Hyundai Genesis: Should have been a hybrid?

Hyundai's future: The luxury market?

For months now there has been a good bit of buzz in the auto world about the Hyundai Genesis, which many auto analysts have now questioned. And the buzz is gone.

Had Hyundai launched the Genesis as a lower-priced Toyota Camry hybrid competitor, I bet Hyundai would have seen a massive increase in dealership and website traffic. Instantly, Hyundai could have become a leader in hybrid cars, and the buzz would have been worth the cost of production.

Why is there so little vision in the auto industry?

Hyundai still just studying plug-in hybrids

Hyundai working on FCEVs not yet sure on PHEVs

Hyundai still has no plans for plug-in hybrid vehicles, according to unconfirmed sources, although the automaker is studying the idea. Still, the Accent hybrid will go on sale in 2009.

I guess some hybrid vehicles are better than no hybrids.

Not many Hyundai hybrids until 2013?

One of Hyundai's fuel cell vehicles

It's obvious that Hyundai is paying attention to the hybrid cars segment, in addition to other advanced technologies, such as fuel cell vehicles. Still, the question remains, when will consumers be able to buy some Hyundai hybrids?

Earlier today I posted a story about the technology partnership between LG Chem and Hyundai that will bring LG Chem lithium batteries to Hyundai's hybrids. According to that story, Hyundai plans to begin mass production of hybrid cars in 2009.

Again, what does mass production mean? Does it mean 10,000 or 20,000 hybrids for the Korean market for the first few years? Possibly. According to AutoWeek, Hyundai does not have any serious hybrid plans for America until 2013.

Hyundai calls hybrid vehicles "market standard" after 2010

"Kim Min-jin, Senior Vice President of Hyundai, said that hybrid cars will become a market standard after 2010 and that financial support from the government is desperately needed for Korean automakers to commercialize their vehicles in time."

Currently, Kim claims that Korean automakers are 10 years behind Japanese automakers in hybrid development, and that without government subsidies, Korean automakers can't compete because of high import costs for hybrid batteries, etc.

By 2010, however, Hyundai believes those high costs will finally start to materialize into profits as increased production reduces costs and increases performance of hybrid batteries, etc. Consequently, just after 2008, Hyundai believes it can "launch a new vehicle that is superior to Japanese cars in both price and performance."

Kia, Hyundai hybrid vehicles: Not any time soon

When Hyundai Motor Co. Chairman Chung Mong Koo went to jail on bribery charges, plans for hybrid cars from either Kia or Hyundai were also jailed. While the chairmen is no longer in jail, his health is ailing as he deals with accusations of scandal. Unfortunately, it is becoming quite clear that we shouldn't expect to see any Kia or Hyundai hybrids for at least a few years.

(Source for Chung's Health: Automotive News)

2010: Year of the hybrid?

Today, critics often question the value of hybrid cars. Only a few can save money over the long term at today's gas prices they state and reliability is still an issue.

Yet, hybrid technology is only just emerging and the future of hybrid vehicles won't really be understood until at least 2010. By then Toyota will offer 14 different hybrid models. Even Detroit will offer numerous hybrid vehicles. Plus, Nissan, Hyundai, Porsche - even Suzuki - will be in the hybrid game.

Then it won't just be the Toyota Camry hybrid that challenges the Prius for total sales, but many new hybrid models.

More important, there will be several different types of hybrid technology on the market and many more hybrid parts suppliers. This competition will give consumers real choices. Should I get the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid or Toyota Highlander hybrid? That will really begin to depend on your needs, such as towing, and that is just the beginning.

Moreover, Toyota has indicated that its hybrids in 2010 will not only be significantly more fuel efficient, but the cost differential between hybrid cars and conventional cars could be cut in half. Other automakers will have to do the same if they want to compete.

Competition, better technology, cheaper costs - by 2010 the question won't be why would you want a hybrid, it will be why would you want anything less than a hybrid.

Honda Will Share Hybrid Technology

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

No Hyundai hybrids cars until 2009 - At least

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

Study suggests gas-guzzlers pollute far more than believed

A new study suggests that as gas-guzzlers get older they pollute far more than government tests acknowledge, and that the government should measure pollution not by miles driven, but gallons of gas used. (Intech via MotorTrend).

BMW and Toyota vehicles pollute less over time, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and GM were most likely to pollute.

GM putting its hybrid vehicle program into gear

GM announced yesterday that it would spend $118 million at a Maryland plant to begin mass-producing its dual mode hybrid vehicle transmission. "We believe the two-mode system will become the industry standard," Rick Wagoner said to workers at a presentation at GM's Baltimore transmission facility, where GM already builds a hybrid transmission for a small fleet of heavy-duty trucks and buses. (DetroitNews)

GM also added a new member to their 2008 lineup of hybrid vehicles. In addition to the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and GMC Yukon hybrid, GM will also offer a hybrid version of the Cadillac Escalade. All vehicles should hit the road in late 2007. (AutoWeek)

According to GM, its dual mode hybrid system will increase overall fuel efficiency by 25 percent. So, it seems odd that Wagoner would boldly state that the two-mode system will become the "industry standard".

Already, Toyota, Ford and Nissan beg to differ and so to will Volkswagen and Hyundai soon - with each automaker not using a dual mode hybrid system. Moreover, Toyota and Ford hybrids offer around the same fuel efficiency improvements as GM's dual mode system. So, Wagoner is being exceedingly optimistic, especially when Toyota will soon launch its third generation hybrid synergy drive, which is expected to increase fuel efficiency and performance, yet cut hybrid costs in half.

GM's hybrid system might have an advantage in the large SUV market, however, especially if towing is required. Still, I don't think that will be enough to make it the "industry standard".

Showing off hybrid vehicles in Detroit.

In Invasion of the Hybrids, BusinessWeek states that "The auto giants are putting the spotlight on their eco-offerings at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit."

"Hybrid vehicles are proliferating, and not just because gas prices spiked to above $3 per gallon last year. Auto makers showing off new hybrid vehicles and plans at this week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit realize that having a hybrid vehicle lineup is valuable public relations for their images."

While this might be true, it is very interesting to note that there are some very unique and radical ideas in many of these new hybrids. For example, GM will be releasing a dual mode hybrid powertrain, while Mitsubishi is showing off its In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) hybrid powertrain, and Ford is displaying the Reflex diesel hybrid vehicle.

The autoshow isn't just about hybrid vehicles, its about new hybrid technology, and it is also about new hybrid parts suppliers. To simply call this PR is an understatement.

So what hybrids are just around the corner?

Ford will add the Mercury Milan hybrid and the Ford Fusion to their hybrid lineup by 2008, along with their current hybrids, the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid.

GM will offer its mild hybrid, the Saturn Vue Greenline Hybrid, next year which will be followed by the Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid, Chevy Equinox hybrid, the Chevy Malibu hybrid, and the Cadillac Escalade hybrid.

Honda will add the Ridgeline hybrid and Pilot hybrid.

Nissan has already announced the Altima hybrid, but the Sentra and Murano hybrids won't be far behind.

Hyundai, Volkswagen, BMW, Chrsyler, Puegeot, Subaru and even Porsche have all announced they will also offer hybrids.

Obviously, Toyota, which launched the Camry hybrid in Detroit, will continue to push full steam ahead into hybrids. "I think everything will be a hybrid, eventually. It will either be a gas hybrid, a diesel hybrid or a fuel-cell hybrid," Jim Press, Toyota's North American president and chief operating officer said.

Hybrid cars aren't just critical for the public realtions of auto corporations, hybrid technology is critical for their very survival.

GM, Daimler and BMW to showcase hybrids at Detroit Show

GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW will launch GM's dual mode hybrid technology in their respective gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains at this year's North American International Auto Show.

The three automakers formed an alliance in an attempt to catch up with Toyota, the leading seller of hybrid cars. The dual mode hybrids offered by these companies will offer very different performance compared to Toyota's hybrids.

GM's dual mode hybrid technology should be cheaper; however, it won't be as efficient at Toyota's technology, especially in urban driving. GM's technology, on the other hand, could offer advantages in certain areas of performance, such as towing.

Still, Toyota has some huge advantages regarding hybrids. Already Toyota believes that it can cut its hybrid costs in half when it releases its third generation hybrid drive in just a couple of years. If this is true, it will wipe out GM's cost advantage, while also offering significantly better fuel efficiency

Nonetheless, the competition that is developing in the hybrid segment will be good for all consumers. While Toyota and Ford hybrids utilize very similar technology, Honda has succeeded with its own technology, and now comes GM's hybrid technology. Additionally, both Volkswagen and Hyundai shouldn't be far behind with their hybrids.

This competition will increase hybrid supplies, which will make all hybrid vehicles cheaper. Moreover, the competition between hybrid technologies will, inevitably, lead to affordable, extremely fuel efficient vehicles.

Additionally, this competition is leading to other hybrid experiments. Ford isn't just going to offer gasoline electric hybrids, such as the Ford Escape hybrid. At Detroit's Auto Show, they will showcase the Reflex diesel hybrid vehicle, according to the DetroitNews.

While the Toyota Prius hybrid continues to dominate hybrid sales, the second generation Honda Civic hybrid has also been a hot seller, and with all this new development into technology, a true Prius topper could be just around the corner.

Ford answers hybrid concerns

Just a couple of weeks ago, Ford's head of hybrid vehicles program resigned (more). Amidst the financial restructuring that Ford is exploring, many wondered whether the axe was coming down on Ford's hybrids, thus resulting in this resignation.

Today, Ford, which makes the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid, announced that its hybrid plans had not changed and that Ford was moving forward with its plan to make 250,000 hybrids by 2010.

Still, it isn't hard to speculate as to whether Ford is really serious about hybrids. By 2010, there is a very good chance that Toyota will sell as many, or even more, than a million hybrids.

Currently, Toyota is selling 3 hybrids, the Toyota Prius, the Highlander Hybrid, and the Lexus RX400h. Soon, Toyota will add the Camry hybrid and a Lexus GS model won't be far behind. Additionally, work on the Toyota Tundra hybrid has already begun and who knows what else Toyota has up its sleeve, such as a hybrid minivan.

In terms of production capability, Toyota could climb several years ahead of Ford by 2010. Then, Ford won't be just competing with Toyota and Honda, but GM, Nissan, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and more.

Ford's hybrid plan will enable them to compete in the hybrid market in 2010, but their current plan won't let them keep the leadership role they currently maintain into 2010.

Only unique hybrids, such as the Prius, will dominate the hybrid world

According to a Scripps Howard News Service survey, 56% of Americans indicated that high gasoline prices are pushing them to "consider buying smaller, more fuel efficient automobiles in the future." (MotorTrend)

How will this affect hybrid cars, especially the way Detroit is focusing on hybrids?

Most hybrids are now SUVs, and they are expensive. The only small hybrids are the Toyota Prius hybrid and the Honda Civic hybrid. Costs and a return on investment; however, will ultimately be the most important requirements for the future of hybrids.

Thus far, the Big 3 views hybrids as only a niche, and mostly a niche for just big vehicles. If gas prices continue to rise, will Americans lose interest in hybrids like the Toyota Highlander hybrid or the Ford Escape hybrid, instead preferring small cars, or small hybrids?

The Prius is the undisputed king of the hybrid world. It's unique, highly efficient, and extremely innovative in style, comfort, design, etc. While converting conventional vehicles into hybrid options is worthwhile, completely new hybrid vehicles, especially hybrid cars or crossovers, will dominate the future.

Recent consumer studies by Toyota hybrid drivers indicate that consumers of hybrids want their vehicles distinguished as hybrids. That isn't an issue for the Prius, and only new hybrid models, as unique as the Prius, will ever challenge the Prius.

Of course, there is one wild card, Hyundai. Hyundai is going to make hybrid cars and this dark horse could shock the automotive world if it plays its cards right, even if it just converts its conventional vehicles into hybrids.

Then again, I'm sure cheap gas is just around the corner.

Honda taking its hybrids to another level

Honda has announced that it will be making its entire fleet of vehicles more fuel efficient, but none more so than its hybrid vehicles. Honda's improved i-VTEC engine technology will enable all Honda vehicles to increase their fuel efficiency by a few percent. However, this technology, combined with Honda's new hybrid powertrain, will enable gains in fuel efficiency of 20% for both the Civic hybrid and the Accord hybrid.

In fact, Honda's new hybrid powertrain, much like Toyota's hybrid powertrain, will enable the Civic and Accord hybrids to run on electric power only at low speeds. This ability has made the Prius hybrid, for example, extremely efficient in urban, or stop-and-go traffic. Other than Toyota hybrids, only the Ford Escape hybrid offers such capability.

While Honda has been in the shadow of Toyota hybrids, this development has the potential to enable Honda to challenge Toyota as hybrid king. Coupled with Nissan, Hyundai, GM, and Chrysler hybrids on the horizon, the hybrid competition is really set to heat up.

And as the energy crisis heats up, starting with today's Gulf tropical storms, hybrid interest is set to intensify.

Hyundai hybrids, something to this story?

There is something about this Hyundai hybrid story that I just can't shake. Over the last decade I've know several Hyundai owners. For the money, the say they love their vehicles.

Now Hyundai is preparing to sell hybrid vehicles in the U.S. built on proprietary technology. Unlike the Ford Escape hybrid, or the Nissan Altima hybrid, which use or will use Toyota hybrid technology, Hyundai will use its own technology, joining Honda as the only other hybrid players.

If the Accent hybrid is able to achieve Prius efficiency for $15,000, in addition to a 10 year warranty, it'll have fantastic potential in America.

Hyundai takes on hybrid vehicles

In the Fortune article, Last Laugh Hyundai is called a "powerhouse" that "is shaking up the world's auto industry."

Why? An "extraordinary improvement in vehicle quality" coupled with low prices are two leading reasons that instead of being a "laughingstock", Hyundai is now, "dictating trends that others must follow."

Even Toyota's Fujio Cho has stated, "It's a company we must watch out for."

So it will be interesting to see what approach Hyundai takes with hybrid cars, but the fact that such an up-and-comer is announcing the quick output of two hybrids in just over a year promises to add an interesting element to the hybrid segment.

The conventional Accent starts at $10,000, so the future pricing of the Accent hybrid is going to be very, very interesting. With such a low base price on the conventional model, the Accent hybrid appears that it will easily be the most economical hybrid available.

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Check this link out to see some of Hyundai's concept cars, such as their fuel cell and hydrogen vehicles. The last concept car on the page is an electric hybrid SUV. Perhaps some of this technology will end up in the Accent hybrid? (More)

Hyundai hybrid cars in 2006

Hyundai plans to bring hybrid cars to America a year earlier than originally planned. By late 2006, Hyundai will offer hybrid versions of both the Accent and the Kia Rio.

In stark contrast to GM, for example, Hyundai will not offer large hybrid vehicles because of their "low profitability". GM has maintained that they are not interested in hybrid cars for the same reason and will only focus on large hybrid SUVs and trucks.

I guess that isn't much of a surprise from a company that is ramping up to market a new line of large SUVs during an economic crisis largely caused by gas-guzzling.

Hyundai hybrids?

The South Korean government is going to provide incentives for people who purchase hybrid cars. Additionally, the South Korean government is pushing Hyundai to begin mass production of hybrid cars by the end of this year. Hyundai produced about 50 hybrid Click mini-cars last year. More from just-auto.com.