrid vehicles have gone mainstream.

"This list proves that hybrids have gone mainstream," said Bo Saulsbury, who heads up the ratings project from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Environmental Sciences Division. "There's now a hybrid for everyone. The 32 hybrid models available in 2010 offer car buyers the choice of an SUV, passenger car, economy or luxury model, from almost every major automobile maker."

Still, hybrid vehicle sales represent only about 3 percent of total US auto sales. Is there really a hybrid for everyone?

Panasonic/Sanyo deal means cheaper Toyota hybrids?

Where does lithium fit in?

Yesterday, Panasonic confirmed its acquisition plans for Sanyo, despite anti-trust worries regarding hybrid cars. As Panasonic and Sanyo are the two top dogs in the NiMH world of battery production, monopolistic concerns have dogged this deal for months.

However, to offset anti-trust issues, Panasonic is now going to pare back its partnership in Panasonic EV Energy from 40 percent to 20 percent, while Toyota will increase its share to 80 percent.

Minimally, it seems that will mean that Toyota will own even more of its battery solutions, while Panasonic will take on the NiMH production needs of other automakers, such as Honda, Ford and Peugeot, while scaling up plans for lithium production, including lithium batteries for Toyota's plug-in vehicles.

Will that affect the prices of Toyota's current hybrid cars? That sure seems a possibility.

Luxurious fuel economy

The Lexus 450h hybrid

Admit it, you're a snob. You drive only luxury vehicles. Just kidding.

Still, just because luxury cars are your vice doesn't mean that you can't embrace fuel economy, and this morning Cars.com has put forth their favorite ten fuel efficient luxury vehicles.

While hybrid cars don't dominate the list, they are the most fuel efficient selections on the list. The Lexus RX 450h ranked 6th and the Lexus HS 250h ranked 4th.

Sudden acceleration in Prius, other Toyota cars?

Not a hybrid problem however

Since 2003 as many as 2000 Toyota owners have reported problems with sudden acceleration, including at least one Prius owner, reports ABC.

6 independent investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, however, have not found any problems with Toyota's vehicles that would cause sudden acceleration.

Toyota, on the other hand, speculates that a combination of driver error and loose floor mats is responsible.

Regardless, very interesting how ABC chose the Prius as the centerpiece to this story when the problem, if there is actually a problem, appears independent of Toyota's hybrid technology.

NiMH hybrids a long way from dead

Still the battery of choice for hybrids

Over the weekend it was reported that Sanyo will supply enough NiMH batteries for several tens of thousands of Peugeot hybrid vehicles per year beginning in 2011. While its not necessarily breaking news that Peugeot is going to develop hybrids - we've known that for some time - Peugeot's choice of battery is interesting.

For years, Ford has complained about a shortage of NiMH batteries. Yet, Ford is also supplied by Sanyo, as is Honda, and not long ago Honda indicated that it was going to significantly increase its production of hybrid cars. Combined with Ford and now Peugeot, its seems that Sanyo must be preparing for a serious uptick in NiMH production.

Likewise, Sanyo will also supply lithium-ion batteries to Toyota and Volkswagen.

Even more interesting, however, is the fact that Sanyo is coming under the control of Panasonic. For more than a decade Panasonic has partnered with Toyota to develop and produce NiMH batteries, a partnership that is now increasing NiMH production to more than 1,000,000 battery packs per year for Toyota alone.

Apparently, NiMH technology isn't dead yet, and Toyota seems extremely well positioned to benefit from this uptick in scale.

Trick or treat: Universal transmission to revolutionize hybrid vehicles?

A way to make even a Hummer green?

VMT Technologies, with the assistance of BYU, is preparing to announce the development of a universal transmission that promises to revolutionize the auto industry.

According to a press release, the positively engaged, infinitely variable transmission (PE-IVT) should increase fuel economy by 10 - 20 percent in most vehicles, while offering even bigger gains in larger vehicles. Moreover, VMT believes its transmission is a perfect match for hybrid vehicles and other plug-ins.

Unfortunately, after doing some research, there is little evidence to take this claim, or company, very seriously as there is simply too little information available, although VMT promises to change that with a press conference November 4th.

Whether true or not, could the green revolution ripen into the next technology bubble much like the Internet bubble of a decade ago?

Toyota Prius: 2,092 patents, but what about profits?

Can the hybrid king make money?

So far this year, the Toyota Prius accounts for 47.5 percent of all hybrid vehicle sales. The next closet competitor, the Toyota Camry hybrid, comes in at 8.3 percent.

Still, is the Prius profitable, wonders a recent Investors Business Daily piece?

With strong sales and 2,092 patents, many analysts predicted that the third generation Prius would be very profitable. Of course, that was before pricing on the Honda Insight, currently the third best selling hybrid at 7.2 percent share, forced Toyota to lower Prius pricing to just $400 more than the second generation Prius.

However, even if the Prius and Toyota's hybrid cars are not as profitable as expected just yet, many analysts see profits just around the corner thanks to Toyota's "compulsive patenting", 12 years of battery R&D and its controlling share of Panasonic EV Energy, Toyota's main battery provider.

Funding change: $42,000 tax credit for the Tesla Roadster?

But only in Colorado

The majority of American auto consumers, according to several studies, are interested in hybrid cars and plug-in vehicles. Unfortunately, however, most interested in such vehicles are not willing to pay much extra for those vehicles.

Thus, federal and local governments have created tax credits to help offset the extra costs of these vehicles.

The latest example is Colorado where state residents can receive a credit on their 2009 income taxes for up to 85% of the difference between the cost of an alternative fuel or hybrid vehicle. Consequently, Roadster consumers could save more than $42,000.

While I like the idea of this 85% credit, helping someone save $42,000 on a Tesla Roadster seems absolutely ridiculous. For $42,000 you could convince 14 Toyota Camry buyers to go hybrid with a $3000 tax credit. That seems like a lot more bang for the buck.

Anyway, today, most federal tax credits for purchasing hybrids and other clean vehicle technologies have expired. Still, the government is spending tens of billions of dollars to help automakers to become more efficient, while rolling out new CAFE rules.

Fine. But, if you really wanted an efficient, transparent plan for increasing US fuel economy, wouldn't several years of consumer tax credits for alternative vehicles be the best approach (since a gas tax probably has no chance)? Wouldn't that create the kind of competition that might actually force automakers to become, well, innovative?

Consumer Reports - Hybrids very reliable

A big winner according to Consumer Reports

Looking for a safe family car? Then you might want to consider a number of hybrid cars, at least if you believe in Consumer Reports.

The Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius scored extremely well according CR, followed by the Ford Fusion hybrid, the Mercury Milan hybrid, the Toyota Camry hybrid, and the Nissan Altima hybrid.

Overall, Asian automakers are still the most reliable automakers, but Ford has made huge gains that put most of its products on par with the best of the best. Chrysler and GM, on the other hand, still have work to do.

Prius versus Insight: A commuter's mileage challenge

The hybrid commute according to Kicking Tires

For many urban commuters, hybrid cars provide an excellent tool for saving money at the gas pump. So, Kicking Tires decided to test the Toyota Prius versus the Honda Insight on the same urban commute.

On a 23 mile commute in traffic, the 2010 Toyota Prius averaged more than 58 mpg.

On the same commute, the 2010 Honda Insight averaged 44 mpg.

Ram hybrid still on track

Diesel version on hold, but hybrid coming in 2010

Several years ago GM, Chrysler, BMW and Mercedes formed a partnership to develop a hybrid powertrain that many claimed would be superior to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Eventually, this dual mode hybrid powertrain was launched in a number of hybrid vehicles, such as the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the Dodge Durango hybrid, but sales have never taken off. In fact, all of Chrysler's previous dual mode hybrids have been discontinued.

Nonetheless, Chrysler will take another stab at hybrids with the Dodge Ram hybrid due out in 2010. While the dual mode powertrain is a perfect hybrid powertrain for large trucks and SUVs, such as the Ram, it's upfront costs - as much as $10,000 - have resulted in few dual mode hybrid sales since its debut in 2007.

Gassy: Making sense of Fisker plug-in hype

The Model T of the plug-in hybrid?

There has been a ton of news about Fisker Automotive in the last several days. I guess being connected to the VP of the US is a pretty smart move, especially when the government is doling out $50 billion in fuel efficient loans and other grants, etc. these days to automakers and suppliers.

Still, how important is Fisker, and it's plug-in hybrids, to America's automotive future?

As with Tesla, I respect Fisker's focus on fuel-efficient, technologically-advanced products, but we're still talking about luxury vehicles. I mean, how much has Porsche, Ferarri, etc. really driven the future of the gasoline-engined auto industry?

Of course, the plug-in future is different. New. One innovation could change everything. Nonetheless, the future of the plug is scale, or millions of sales every year.

After selling more than 2 million hybrid cars, Toyota's hybrid technology still hasn't scaled enough to be cost-effective for most consumers, but Fisker or Tesla can achieve scale via tens of thousands of luxury plug-in vehicle sales per year?

Or, perhaps these luxury plug-in automakers are simply using luxury plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles to bridge to $50,000 'economic' versions that can compete with a Chevy Volt, a plug-in Toyota Prius, or a Nissan Leaf, etc in 2015?

Maybe. Still, I cannot help but ask, is a new automaker really the missing part of the oil-free revolution, or is the real issue the cheap cost of petroleum - at least in terms of pump prices?

Honda going lighter, adding more hybrids

To get lighter and smaller

Stop everything. That's the word around Honda these days.

Regardless of how far Honda's cars are in the development process, Honda is reviewing every vehicle with a new focus on making all of their vehicles cheaper and more fuel efficient. That means a focus on smaller and lighter vehicles, and adding hybrid technology to more of Honda's vehicles according to reports.

A few UM plug-in study thoughts

Have automakers over-played the plug?

Like past studies, the University of Michigan plug-in study finds that a number of Americans, 42 percent in this study, are interested in plug-in vehicles. Of course, most of those interested are only willing to pay about $2,500 extra for a plug-in vehicle, which is also in line with most other studies.

The study also finds that foreign oil dependency is a much bigger plug-in adoption factor than is global warming.

Consequently, while there is a market for plug-in vehicles, there seems to be a far greater market for cost-effective, foreign-oil dependency-fighting solutions than what plug-in vehicles are going to address any time soon. For instance, other studies have suggested that as many as 80 percent of Americans are interested in hybrid cars, again, if the price is right.

Obviously, the price isn't right for most Americans today. Nor are there enough hybrid choices.

However, that will have to change if Toyota is to achieve its 30 percent hybrid sales goal by 2020. And, if they can achieve this goal, imagine how many potential plug-in hybrid consumers Toyota will have in its pipeline just as plug-ins start achieving scalability.

Some have called Toyota's plug-in plans "conservative". In reality, aren't Toyota's battery-powered vehicle plans not only more aggressive than every other automaker, but also more realistic?

Even better Ford hybrids on the way

Making the most of the hybrid experience

Think the Ford Fusion hybrid is a great hybrid? Well, you ain't seen nothing yet, at least according to Ford.

Ford and the University of Michigan are working together to bring advanced hybrid technology to market sooner.

"Through virtual testing, researchers are conducting as many as 175,000 design simulations of hybrid control systems a week to further improve fuel efficiency and drivability."

"The new hybrid controller design method we have created has the potential to offer consumers more choice in how efficient and drivable their vehicles are," said Jessy Grizzle, professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at U of M. "I envision hybrids of the future featuring multiple modes or offering customers the ability to customize their driving experience."

Hybrid cars 30 percent of Toyota sales by 2020

Just the beginning

By 2020 Toyota will offer a hybrid option on every vehicle it sells, according to Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice-president in charge of product development.

Currently, hybrid cars represent 8 percent of all Toyota vehicles, largely led by the Prius hybrid. However, by 2020 Toyota expects that hybrids will make up 30 percent of all vehicle sales.

Still, don't expect the majority of them to be plug-in hybrids, Toyota's bearish view of plug-ins seems still intact. Uchiyamada noted “We don’t think electric vehicles will spread that fast.”

Honda CR-Z will offer "unique value"

The CR-Z at the LA Auto Show

When the Honda CR-Z hybrid goes on sale in the Fall of 2010, it will "break new ground as a sporty, hybrid coupe with unique value."

So, what does "unique value" mean? Can a two-seat sporty hybrid become Honda's top selling hybrid vehicle?

Subaru's first hybrid coming in 2012

But not as the Hybrid Tourer

At the Tokyo Auto Show, Subaru confirmed that its first hybrid vehicle would be launched in 2012.

While the new Subaru hybrid will use some of the technology showcased in the Tourer Hybrid Concept - symmetrical all-wheel drive, Lineartronic CVT, and a 2.0-liter direct-injected flat-4 combined with a lithium-ion battery - it will be offered in an existing Subaru model.

Bailout shock: "stunningly poor management"

The arrogant duo?

Over the years, I've been a pretty big GM critic. Sure, the Chevy Volt gave me some hope - and it still does - but GM's overall efforts towards fuel efficient products has been disappointing. Even after 9/11, GM didn't embrace hybrid cars or small, more fuel efficient vehicles. Instead, they launched a new line of their biggest, foreign-oil dependent guzzlers.

While I've always blamed poor management for GM's lack of visionary leadership, others have blamed the lack of national health care, yen-dollar exchange costs, sky high oil prices, etc.

Today, Steven Rattner, one time Obama Auto Task force leader, told Fortune he was alarmed by the "stunningly poor management" at the Detroit companies and said GM had "perhaps the weakest finance operation any of us had ever seen in a major company."

"We were shocked, even beyond our low expectations, by the poor state of both GM and Chrysler. Looking just at the condition of GM's finances and Chrysler's new-car pipeline, the case for a bailout was weak," claims Rattner.

Sure, America might have had no choice but to bail out most of the US auto industry, but it's time to close the book on the idea that management at GM couldn't have prevented this crisis.

Surprise? Hybrids top gov's fuel economy guide

Easily the most fuel efficient vehicle sold in the US

Yesterday the government released its 2010 Fuel Economy Guide and, once again, hybrid cars dominated the list, led by the Toyota Prius.

To see the entire list, click Fuel Economy Guide.

Ford hybrid sales up 73 percent

A nice step

So far this year, according to GreenCarCongress, Ford's US hybrid sales are up 73 percent compared to last year, mostly thanks to the Fusion hybrid. In total Ford has sold 26,016 hybrid vehicles, far more than any other US automaker.

For comparison, Toyota has sold 144,351 hybrids in the US through September, down 28 percent compared to last year.

Still, the real question is, can Ford sustain this sale's pace? In the past Ford has indicated that it could produce as many as 50,000 hybrids per year, a number Ford will come close to reaching this year.

To sustain Ford's current pace into next year, however, Ford will have to increase production, something Ford has been averse to until lithium can replace NiMH.

If that's not soon, then Ford's hybrid sales will probably flatten early next year.

The next big hybrid hit

You've come a long way baby

As battery powered vehicles gain market share over the next few decades, conventional hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, are expected to gain the lion's share, as plug-in hybrids, EVs and fuel cell vehicles scale their way to cost-effectiveness.

So, what will be the next hybrid to hit 100,000 sales per year?

Based upon the auto show circuit and automaker announcements, I'm not sure the next big hit is near, at least not without a serious uptick in gasoline prices.

Even worse, my top contender would be Toyota, with Hyundai and Ford as my wild cards.

So, what's going to be the next big hybrid hit?

EVs leading to a "green bubble"?

Buy the Leaf, rent the $10,000 battery?

By 2020, Nissan's Carlos Ghosn recently claimed, 10 percent of worldwide vehicle sales will be electric vehicles.

Global Insight, however, puts that EV market share figure at .06 percent, according to the DetroitNews.

Likewise, the same article cites a CitiGroup Markets Report aimed at investors in the power utilities and the auto companies that warns cost barriers, the need for massive incentives, range issues, and a lack of infrastructure create the "risk of this [EVs] being another green bubble."

Even before EVs take off, Deutsche Bank believes that hybrid cars, small cars and other fuel efficient technologies will cause an "inexorable and accelerating decline" in gasoline demand beginning in 2015.

If true, how will governments afford massive incentives for EVs and EV infrastructure if their gas tax revenues begin to decline significantly? Furthermore, if gasoline demand declines, won't gas prices also decline and make it even harder to entice consumers into more expensive electric cars?

Are automakers clueless about the future?

The future, again?

Clean diesel, ethanol, natural gas, biofuels, small cars, hybrid cars, plug-in cars and fuel cell vehicles: those are just a few of the technologies that could drive the automotive future.

At least that is all that can be determined from the varied solutions that automakers are developing these days to fight high oil prices and CO2 emissions. Yet, are any of these technologies THE future?

Why so many varied approaches? Is it simply the fact that all of these technologies will be required? Are all of these technologies potential game changers? Or, are automakers truly clueless about how the auto industry is going to evolve?

On the other hand, are automakers even in control of the automotive future, or does it all come down to energy policy?

Lithium-powered Infiniti hybrid here in 2011

Nissan's first next-gen hybrid?

Nissan has announced that it will launch a new lithium-powered hybrid in 2011.

Other than its 2011 launch date, Nissan is providing few details on the 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid.