New Toyota hybrid pickup shelved

Not the time for a new hybrid pickup truck

Recently, Toyota was investigating the possibility of turning its Toyota ABAT hybrid pickup concept into a production vehicle. However, partially due to declining pickup sales, according to MotorTrend, Toyota is shelving the hybrid pickup for now.

Fusion hybrid? Whatever. Where's the F150 hybrid?

What message would a Ford F-Series hybrid send?

OK. As the government contemplates its cash for clunkers program I want you to guess the number I'm thinking right now. Sound crazy?

Really, it isn't that hard. The writing is in the picture. Think fuel economy.

Got it? That's right, it's 17. As in 17 mpg. For a 4-wheel drive it's 15. Add E85 and its 11.

Those are the stellar fuel economy numbers for Ford's top selling F150 Series pickup trucks - the top selling vehicle in America in March (and many other months).

Now imagine every American turning in their clunker for such a patriotic vehicle. Visualize the extra foreign oil America would need. Awesome! Right?

Imagine how many more Iraqs we could conquer to fuel our iron-triangled economy. Boy, we could end this recession right now.

Or, we can realize that 15 - 17 mpg is almost criminal and start turning these gas-guzzling monsters into hybrid vehicles, including plug-in hybrids. Maybe even full EVs. So, if Ford's hybrid cars are better, prove it by updating the segment most important to Ford's business - trucks - with a hybrid version.

Silverado: A very smart GM hybrid

Finally, a hybrid truck

I just finished reading an InsideLine review of the GM Silverado hybrid. Basically, the Silverado hybrid is going to use the same dual mode hybrid technology powering the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid, which means fuel economy in the low 20's, depending on wheel drive - either two or 4 wheel drive. Most important, the Silverado maintains full size truck towing and payload capabilities.

So what? So what, unless you're a contractor, a construction worker, or a farmer, for instance. Such hybrid trucks can double city fuel economy, while still providing nice gains in highway fuel economy, even when towing or carrying large payloads. This isn't a big hybrid that eases big vehicle guilt, this is a big hybrid that provides much needed fuel economy gains in a vehicle segment much needed by many American workers.

Now that's an American revolution. Too bad this new Chevy hybrid truck still won't hit the streets until mid 2009.

GM hybrid trucks in 2008?

Trucks are one of the most important automobile categories in the U.S., and it seems shocking that a hybrid version of a truck or two has yet to hit the U.S. market.

That will surely change before the end of 2008.

In the past, Toyota has acknowledged that a Toyota Tundra hybrid is a possibility. It might be more of a possibility now that GM is entering the hybrid truck space.

GM has confirmed that the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra pickup trucks will be offered with dual-mode hybrid powertrains in late 2008. Some of these hybrid trucks, or all of them, are scheduled to built at the Oshawa Truck Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada.

(Source: Reuters)

Woolsey Plugs Hybrid Plug-Ins Again

R. James Woolsey, a director of the CIA during the Clinton Administration, has been a huge advocate for plug-in hybrid vehicles, and he has a featured article on the Wall Street Journal, Gentleman, Start your Plug-Ins. "Subsidizing expensive substitutes for petroleum, ignoring the massive infrastructure costs needed to fuel family cars with hydrogen, searching for a single elegant solution--none of this has worked, nor will it. Instead we should encourage a portfolio of inexpensive fuels, including electricity, that requires very little infrastructure change and let its components work together: A 50 mpg hybrid, once it becomes a plug-in, will likely get solidly over 100 mpg of gasoline (call it "mpgg"); if it is also a flexible fuel vehicle using 85% ethanol, E-85, its mpgg rises to around 500, " states Woolsey.

So keep buying those hybrid cars, it invests in the future of hybrid technology. Also, make sure your representative in Congress understands that tax incentives for today's hybrid vehicles and tomorrow's plug-in hybrids is an investment in the future.

Join our campaign for increased tax credits for hybrid cars.

Toyota's huge hybrid vehicle mistake?

When it comes to hybrid vehicles, Toyota is the undisputed king. The Toyota Prius is by far the world's best selling hybrid, and Toyota offers the largest lineup of hybrids of any automaker.

Still, I think Toyota might have played its hybrid hand a bit better, or maybe there is a kink in Toyota's hybrid vehicle chain?

With low gas prices, sales of pick-up trucks are picking up, and GM and Ford are leading the way. This is one vehicle segment that American automakers understand well, and it is the most important vehicle segment for American automakers.

Consequently, Toyota's recent advertising campaign for its trucks has really surprised me, but not in a good way. Apparently, Toyota trucks are so tough that neither the Loch Ness Monster nor even a meteorite could damage one.

Please! Is Toyota serious? Is this how Toyota is going to challenge Ford and GM trucks?

Toyota, I believe, has to take a completely different approach, and I think a hybrid truck would have been the perfect buzz creator. For instance, imagine how easy it would be to attack the Chevy Silverado hybrid with a Toyota full hybrid truck - the emissions and fuel economy comparisons would be a joke.

Sure, hybrid trucks aren't going to outsell conventional trucks. Still, focusing on Toyota's hybrid trucks could bring a lot of buzz to all Toyota trucks, just as the Prius has driven much positive PR to all Toyota vehicles.

So, why isn't Toyota acting? Instead of a hybrid truck, Toyota has resorted to cheezy commercials?

Is Toyota's hybrid powertrain insufficient for some truck duties, such as towing a boat or camper? Is this a kink in Toyota's hybrid powertrain? Will GM's dual mode hybrid powertrain handle these tasks better?

Many might believe that truck drivers are nothing but a bunch of good ole boys - don't believe in global warming, don't tell them what to drive. While some might fit this profile, I bet a bunch of 'em fully believe in the dangers of foreign oil dependency and would be very open to hybrid trucks.

Toyota could have framed a new debate around hybrid trucks, Americanism and foreign oil dependency. Moreover, I'd bet they could have sold as many hybrid trucks as hybrid Highlanders, and considering the importance of the truck segment, wouldn't a hybrid truck have been worth a try?

Key to hybrid success - put it in every type of vehicle?

A study by ABI research claims that as auto manufacturers "tailor hybrid-electric technology to meet the needs of the target audience," more consumers become interested in hybrid technology.

What? No way! You mean that if an auto manufacturer tries to sell hybrid cars to those consumers that are only interested in trucks, they won't be very successful? Unbelievable.

I couldn't even count the number of times I've been asked, 'When is a full hybrid truck coming out?' If you don't have hybrid trucks, minivans, crossovers, etc. those interested in those segments of vehicles aren't going to buy a hybrid.

Still, even though hybrid vehicles are gaining greater consumer interest and acceptance, ABI is still only predicting a total marketshare of "at least 6%" by 2013.

Consequently, I'll make a bold prediction. As soon as hybrid trucks, minivans, crossovers, etc hit dealerships, the sooner there will be large increases in hybrid marketshare.

Are Detroit automakers, "rigid" and "old-school"?

Thinking outside-of-the-box is, in my opinion, one of Detroit's biggest problems. Or, let me rephrase that sentence. Detroit's inability to think outside-of-the-box is Detroit's biggest problem, which is why America is last in the hybrid car game.

An article in the Automotive News sheds light on the problem. "...talented women have been leaving Ford, General Motors and the Chrysler group in numbers too large to ignore. Most have left for better opportunities outside the industry after years of frustration in rigid, old-school work cultures and lack of advancement," states Anne Doyle, president of Anne Doyle Strategies, whom was also once communications director for Ford North American Division.

Hmmm???? "Rigid, old-school work cultures." I'd say that about sums up Detroit's problems.

Big trucks and SUVs cannot forever drive Detroit's profits. Sadly, this should have been realized decades ago, not just to protect the environment, but America itself. Reliance upon foreign oil endangers not just tens of thousands of American jobs, but America's national security. This should have been clear after the problems with Iran in the 70's and 80's. It should have been crystal clear after 9/11.

While Detroit might see hybrid vehicles as an interim technology to fuel cell vehicles, hybrids are interim technology that is desperately needed right now. America can't wait another decade or two to start getting serious about oil dependence. Unfortunately, the attitude in Detroit continues to seem, "rigid" and "old-school", and that is very sad.

Volvo very bullish on hybrid vehicles?

I flipped on CNBC yesterday and the CEO of the Volvo Group was on Morning Call. Eventually, the hybrid question was asked, and I was surprised by what the CEO had to say. While I can't quote him, he essentially stated that hybrid technology was the key to energy efficiency. He further noted that Volvo was far along in its hybrid development program, and that Volvo is selling hybrid versions of heavy duty trucks outside of the U.S. Ultimately, I found it very interesting that the CEO didn't claim that hybrids were an important part of their future plans, but were key to the future. Oh, those crazy diesel-loving Europeans.

The connection between the Prius and the Hummer

There is no connection between the Toyota Prius and the Hummer. Thus, when I saw the headline, Prius: As Obnoxious as a Hummer?, I almost ignored reading the article, but, inevitably, I couldn't resist, especially after I read the article, Prius Responsibility.

The author notes, "As a dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast, I find superficial excess repulsive in whatever form it takes. Yes, I think heavy-duty trucks and SUVs are a garish display of vehicular excess unless they're towing, hauling, or otherwise justifying their gluttonous existence. But it wasn't until the second-generation Toyota Prius became the darling of the Hollywood left and the Brie & Merlot quasi-literati crowd that similar feelings of disdain for this posterchild of parsimony began to well up inside me."

Wow! While I understand what the writer is saying, and while I also share some of his disdain, I also know many Prius drivers that vote Republican and drive a Prius because of National Security beliefs.

Sometimes generalizations and stereotypes are just that, generalizations and stereotypes.

Finally, the author concludes, "So at the end of the day, do I hate Priuses or their drivers? Not necessarily. Just drop the "Look at me! I'm saving the environment! Aren't I great?" attitude and that your car is superior when there are other models out there that are as fuel-efficient or better."

Here the author again makes an assumption that Prius buyers only buy the Prius because of 'looks'.

How ridiculous! First, Toyota designed the Prius in such a manner because of aerodynamics and that design leads to better fuel efficiency. It also leads to better cargo space. Second, when it comes to urban driving - stop-and-go driving - it is simply hard to compete with the Prius, even for the Honda Civic hybrid. So, what other vehicles out there do as well or better in urban driving conditions in terms of pollution and fuel efficiency - please? Third, the Prius has simply been road tested like no other hybrid and when buying an emerging technology, it isn't unusual for early adopters to stick with the most popular brand.

Sure there are some annoying Prius drivers out there, but there are a lot of cool Prius drivers out there as well. Let's not forget, critics constantly tell us that you can't save money buying hybrid cars, such as the Prius. Consequently, those Prius drivers have paid EXTRA money to try to make a better world, to try to fight pollution, to try to end foreign oil dependency.

That deserves at least a little respect.

Ford Expedition hybrid, with leased GM hybrid technology?

Ford has announced that is working on a hybrid version of the Ford Expedition, apparently, in an attempt to compete against GM's Tahoe hybrid, Yukon hybrid, and Chrysler's Durango hybrid. In fact, there is some speculation that Ford might even lease GM's Dual Mode hybrid powertrain (more).

While I understand that there are a number of Americans that essentially demand large trucks and SUVs, where are the Big 3's hybrid cars? The Big 3 simply aren't going to survive in the future if Detroit can't build top selling fuel efficient cars in addition to huge SUVs. It is hard to take Detroit's hybrid efforts seriously until they come up with a hybrid to challenge the Toyota Prius.

Hybrid Vehicle Technology Spawning Innovation, Competition

Back in the 90's the Big 3 were given a billion tax dollars to develop the next generation of fuel efficient technologies. They developed hybrid cars and electric cars, but Detroit quickly decided that such vehicles just weren't profitable enough.

Japan, on the other hand, showed a bit more vision and determination, eventually producing the Honda Insight hybrid, followed by the Toyota Prius hybrid. Still, things didn't really get going until the 2nd Generation Prius, which quickly became a hot seller and put hybrids on America's radar.

Now Detroit is finally taking the hybrid game seriously - at least a little bit.

While Ford has stated that it firmly believes in the future of hybrid cars, GM has continued to state that hybrid vehicles are little more than a public relations effort. Nonetheless, GM and Chrysler are developing hybrids - of course their hybrid technology is, ultimately, better for trucks and highway driving, rather than the congestion that is predicted to be a major problem in the next couple of decades.

Moreover, the Army recently announced a program converting Ford Escape hybrids into hydrogen hybrids, and there are also Prii running on hydrogen. Suddenly, the 'hydrogen highway' might not require fuel cells at all, rather just current hybrid vehicle technology. Besides, if fuel cells do become cost-effective, most engineers believe that fuel cell automobiles will be fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

But back to today's technology.

Even far different hybrid technology, such as a hydraulic hybrid, is being developed and tested right now. For example, UPS is testing a diesel hydraulic hybrid this year. Hydraulic hybrids offer significant fuel economy improvements without the high costs of electric motors, hybrid batteries and software.

Single mode hybrids, dual mode hybrids, hydrogen hybrids, hydraulic hybrids - suddenly, oil dependence seems more manageable.

Recently, I read the article, Energy policy without the fear factor that states, "We cannot continue to go the way we've been going. It is not a matter of "car guys'' versus "tree huggers,'' liberals versus conservatives, truck lovers versus truck haters. It is an acknowledgment that, if we as a global community fail to examine and answer "What if?'' and refuse to accept or implement the changes required by the answers, the question may answer itself.....And the answer could be one none of us could live with."

Today's hybrids are not just the beginning of an automotive revolution, but a technological evolution. When we believe we can do more, a funny thing happens, we find out we can. Suddenly, utopian dreams aren't so utopian when the power of technology is used to benefit people, rather than just profit from people.

"What if" we dare to dream is a great question. 'Why not dare to dream', I think, is an even better one with today's technology.

New Army hybrid vehicle can power a city block

The Army is working with Oshkosh Truck Corp to develop a new line of Heavy Expanded Mobility Technical Hybrid Trucks. "Oshkosh Truck, the military's exclusive provider of the Army's heavy cargo-hauling HEMTT vehicles, is finishing up prototypes of its electric hybrid. It not only increases gas mileage by about 20 percent from the standard 3 to 4 miles per gallon, it generates enough electricity to power a city block or hospital." (AP)

Hybrid Technology: One Mode Versus Two Mode

Soon, the first hybrid cars from GM and Chrysler will be available for sale, and so too will a new type of hybrid technology.

The New York Times notes, "the new technology is different in some crucial respects. It has the potential to operate much more efficiently at highway speeds, with a greater boost from the electric motors. The components are lighter and more compact and can be readily adapted to different types of vehicles. It is particularly well suited to large trucks and S.U.V.'s — the biggest gas hogs in Americans' garages — where it will have the greatest impact on overall fuel consumption."

Wouldn't going from an SUV to a hybrid car, rather than a large hybrid SUV, "have the greatest impact on overall fuel consumption"?

Still, if consumers have to have a "gas hog", a hybrid "gas hog" will be 25% less piggish - and that's at least a good start.

Energy Secretary Disses Hybrids?

U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman called on Americans to embrace ethanol, but did little to promote hybrid cars or clean diesel at the SAE conference in Detroit.

"It should be our common goal that E85 become a nationwide fueling option," Bodman said. "In the coming days, I will be asking that we do more to make consumers aware of the flex-fuel option both when they are considering a new car purchase and for existing owners of flex-fuel vehicles."(DetroitNews)

Additionally, the Secretary plugged electric cars and hydrogen fuel cells as the 'answer' to America's energy problems.

It's ironic that since GM, Ford and Toyota fuel cell vehicles will be hybrid vehicles, that the Secretary didn't promote hybrids, minimally, as a bridge to not just fuel cell vehicles, but electric vehicles as well. Plug-in hybrid vehicles, for example, can function as electric cars, while also providing gasoline, diesel, ethanol, biodiesel or even hydrogen as a supplementary or primary fuel source.

On the other hand, there is a good chance that if someone buys a flex-fuel vehicle, especially if they live on either coast - they will never fill it up with E85, since they won't be able to find any gas stations that carry ethanol.

In fact, if you are worried about the environment, or foreign oil dependency, many flex fuel vehicles cause much more harm than good. Since many flex fuel vehicles are large trucks and SUVs, flex fuel capabilities were only added to avoid penalties for missing CAFE requirements. Consequently, flex-fuel technology is often only serving as a loop hole that increases foreign oil dependency and pollution.

And the government is good at loopholes. According to some, Bush's new CAFE requirements - intended to make more fuel efficient trucks and SUVs - might lead to bigger, more fuel inefficient trucks and SUVs thanks to another loophole. (AutoWeek)

Why should we be surprised since the government already gives unlimited, $25,000 tax deductions for small business owners to buy the most pollution and foreign oil dependency causing vehicles, yet gives much smaller, capped tax incentives for hybrids?

It seems the government and the Energy Secretary are either ignorant, incompetent, or too focused on protectionist legislation designed to protect American corporations, rather than to actually make America a safer place. Apparently, only gigantic, inefficient corporations can save America.

Yes, ethanol is important, but so to is clean diesel, biodiesel, and even clean gasoline. More important, hybrid technology can make any of these fuels much more efficient, while clearing the path to fully electric cars and/or fuel cell hybrid vehicles.

Let's put the power in the hands of the people, not the corporations. Join the campaign for hybrid vehicle tax incentives.

Can automakers do the right thing? Join the hybrid revolution

Talking 'bout a revolution

Recently, IBM held a think tank calling on business leaders to lead the green revolution, before the government forces them to do it with messy and expensive regulations.

Automakers need to heed this call.

Let's face it, can we really afford to wait much longer before taking oil dependency seriously? Political tensions in Iran, Venezuela, Nigeria, the War in Iraq, bomb attacks on Saudi oil refineries and increased hurricane activity over the next decade are already great reasons to act, but they are only the beginning.

New evidence suggests that global warming is picking up fast. In less than 100 years, Miami could be a memory as oceans rise as much as 20 feet (NewScientist).

Additionally, yesterday I blogged about the potential of a billion new drivers from Asia and asked, "Where will the oil come from?"

Today, even China is beginning to tax SUVs and other gas guzzlers in an attempt to spur the sales and development of efficient automobiles.

Yet in America, we can only propose new fuel efficiency standards on large SUVs, but not on trucks - a huge source of gas-guzzling - because we wouldn't want to upset the American consumer or the American auto industry. (MORE)

We must do more, much more.

Even Flex fuel cars, hybrid cars, and plug-in hybrid cars are not enough. We need even better cars. We need to make automobiles smaller, and we need to make them flex fuel, plug-in hybrid vehicles. We need the best technology that the entire auto industry has to offer and we need it to be affordable. Most important, we need it NOW!

Yet, AutoWeek questions, "Do consumers even want plug-in hybrids?"

Since when did consumerism become more important than health or national security? So, what about smoking? What about seat belts? What about the Dubai port deal?

Ultimately, consumers will mostly do what is in their best interest, however, national security takes priority over consumer choice - ALWAYS. Still, if consumers know they can reduce fuel costs by 50%, they will gladly plug-in their vehicles.

Imagine the competition that could be created by flex-fuel plug-in hybrids for fuel choices. Ethanol, diesel, bio-diesel, gasoline, hydrogen, clean coal-powered electric, solar-powered electric, wind-powered electric, etc. all could play an important part in the new energy revolution that can fundamentally change the world. Ultimately, the green revolution and energy independence are not about protecting America, it's about liberating the people of the world.

The green revolution can be driven with the automobile. If the auto industry cannot focus on creating green choices for the world, then eventually the government will have to, and that won't be good for either consumers or businesses. Starting now might already be too late, but waiting any longer is simply suicidal.

Let's Revolt!

Congress doesn't need to build the green revolution, they need to inspire the green revolution with intelligent tax incentives. Let's keep the pressure on Congress and Business to do the right thing. Join the Hybrid Car Revolution Campaign.

Volvo trucks going hybrid

Volvo has developed a hybrid system that it will offer in trucks and buses by 2009. "Hybrid technology has been used for cars for five or 10 years now. The oil price, technology and the lower cost of batteries now makes it an efficient option for trucks and buses, too," Volvo Technical Director Lars-Goeran Moberg told AFP. "This makes us weep with pleasure," he said. (MORE)

Why I like the flex-fuel Ford Escape hybrid

Lately, there has been a lot of buzz around ethanol, and suddenly GM has gone green by going yellow. Yet, a closer look at the numbers highlights some serious issues.

There are 168,987 gasoline pumps in the United States and only 608 of them offer ethanol (AutoWeek). In a previous post, Help us Detroit, I called GM's ethanol campaign pure smoke and mirrors.

If GM has put millions of ethanol vehicles on the road, where are they filling up? Also, why are the far majority of ethanol vehicles large SUVs and trucks? Isn't it ironic that most buying this technology aren't using ethanol, yet GM still receives CAFE credits for using the technology? If GM cares so much about ethanol, why isn't the technology in all vehicles, rather than just vehicles near failing CAFE?

Yes, ethanol offers great potential as a fuel, but not today. In fact, some analysts suggest that it could take 15 years before ethanol could really start making a difference, which is why I like the flex-fuel Ford Escape hybrid.

The Escape hybrid is already a great vehicle, reducing the conventional Escape's fuel consumption by between 20 and 30 percent, while also significantly reducing pollution. The flex-fuel Escape hybrid vehicle offers these same gains, plus the ability to use ethanol.

In 10 years, both ethanol and the technology behind hybrid cars will advance, but neither will offer a real solution to oil dependence. In 10 years; however, a plug-in flex-fuel hybrid vehicle could easily and economically function without oil - not just foreign oil - while continuing to push the bar for fuel economy.

I like ethanol and I like hybrid vehicles, but I really like flex-fuel hybrids. And if plug-in technology is added to those flex-fuel hybrids we add even greater fuel economy, while sparking greater competition and variety in fuel choices.

Shouldn't something as important as energy be about choice, especially in today's world?

Diesel versus ethanol versus hybrid: Why not Dare to Dream?

"Advocates for diesel -- a less refined fuel than gasoline that burns more completely in the engine, delivering more power -- say it can cut oil use, perhaps more quickly and cost effectively than alternatives such as hybrids and ethanol." (CNNMoney)

Wow, diesel can cut oil use. Holy cow, somebody call up the Nobel committee!! We're ready to end foreign oil dependence!!

O.K., maybe not. While clean diesel is an excellent technology, it will never go far enough.

Diesel advocate Dieter Zetsche, CEO of DaimlerChrysler, "estimated that if 30 per cent of the vehicle fleet were powered by diesels, the United States could reduce fuel consumption enough to cut oil imports by the equivalent of what it buys each year from Saudi Arabia." (MotorTrend)

But what about Iran, Nigeria, and Venezuela, etc.? Why are we so content with such insignificant results and small goals?

Additionally, I disagree with the fuel efficiency of diesels. Advocates claim that clean diesel is 30% more fuel efficient - on the highway at least.

Yet new studies claim, "The worst traffic in the U.S. is getting even worse. It pollutes as the vehicles idle. It wastes the time of trucks and passenger cars. The annual delay per driver is in excess of 47 hours per year. It creates delayed shipments. It wastes more than 2.3 billion gallons of fuel each year." (Fortune)

In reality, diesel gas is going to have little effect on reducing fuel consumption in these conditions. Since census data suggests that the far majority of Americans are going to live around just a few large cities in the future, shouldn't congestion be the new standard for testing fuel efficiency?

In congestion - or the driving conditions of the future - full hybrid technology, such as that powering Toyota and Ford hybrid cars, is the best.

Then there is the cost of diesel fuel, and even if those costs are eventually reduced, Americans will simply drive more and then we'll need that Saudi Arabian oil anyway. So, where is the gain?

Dare to Dream

Why are we so afraid to shoot for the moon? Why do we accept such complacency from governments, oil barons, and automotive corporations? Why don't we demand the best, most innovative fuel efficient technology available? Why don't we demand choice?

For example, instead of diesel, why not diesel hybrids? Even better, flex-fuel diesel plug-in hybrids or flex-fuel gasoline plug-in hybrids blow every competitor away.

The only technology that can compare to or surpass flex plug-in hybrid technology is fuel cell technology, but the costs are just to high at this time, and fuel cell vehicles will probably be hybrid vehicles anyway.. Flex-fuel plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, can already achieve well over 100 mpg, while offering numerous fuel choices, such bio-diesel, diesel, gasoline, ethanol, electricity, solar-electricity, wind-electricity, etc.

More important, as hybrid battery technology advances, the fuel efficiency of hybrid batteries will increase significantly while reducing costs - think notebook computers and their batteries.

Besides isn't capitalism supposed to be about competition? Where is the competition in today's energy paradigm?

Don't question the lack of competition because energy is cheap?

How many trillions will oil politics and oil-driven pollution end up costing the world? Has cheap oil really been such a bargain?

Obviously, cheap oil has been great for oil companies. Entire countries are driven by oil profits alone, and oil conglomerates set unbelievable records for profits, yet continually ask for tax incentives as if they have somehow lost money over the history of oil.

We the People

Ultimately, most American simply haven't demanded more. Instead we complain about high gas prices, about Bush's oil connections, about Haliburton, about Iraq, about Iran, and then we go buy a gas-guzzler.

Americans should Dare to Dream for energy independence just as we dared to dream for the moon. If America could become energy independent, then any country could become energy independent, and what would be so wrong with that? Bankrupt oil companies?

I say let's start judging our politicians, corporations, and other capitalists by their ability make our dreams reality, not by their ability to maintain the status quo.

Let's DARE TO DREAM!!!

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".

Re: AutoWeek's Newest Diesel versus Hybrid Vehicle article

"Heavy-duty diesel pickups have proved popular here, but hybrid-powered vehicles dominate the market for fuel-efficient cars, in part because they generate better environmental buzz. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for the gasoline-electric Toyota Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid." AutoWeek

Sometimes it's very hard to take AutoWeek seriously, especially when they write things that don't make sense.

First, I'm willing to admit that clean diesel achieves 20 percent better fuel efficiency than conventional gasoline engines, but the technology does cost more.

Second, in Los Angeles, where I live, the price of diesel is almost a dollar more than standard unleaded. So, how exactly is a clean diesel going to save me any money, even if it is 20% more efficient?

Third, in Los Angeles, almost all of my driving is stop and go driving. In such conditions, a hybrid vehicle like the Toyota Prius will perform much better than a Jetta Diesel.

Fourth, the Big 3 are focusing almost exclusively on diesel trucks, not cars. So I have to wait a decade before I have a selection of diesel cars to compare to the Civic hybrid, Prius hybrid, Camry hybrid and Malibu hybrid, etc?

So in my case, in real world driving, selection and costs, how does a diesel compare to a hybrid vehicle? The facts demonstrate that it just doesn't. So, it isn't about environmental buzz, as AutoWeek states, it's just basic facts.

Granted if more petroleum were refined into diesel, the costs would go down, but that's a 'what if'.

If AutoWeek wants to play 'what if' games, let me counter with a 'what if' game.

What if new hybrid batteries become 100% more powerful at the same weight and cost as today's hybrid batteries? Such technology is completely possible within the next decade - which is the same period of time that AutoWeek speculates it would take diesels to really take off in the U.S. in a way that would drive diesel fuel prices lower.

If such hybrid technology were available, then diesels - even with cheaper diesel fuel prices - simply wouldn't compare with the capabilities of hybrid cars. The potential of hybrids has barely been tapped. In the coming decades, hybrids will become significantly more powerful, fuel efficient, and clean.

Diesel technology, on the other hand, has largely reached its potential. Yes, clean diesel technology is a good thing, which can compete with hybrids in the short term, but only in the short term. Inevitably, the best utilization of a diesel engine will be to put it in a hybrid vehicle.

Clean diesel hybrid vehicles are an excellent push into the future. To quit at clean diesel is just far too short-sighted, and a silly argument against hybrids.

Once again I just don't get AutoWeek. Why are they so afraid of hybrid cars?

Hybrids, the Cobra, the Camero and the Detroit Auto Show

I've been watching CNBC's coverage of the Detroit Auto Show all day long, and I've been struck by one thing: the past versus the future.

Today, Toyota's buzz has revolved around one thing, the future and hybrid cars. This morning the Lexus LS460 hybrid was unveiled, but the real hype, the real excitement is around the launch of the new Toyota Camry hybrid. Now, not to be too biased, the launch of the new conventional Camry is also big news, but the hype around the future for Toyota is still hybrids.

On the other hand, much of the buzz for Ford and GM seems to revolve around the past, particularly around the Cobra and Camero muscle cars.

Now I know that Ford has the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid, and GM will soon be launching its own hybrids, but the Detroit Show again demonstrates just how far ahead Toyota is pulling into the future.

And, regarding GM hybrids, some are even questioning 'how hybrid' GM hybrids are really going to be. "What GM is talking about in my book are not hybrids," said David Healy, an auto analyst with Burnham Securities. "These are trucks with humongous starter motors." (more)

What also struck me, unfortunately, was how much horsepower drives America, which clarifies why not only Ford and GM are hyping the Cobra and Camero, but why Toyota is hyping the Lexus LS460 hybrid.

Horsepower is even driving Toyota hybrids.

Phil Lebeau of CNBC noted how hybrids have become focused on horsepower as much as fuel efficiency. Therefore, the Toyota Highlander hybrid gives you V6 performance with V4 fuel efficiency, but the focus is not purely on fuel efficiency. In fact Mr. Lebeau noted that new hybrid batteries, combined with new micro-processors and software, offer hybrid vehicles the ability to be even more fuel efficient, but that efficiency would come at the expense of horsepower.

So, fuel efficiency isn't even the pure driver of hybrids, yet. If gas prices spike in the coming years, that might change; however, if a breakthrough in hybrid batteries occurs, it might not even matter. Such a breakthrough would afford hybrids the ability to offer significant horsepower coupled with unbelievable fuel efficiency.

While gasoline electric hybrids might not dominate the future before fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles, I wouldn't bet against them if I were an automaker. Since computer technology has essentially become the driver of hybrid success, betting against hybrids is like betting that computers don't have any room for improvement.

A real hybrid statement from Ford, try hybrid trucks

Thus far Ford has focused all of its hybrid energy around one vehicle type, the SUV, and its near terms plans are all based around the Ford Escape hybrid and related SUVs, such as the Mercury Mariner hybrid and Mazda Tribute hybrid.

While this is a good niche for Ford to follow, considering that SUVs have received gas-guzzling scorn in recent years, trucks are what really makes Ford hum.

So what not a hybrid truck?

There has been an idea in the auto industry that pickup drivers just wouldn't be interested in such technology. These men of men that drive pickups are too busy pulling stumps out of the backyard and hauling tons of whatever here and there. New research; however, shows that fuel efficiency has become one of the most important issues for pickup drivers according to a new R.L. Polk study (more).

Interest in fuel economy, according to the study, has become more important than horsepower, off-road capability and all other attributes combined (and BTW, women have become some of truck's biggest buyers). Since Ford trucks are the nation's best selling vehicles, wouldn't addressing this interest with some hybrid effort be great PR for Ford?

Is Ford missing its best opportunity in hybrid vehicles?

GM dealers in mad hybrid push with Sierra / Silverado

According to AutoWeek GM dealers are trying hard to push the green factor of the Sierra / Silverado hybrid truck. While GM has been one of the industry's staunchest hybrid critics, its dealers are trying hard to utilize the frenzied interest in hybrid cars. And who can blame them when they are in the midst of a horrific sales slump?

Unfortunately, the Silverado hybrid barely qualifies as a hybrid. In fact, 'mild' hybrid is almost too strong of a word for this vehicle.

I would almost argue that the first generation Honda Civic hybrid and the Honda Accord hybrid are 'mild' hybrids because these Honda hybrids cannot function on primarily electric power, as do Ford and Toyota hybrids in certain driving conditions (fortunately, the 2006 Civic hybrid will offer more hybrid performance). This ability makes the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid extremely efficient in city driving.

The Silverado hybrid, on the other hand, lags far behind Honda hybrid performance.

As AutoWeek notes, "The trucks' big selling point is not the hybrid powertrain, but their capability as mobile power generators."

Ultimately, the GM Silverado hybrid is a baby hybrid and isn't scheduled to join the hybrid big leagues until 2008. That's too bad, because a full hybrid truck would sure be a great product right now.

Are Toyota hybrid truck plans an opportunity for GM hybrids?

Sure GM offers a mild hybrid, but the Silverado hybrid truck barely offers any gains in fuel economy. Really, the best thing about the Chevy hybrid is the ability to plug some tools into the standard electric outlets it offers.

By 2007; however, GM should offer much better hybrid trucks - in terms of fuel efficiency. Of course, so to will the king of hybrid vehicles, Toyota.

Offering the best selling Prius, Toyota sells far more hybrids than any other automaker, but Toyota also sells two hybrid SUVs, the Highlander hybrid and the Lexus RX400h, but what about hybrid trucks?

Currently, Toyota is working on a feasibility study to determine if a Toyota Tundra hybrid can meet consumer demands. According to AutoWeek, because "many truck owners require their vehicles to tow or haul heavy loads over long distances. Hybrid battery power is nearly useless in that aspect. As a result, a pickup cannot scrimp on engine displacement without sacrificing towing performance. That hurts fuel economy, the main benefit of a hybrid."

Only time will tell if Toyota can overcome this issue. For many hybrid truck consumers, towing might be a non-issue, but this could be an area for GM to capitalize. GM's dual-mode hybrid will not rely as much on batteries as much as Toyota hybrids. Thus, GM trucks will not face these towing problems; however, GM trucks might not be as fuel efficient as Toyota trucks. Nonetheless, the hybrid truck segment could offer GM a real window of opportunity.

In addition to Toyota, Ford hybrids, such as the Escape hybrid, or the Mercury Mariner hybrid, also use a powertrain very similar to Toyota, which means that Ford will also face many of the same towing issues as Toyota with Ford hybrid trucks.

Trucks are a huge market in the U.S. and a top selling hybrid truck could be a real winner for GM. I expect the marketing hype to really begin to heat up around this market segment towards the end of 2006, early 2007.

Hybrid cars could save America a Trillion dollars

The costs of hybrid cars. Critics love to talk about how the costs of hybrids don't add up, but what about the costs of gas-guzzling?

The Toyota Prius, minimally, achieves 45 mpg, even in the worst driving conditions, where the average conventional vehicle achieves less than 20 mpg. So what you ask?

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), if the U.S. required 40 mpg fleet mileage by 2015, the U.S. could save well over a trillion dollars by 2015. (more)

The Prius achieves better than that today. In 10 years, there is no reason crossover SUVs and light trucks couldn't also achieve the same levels of fuel efficiency. Currently, hybrids are only an emerging technology. Plug in hybrids, new Lithium batteries, and diesel hybrids offer the technology to make 40 mpg a reality.

Are there costs? Of course, but wouldn't it be worth it to invest $100 billion to save more than a trillion dollars - while ending foreign oil dependency, cleaning the environment, and helping American automakers become the technological leaders of the automotive world?

What are we waiting for?

Top 3 Reasons to buy a hybrid car

To save money

O.K. this isn't the best reason to buy a hybrid, but it isn't as impossible as many critics would have you believe. If you live in a city, hybrid cars offer the best ability to save money on gasoline; however, not all hybrids are equal in city driving.

Honda hybrids are not the best for city conditions. Unlike Ford and Toyota hybrids, Honda hybrids do not function on electric power only at low speeds.

In city driving, the Toyota Prius can easily achieve 45 mpg or more. Something like the Ford Focus, achieves just 17 mpg. In fact, in the city, the far majority of ALL conventional vehicles are going to achieve less than 20 mpg. Even worse, many trucks and SUVs will achieve less than 10 mpg in the city. Here again, the Toyota Highlander hybrid or the Ford Escape hybrid offer their best gasoline savings. The Lexus RX400h does its best here as well, but who buys a Lexus to save money?

To reduce pollution

Pollution, like fuel economy, is a tricky subject. For example, why does smog develop in cities? Is it just because of the large number of cars, or are driving conditions an important factor?

Congestion, stop-and-go, and idling bring out the worst in our vehicles, except for hybrids. A Prius or Escape hybrid will function on mostly electric power in these conditions, and in these conditions, conventional vehicles simply offer no competition. Overall, hybrids produce far less pollution than conventional vehicles, and in the conditions that produce the most pollution, hybrids perform their best.

To help end foreign oil dependency

Why do people buy Hummers, Cadillacs, and BMWs? Why do people put rims on their cars? Don't they want to make a statement?

For many hybrid buyers, buying a hybrid is a message that says, 'I am willing to fund fuel efficient technology.' This message is especially aimed at automakers whom have contributed to America's yearly increase in foreign oil consumption - automakers that have for decades successfully lobbied Congress not to raise fuel efficiency standards nor to make the EPA accurate.

How do you put a cost on foreign oil consumption? How much does it cost to maintain a military presence in the Middle East to protect America's oil addiction? How much money does it cost to influence the politics of the Middle East? How much money does it cost to try to stop the flow of money that moves from oil into the hands of terrorists?

How much? How many lives?

If the real costs of foreign oil dependency were added into the price of gasoline, the question of hybrid costs would immediately be over. Since oil wealth largely runs America, should we be surprised those costs are separated?

Only in America can Hummer ads fill the advertising slots of articles criticizing the costs of hybrid cars. Only in America is materialistic ignorance more acceptable than intelligence.

Ford not interested in hybrid trucks?

Ford's green push into hybrid cars is not going to include F-Series trucks according to the Detroit News. Already Ford offers the Escape hybrid and a few Mariner hybrids, but hybrid SUVS are the easiest hybrids to find.

Toyota offers the Lexus RX400h and the Highlander hybrid.

While I am happy that Ford is also going to focus its hybrid efforts on sedans and other cars, why not trucks? Giving that product segment to Toyota seems to be the dumbest move Ford could make.

Hybrids and the auto media: Is there a bias?

I think the fact that the auto media constantly points out the fact that hybrid cars miss their EPA numbers demonstrates a very ignorant bias against hybrids. In reality, the EPA isn't accurate in predicting the fuel economy of ANY vehicles, yet this is only mentioned in a tiny percentage of articles regarding hybrid vehicles and MPG. In actuality, many conventional vehicles miss their EPA estimates by as much as 30 percent.

Why doesn't the media focus on that fact, especially in the wake of Katrina? U.S. automakers enjoy and benefit from the fact that the EPA is so far from reality. If the truth were told, the actual fuel INEFFICIENCY of many vehicles, especially large trucks and SUVs, would have forced many consumers to rethink their purchases years ago. Additionally it would have forced American automakers to begin to take fuel efficiency seriously.

Nonetheless, others claim hybrids are the darling of the media, but I just don't see it.

GM's missing hybrids at Frankfurt Auto show

There has been a great amount of news regarding hybrid cars at the Frankfurt Autoshow.

"In the future, the cars you see from Toyota will be 100 percent hybrid," Kazuo Okamoto, executive vice president, told reporters in Frankfurt Monday, without giving a specific timetable. (NYTimes)

An AP auto writer noted, "At the Frankfurt auto show this week, German automakers Volkswagen AG, Audi AG and Porsche AG said they were forming an alliance to develop hybrid engines. Last week, BMW AG joined General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG in a similar partnership."

Additionally, "French automaker PSA Peugeot-Citroen also wants to develop hybrid technology and may join forces with another company to share costs, Chairman and Chief Executive Jean-Martin Folz said." And, "Audi unveiled the first gas-electric hybrid vehicle from a European automaker at the show, a version of its new Q7 sport-utility vehicle that will go on sale in 2008."

Even, DaimlerChrysler, one of GM's hybrid partners, "also said it will release its first hybrid Mercedes before the next Frankfurt auto show, which will be held in 2007."

Yet, it was GM that was missing at the hybrid party.

A European Auto Correspondent wrote, "Record fuel costs pushed hybrid cars to centre stage at the world's biggest car show this week...", while noting that GM was "one of the seemingly few companies at the Frankfurt show not to trumpet a new hybrid offering or highlight its plans to make one."

It is particularly ironic that GM told the European autowriter that the U.S. government made a mistake by giving hybrids favored treatment, rather than setting environmental standards to let the market decide how to meet them.

GM lobbyists have for decades convinced the government NOT to address fuel efficiency because GM has claimed it would interfere with fuel cell development. Additionally, the government has created loopholes, even tax incentives, enabling GM to create larger, foreign-oil guzzling trucks and SUVs. Essentially, GM has paid the government to handcraft its perfect market.

GM is an important American company because it employs a great number of Americans. Still, GM has become the least 'American' acting auto company. In the wake of 911, two wars in Iraq, and Katrina, GM plans to push its large trucks and SUVs full force ahead, even at the expense of some new, more fuel efficient sedans according to a recent AutoWeek article.

Perhaps hybrids aren't the only answer, or even the best answer, but they are a positive action. Consumers, or market forces, have expressed strong interest in this automotive development, yet GM offers only criticisms.

GM is an automaker, not an auto critic, and it's about time GM focuses on innovation rather than excuses.

Ford's Best Buzz Bet: Hybrid Trucks

Oil prices continue to climb, as Americans send more and more profit to countries that really don't like Americans.

Ford Automotive isn't doing well. Despite the success of the Ford Escape hybrid, Ford just hasn't been able to build much buzz with any of its new vehicles.

So, how about a Ford hybrid truck?

Sure, Ford won't be able to get too many of them on the road soon, simply because the parts necessary for Ford hybrid powertrains are not well stocked. Nonetheless, Ford could build considerable buzz with such a move - far more buzz than with the Mercury Mariner hybrid.

Foreign oil dependency is becoming a major issue for more and more Americans and Ford has indicated that it plans on utilizing hybrid vehicles to address those issues. While hybrid SUVs are an excellent way to address foreign oil dependency, some consumers ask, "Aren't SUVs part of the problem?"

On the other hand, this criticism isn't nearly as strong regarding pickup trucks.

Since trucks, in many ways, represent Middle America and the average American, "Fight terrorists, buy a hybrid truck," could become a powerful mantra at many Ford dealers - a mantra that is certain to resonate with many consumers.

Letting Toyota develop the first hybrid truck is something that Ford cannot allow. Ford needs buzz, they need to look like an innovator and the first hybrid truck could be just the remedy.

Tired of automaker deception

I'm really tired of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturer's deceptions and distortions. While I realize that is the role of lobbyist organizations, such as the Alliance, I've still had enough.

"We do not have control over the miles people drive, population growth, increasing congestion, commuting distances and other factors that cause fuel use to increase," said Eron Shosteck, spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers in Washington.

Yes, but you do have the ability to offer fuel efficient and emission's reducing technology. Obviously, the technology behind hybrid cars proves this is possible.

It's too expensive, the Alliance would counter.

Really? How expensive was 911, the first war in Iraq, the second war in Iraq, Afghanistan and the War on terror? All of these incidents are a direct result of American foreign oil dependency.

But consumers want big vehicles and horsepower, the Alliance responds from its Big 3 arm.

Really? Why have the Big 3, for decades, lost marketshare to companies selling mostly small cars and sedans?

The truth is fuel inefficient vehicles, particularly trucks and SUVs, were a buoy for the Big 3 because of ridiculous profit margins - sometimes as much as $10,000 or more on some vehicles. In reality, the Big 3 have not been able to compete in the quality, fuel efficient technology market.

Judging by hybrid vehicles, they still can't compete. Yes, Ford offers the Escape hybrid, but Ford was years behind Toyota in developing hybrid technology, and it will take years for Ford to offer a large number of hybrid vehicles.

Nonetheless, let's get back to consumer wants and automaker responsibility and affordability. Not long ago, it was reported that GM spends more on marketing every year than Toyota spent creating the Prius hybrid production line.

That's right, GM could have developed fuel efficient, emission reducing hybrid technology, but it chose to spend that money on marketing the fuel inefficient, pollution-causing virtues of large trucks and SUVs.

Companies like GM and Ford marketed the concept that trucks and SUVs were an expression of American freedom, while providing safety.

Safety, such as the rollover scandal? Freedom, such as 2 Iraq wars?

The Alliance is the purveyor of lies and the ramifications of those lies are becoming too big to go left unchallenged. How many American GI's have to die to protect the incompetence of the American auto industry and their well financed cronies in Washington?

Issues such as pollution and fuel efficiency should have been addressed and acted upon decades ago for national security and economic reasons.

Now there are no more excuses left. American automakers and the American Congress have proven time and time again that money, not American citizens, is the only thing that counts.

The energy bill, hybrid critics and American political ineptitude

The energy bill isn't a complete waste, but the amount of pork-barrel legislation that becomes part of any legislation is truly astounding.

Anyway, the clean vehicle tax credits were initially meant to reward technological innovations that provide clean energy and reduce foreign oil dependency. The original intention of the clean vehicle tax credits was to reward expensive and advanced technologies, such as hybrid cars and fuel cell vehicles, as an incentive for greater production and development amidst high costs.

Since neither GM nor Chrysler have any hybrid vehicles, they successfully lobbied Congress to add clean diesel vehicles to the tax credit as well.

At first glance this might seem fine. Shouldn't any clean technology be able to utilize the clean vehicle tax credit?

That might be OK if not for the caps on the amount of vehicles that can qualify for the tax credits. Under the clean vehicle tax credit, not everyone who buys a hybrid car, for example, will be able to utilize the tax credit. Additionally, Chrysler and GM can utilize the tax credits to promote diesel, instead of hybrids. In fact, tax credits for diesels offer GM and Chrysler incentives NOT to produce hybrids, since there are only a limited number of credits available.

So what? Diesel can achieve the same fuel efficiency as hybrids at a cheaper cost, some diesel advocates will reply.

Hogwash. The only way a super clean diesel engine will match the efficiency of true hybrid vehicles is by utilizing EPA fuel efficiency testing methodologies.

Well, the Toyota Prius hybrid doesn't achieve EPA fuel efficiency estimates the critics will clamor.



The truth is, very few vehicles achieve EPA fuel efficiency ratings. This isn't a hybrid vehicle issue. In fact, in real world driving it is large trucks, SUVs, and overly-horsepowered cars that miserably fail to achieve their EPA estimates. I'm still waiting for the hybrid-hating editors at AutoWeek to address this one (more on this).

There are number of problems with EPA fuel efficiency estimates, but the biggest is the EPA's assumption that Americans do most of their driving on the highway going 55 mph.

This simply isn't true. Congestion is becoming more and more commonplace in America, and the problem is only going to get worse. Don't believe me? Check out what the Department of Transportation has to say on the matter (click here).

In congested traffic, hybrid vehicles achieve their best fuel efficiency and, in such conditions the Toyota Prius, contrary to its many critics, can achieve the EPA estimated 60 mpg, or even higher. On the contrary, conventional vehicles perform their worst in these conditions, and that is the problem with clean diesel.

In congestion, clean diesel does not perform as well as hybrids. If not only congestion, but increased congestion, is the future for the American driver, then diesels luster truly beings to tarnish.

More important, in terms of congestion, hybrids offer significant untapped potential. Plug-in hybrids and new hybrid batteries will offer the potential for hybrids to become significantly more fuel efficient. A 100 mpg Prius is possible with today's technology. Even a 100 mpg Ford Escape hybrid SUV, or a 100 mpg Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV, isn't that far off if hybrid batteries continue their current gains in efficiency and size and/or if plug-in capabilities are added.

Ultimately, the technology that has made computers faster, more powerful, smaller and more portable is essentially the same technology that is key to hybrid vehicles. Equally important, this same technology will ultimately be key to fuel cell vehicles.

Quite simply, diesel technology will never be the answer to foreign oil dependency, but advanced hybrids can not only end foreign oil dependency, but they could do it almost pollution-free.

While I agree that diesel technology offers important gains in fuel efficiency and can be a good buy today, diesel technology simply doesn't compare to the potential of hybrid technology. With a limited number of tax credits available, and a Congress that refuses to address fuel efficiency - even in the midst of oil wars in Iraq and oil-driven terrorism - technology offers the only hope for change.

Thus, only the most promising technologies should be rewarded with tax credits. Otherwise tax credits for clean vehicles become another loophole for the Big 3 to increase our foreign oil dependency, as a new EPA report - withheld until the passage of the energy bill - is going to show (Read).

Sure GM can continue to assure Congress that cheap fuel cell vehicles are just around the corner, as GM has done for decades. Nonetheless, too many smart people have noted that this simply doesn't seem possible, and how many decades does it take to get around the corner?

How long will Americans continue to tolerate such unAmerican leadership from one of America's most important American companies. Neither consumers, nor citizens, but shareholders, are the only concern to GM.

Ultimately, the clean vehicle tax credits and much of the energy bill promotes and endorses complacency, rather than technological innovation. With such political and corporate ineptitude leading America, is it really any wonder that America continues to fall further and further behind in the technological battlefield?

Congress and corporation, an American disgrace.

Honda is high on natural gas

Before I rip on Honda, let me start out by acknowledging that Honda is the greenest auto company in the world, and they deserve kudos. Additionally, they produce excellent vehicles, and the Honda Civic GX is the cleanest vehicle on the road and it doesn't depend on foreign oil. Nonetheless, natural gas vehicles are not going to take over the American automarket, and anybody who thinks they will is just plain silly.

Thus, John Mendel, senior vice president of automobile operations of American Honda Motor Co., seems to have inhaled a few too many natural gas fumes. "We'll do hybrids as it makes sense, but I do not think they are the best solution. Right now hybrids don't make sense economically," Mandel was recently quoted as saying as he expressed his vision that natural gas vehicles are more important than hybrid vehicles.

I don't even know where to start on this one. First, natural gas simply isn't going to replace gasoline as the new energy infrastructure. The savings simply are not that great, and while Honda can sell home fueling systems, most consumers simply are not going to buy into the concept.

Second, while natural gas vehicles do offer independence from foreign oil, and burn cleaner than gasoline vehicles, new technologies - particularly hybrid vehicles - could easily outweigh every positive aspect of natural gas vehicles. One significant upgrade in hybrid batteries ends natural gas's cost effectiveness. Two upgrades and, well, you get the point.

Third, the hydrogen economy is the future. While it will probably take a few decades to achieve it, the hydrogen economy will be built upon fuel cells and those fuel cells will work in coordination with batteries. The hybrid powertrain can evolve into fuel cell-electric vehicles and help move the world entirely from fossil fuels. Natural gas is a fossil fuel.

Fourth, Mandel states, "you can use the car pool lane (in California)." Yes you can in the short term, but don't expect this privilege to last, if sales start numbering in the 1000's.

Additionally, if natural gas capabilities were to be added to trucks and SUVs, or even cars, which demand greater horsepower, the lure of natural gas begins to tarnish rather quickly. In terms of the future natural gas is already dead. In reality, the most interesting natural gas vehicle would be a natural gas-electric hybrid vehicle.

So, what is Honda's deal? I don't know. While Honda has been much more bullish on hybrids than the Big 3, they are still far behind Toyota. The Civic hybrid is a great vehicle, nothing flashy, but a quality vehicle. Still, in terms of hybrid technology, it really isn't Best of Breed. The Accord hybrid is the best Accord ever,but it also is a mediocre hybrid at best.

In terms of pure hybrid technology, Toyota and Ford stand above Honda. The Prius is simply the best hybrid vehicle. The Lexus RX400h, the Highlander hybrid, and the Escape hybrid demonstrate that very fuel efficient hybrid SUVs are possible - as more efficient batteries are developed. This, while frustrating for environmentalists, is simply an important aspect of the American automobile market.

Natural gas is a new fuel for a dying technology. While it offers great potential for fleets, it does not offer the same for the average consumer.

Hybrid technology, on the other hand, is a step towards the future, a future that can offer unlimited horsepower without foreign oil, without pollution. More important, hybrids can work within the current energy infrastructure and the technology can naturally, transparently accommodate fickle consumers afraid of change, as the industry adapts and evolves into the hydrogen highway.

Yes, hybrid technology is a bit expensive, but not as expensive as the first calculators, cellphones, and computers.

Consumer concerns of hybrid vehicles

In the past few weeks there have been a few interesting studies regarding hybrid vehicles. Last week, I mentioned the R. L. Polk & Co. study which found that 97 percent of consumers have heard of hybrid vehicles and 78 percent would consider buying one; however, cost would still limit the majority from taking such action.

Another study - if you can call it that - by Kelly Blue Book cited by Money notes that "a majority of consumers are skeptical of hybrid technology even though they feel that hybrid vehicles, which use electric motors in addition to gasoline engines, are likely the future for the American automobile."

So what is the cause of hybrid skepticism according to Kelley? "The two most important causes of consumer skepticism, according to the survey, were the potential costs of servicing a hybrid vehicle and maintenance over its lifetime."

Nonetheless, while Jack Nerad, the editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, thinks that consumers still need convincing of the viability of hybrid cars, the supply of hybrids still trails demand.

More important, the 425 individuals comprising the Kelley survey, while somewhat skeptical of hybrid technology today, are still very optimistic for the future of hybrids. In fact most believe they will replace conventional vehicles.

Besides, change always brings fear, but there is little evidence - if any - to demonstrate that hybrid technology is anything but reliable. Recent studies of the Toyota Prius, for example, show that almost every Prius owner would buy another Prius.

Still, the early adopters of any technology always take some risk when helping to usher new technology into the mainstream. The success of the Toyota Prius; however, bodes well for all Toyota hybrids, as Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive is pretty much the same in the Prius, Highlander hybrid, Lexus RX400h hybrid, and the not-to-far off Camry hybrid.

The Honda Civic hybrid also has a solid track record.

The Accord hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid are very new to the market, but have been reliable thus far.

While the long term life of the hybrid battery is a justified concern for consumers, most hybrid batteries are guaranteed for 8 to 10 years. Yes, replacing the hybrid battery in 10 years could be expensive, but if hybrids continue to increase in popularity, hybrid battery production will also significantly increase. This will not only add to supply, but create better batteries, which could increase the value of older hybrids - making them more efficient - instead of decreasing their value.

Early adoption and risk go hand in hand, but risk can also offer unexpected rewards. For example, should terrorism ever lead to decreased reliability of foreign oil, the fuel savings of hybrids could instantly diminish all skepticism.

Hybrid hater contradictions

Last month I made a post titled, Edmunds.com's Senseless Hybrid Vehicle Cost Study, that questioned the data behind the Edmunds study. Ultimately, like the EPA, Edmunds uses data which doesn't correspond to the real world driving conditions of a huge percentage of Americans. In particular, assuming that all Americans drive 75% of the time at the speed limit on the highway, while driving just 25% of the time in city driving.

Anybody that commutes in Los Angeles, San Francisco - most of California - or New York, Houston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and many, many other urban areas knows how ridiculous is that assumption. Congestion has become an American epidemic that most transportation scholars say - via real world data - is rapidly becoming much worse, even in far-out suburban and rural areas.

In these areas, hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius hybrid, can achieve unbelievable mileage - for those that care - almost entirely free from pollution. If every driver in America achieved Prius efficiency, the air would be drastically cleaner and foreign oil dependency would end.

Yet, American automakers continue to make their bread and butter off more expensive SUVs and trucks than the Prius. Still, Edmunds complains about the 'cost' of hybrid cars.

The costs? Doctors in Los Angeles insist that air pollution is killing people every day, as well as causing huge amounts of asthma and other respiratory problems. Yet pollution doesn't exist to these rocket scientists - paid by the polluter's advertisements.

Moreover, how many terrorist acts will it take for America to accept the cause and effects of foreign oil dependency? That doesn't cost?

Of course, every American isn't going to drive a vehicle the size of a Prius, and that is the beauty of hybrids. Hybrid technology is still just emerging, and the possibility of a SUV that achieves the same fuel efficiency and pollution reductions as the Prius is almost here.

Is the Ford Escape hybrid, Toyota Highlander hybrid, or the Lexus RX400h hybrid there yet? No, but just one significant battery development could make it happen.

Ultimately, the most pathetic of the contradictions is that we shouldn't waste our time with hybrid costs to focus on fuel cells. Well, in terms of costs, the Prius costs about $20,000, a fuel cell vehicle costs about $1,000,000. That's some interesting math.

In time, these hydrogen highway advocates claim costs will come down, but - somehow - hybrid costs will never come down - even though much of Toyota's fuel cell technology is built on a hybrid powertrain?

Ohhhh, GM is going to do it differently. GM tells America they are so excited about their fuel cell technology that they are going to give Americans their Employee Discount on the Hummer and the Yukon in the interim. Give me a break.

Fuel cell vehicles will happen, but they could still be decades away. Hybrid vehicles can make fuel cell vehicles happen much quicker. In fact, most fuel cell vehicles might be hybrid vehicles.

The hybrid haters simply make no sense. Do nothing. Build bigger SUVs, oil is cheap they tell us. Someday cheap technology...when has technology ever started out cheap? Even calculators used to be grossly expensive, let alone cell phones and computers.

Technology is made cheap by investment, and hybrid vehicles are the best investment Americans can make in the automotive sector. The conflicted interest of most hybrid critics is simply pathetic.

Hybrid trucks and other hybrid tidbits

As the fifth tropical storm Emily builds in the Gulf, and BP's new deep oil rig Crazyhorse (Thunderhorse Field) sits listing in the Gulf of Mexico, one cannot begin to underestimate the potential of much higher gasoline prices. And if gasoline prices rise, the technology behind hybrid cars becomes significantly more appealing.

According to a new R. L. Polk & Co. study, 97 percent of consumers have heard of hybrid vehicles and 78 percent would consider buying one; however, cost would still limit the majority from taking such action. (More from Car and Driver)

Obviously higher gas prices can help offset the cost barrier.

Yesterday, Ford released its second hybrid, the Mercury Mariner hybrid, and Toyota continues to suggest that a hybrid truck is soon coming. While Toyota has mentioned this possibility in the past, it indicated yesterday that Toyota seeks to offer the first hybrid truck. Still, Toyota has released few details about a Tundra hybrid.

Nonetheless, even if gas prices make hybrids more desirable, will it matter? Demand is still greater than supply, and the new Mariner hybrid really won't help, since only a few 1000 units are even planned.

Toyota, and the very successful Prius hybrid, combined with the Lexus RX400h, the Highlander hybrid, and the Camry hybrid will still only hit about 500,000 total hybrids next year.

Honda's upgraded hybrids, the Civic and the Accord, will help, but American-made hybrids are the missing ingredient. Foreign oil dependency, terrorism, global oil demand, and global warming - America needs leadership and responsibility from American corporations.

It's furiously ironic that GM often speaks of hybrid costs, while touting fuel cells, which are exorbitantly more costly than hybrid vehicles. Yet, GM is considering a fuel cell agreement with Toyota - a company which is building its fuel cell future on the backbone of the hybrid powertrain?

'American-made' automobiles simply mean nothing if they also mean increased 'terrorist-supporting foreign oil dependency.' It's time for Ford and GM to stop talking about a stronger America and to start building a stronger America today, not tomorrow.

Simulated oil meltdown shows need for hybrid vehicles

On the same day that the Senate overwhelmingly rejected increasing fuel economy, a simulation demonstrated the U.S. economy's extreme vulnerability to oil. Unrest in Nigeria, an Al Qaida attack at Alaska's Port of Valdez, or a Saudi insurgency attack on foreign oil workers, could push the price of oil to $150 a barrel and gas prices to $5.74 per gallon. Former CIA chief James Woolsey called these scenarios "relatively mild". (More on the simulations)

Automakers, especially American automakers, didn't push SUVs and large trucks in the 90's because Americans demanded them, automakers pushed such vehicles because the profits margins were as high as $10,000 or more. In my book, that's just greed.

Hybrid cars can meet the needs of increased fuel economy, without taking away America's demand for choice. Instead of better automotive technology, pork-fed politicians would rather give billions of tax dollars to oil companies to solve America's oil problems.

U.S. Senate fuel economy law

The U.S. Senate may consider a Democratic plan to require automobiles to get at least 40 miles per gallon fuel consumption by 2016. Of course that doesn't include trucks and SUVs, which would only have to average 27.5 mpg.

Wow! Excuse me for not getting excited.

I wonder if that will be real world mileage, or EPA estimated mileage - that is off by as much as 20% in real world driving?

It seems pretty pathetic that hybrid cars, such as the Honda Civic hybrid or Toyota Prius hybrid, already achieve these requirements. In the SUV space, the Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Ford Escape hybrid are also close to compliant.

Nonetheless, fuel economy almost certainly will not pass. Most Republicans and Democrats from auto manufacturing states say it will cost too many jobs.

Apparently, American auto manufacturers are just too technologically incompetent.

Foreign-oil dependency rising: Buy a hybrid or other fuel efficient vehicle

"U.S. dependence on foreign crude will keep growing despite efforts to spur domestic production, as demand in the world's largest energy consumer outpaces output, industry and government experts said Tuesday," according to Reuters.

"Absolutely, a greater emphasis on conservation, particularly auto fuel efficiency, is really the largest untapped source of barrels," said said Tim Evans, senior energy analyst at IFR Energy Services. "We're unlikely to boost domestic output a million bpd..., but it would not be that hard to save a million bpd," noted Evans when discussing the fact the foreign oil inputs have risen 1.5 million bpd in just 2 years.

Hybrid cars and other fuel efficient vehicles help today. Gas prices are only going to go higher into the future, which is going to make the additional costs of hybrid technology a better investment year after year.

Senate: No Interest in Fuel Economy, maybe hybrids

The Senate will not touch fuel economy standards for trucks and SUVs. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted 7-15 to defeat an amendment offered by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., that would have raised the fuel economy requirements of sport utility vehicles and light trucks to 27.5 miles a gallon by 2011 (MotorTrend)

Currently, the standard is 21 mpg. Of course this is via the EPA, which means that in real world driving, most SUVs and trucks are achieving far less than EPA standards.

Hybrid critics consistently mention the fact that hybrid cars don't meet EPA estimates. Yet, according to studies most vehicles fall far short of EPA estimates, by as much as 30%. In stop-and-go traffic, hybrids such as the Prius or Escape hybrid, actually come very close to EPA estimates. Most trucks and SUVs, on the other hand, don't come close to their EPA estimates, and in terms of pollution, these vehicles are gross-polluters in such conditions.

Nonetheless, the Senate has stated that it won't touch fuel economy. Still, it is leaning towards tax credits for hybrids and other clean technologies.

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.

Higher gas prices changing America

Ford has announced that smaller SUVs are out-selling larger models and will be their top sellers for years to income, including the Ford Escape hybrid.

GM's larger trucks and SUV sales are sluggish, and interest in hybrid vehicles is growing.

And why not? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of people killed in SUVs and in rollovers rose last year, even as the nation's overall highway fatality rate - deaths per miles traveled - fell to its lowest point ever, the government said Thursday.

More important a new AOL survey shows that, "51 percent of those surveyed say that if fuel prices remain high for the next six months it will cause a financial hardship for them." Americans predominately blame oil companies, foreign-oil dependency, and politicians for today's oil woes. (DetNews)

In the past higher gas prices have quickly subsided, and many customers forgot and forgave the cost of oil. This time; however, gas prices are going to go higher, and stay higher for a very long period of time.

I'm betting people won't forget this time, and gasoline prices are going to have a significant impact in future elections.

More hybrid cars.

Ford and GM pushed green in China, Congress sux

I think it is hilarious that Ford and GM are suddenly realizing that in order to be competitive in China, fuel efficiency will be one of the most important standards. Stricken by severe pollution, China is raising fuel efficiency standards and levying new taxes on gasoline to temper demand for foreign-oil.

SUVs and big trucks have no chance in this market, except possibly, hybrid versions.

GM has wagered poorly in betting the future on fuel cells. They are simply not going to be cost-effective in time to reach the fast growing demand for fuel efficient technology, which is not going to be driven by tree-huggers in America, but by emerging markets such as China.

Where has Congress been?

The U.S. Congress has failed America, and continues to fail America, by not raising fuel efficiency standards - amongst other things - something that should have been done decades ago, but has been prevented by rich lobbyists from the auto and oil industries.

Ultimately, corporations serve shareholders, not citizens, and the 'right' thing isn't always as important as the profitable thing. It's not about Congress baby-sitting auto corporations, it's about Congress protecting Americans from pollution and terrorists.

More important, had Congress done its job 20 years ago, American auto companies would be the world's best, instead of one step away from junk bond status, or even bankruptcy.

Hybrid trends according to automotive engineers

The Society of Automotive Engineers is in Detroit this week for its 100th annual congress, and "the fuel economy of new cars and trucks has become a top concern again," the DetroitNews is reporting. Today, one panel is exploring the latest trends in gas-electric hybrid powertrains. The hybrid car niche, according to experts interviewed by the DetroitNews, is now drawing the interest of companies outside of the automotive field. "There's a lot of interest out there just below the surface trying to figure out if this is real," stated Thad Malesh, an economist with the Automotive Technology Research Group.

Other top topics at the congress include alternative fuels, fuel cells, and improvements in diesel and conventional engines.

The Synergy of Hybrid Cars and Solar Power

I've been interested in a solar power system for my home since I've owned a home. The new solar shingles are very intriguing because they are so sleek and simple, but they are still very expensive.

In the long run, the solar cells are probably worth it, paying for themselves in a decade or two, but could they be made to be more cost-effective with today's technology?

Absolutely.

The basic definition of synergy is the "joint action of different substances producing an affect greater than the sum of the individual effects of the substances" according to my Funk and Wagnalls desktop dictionary. So, how can solar power be synergized to make it more cost-effective?

Many solar-powered home owners receive 100% of their home's power from the sun, and some of those home owners also receive 100% of their auto fuel from the sun. That's right, some homeowners with solar roofs are not only fueling their homes, but their automobiles as well, via solar power.

Of course, these electric vehicle owners have limited range with their driving, but daily commuting is typically not a problem.

Some have looked to this example and created gasoline electric hybrid plug-ins. For example, one takes a Prius, adds more batteries and a plug adapter, so that the batteries that power the electric motors can be charged, significantly reducing gasoline need.

The good thing is, the Prius gasoline electric plug-in vehicle can always function like a regular old gasoline car. Hybrid cars, however, offer even more synergistic potential for increasing the use of solar power.

Why not take that same Prius plug-in and add solar panels to its hood, roof, and trunk? Solar races throughout the world are proving the solar-powered vehicles are possible. Can they produce enough power to propel a passenger vehicle? Not even close, but solar power could become a supplementary source of electric power, and as it becomes more efficient, perhaps it could eventually power the vehicle.

Imagine sitting in stop and go traffic on a hot summer day. No problem, the solar panels will keep your hybrid moving and your A.C. humming and it won't cost you a thing. Oh, yeah, it won't cost the environment a thing either - with today's technology.

And it doesn't just have to be the Prius. Already PHEV, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, have been created from not just cars, but trucks and SUVs as well. Today's technology is already capable of turning Ford Escape hybrids and Toyota Highlander hybrids, into SPHEVs.

That kind of synergy could revolutionize both transportation and energy, but it could make enough profit?

New Poll: Hybrid car interest growing

Interest in hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, Honda Accord hybrid, and Ford Escape hybrid is growing according to an AutoVIBES poll from Harris Interactive and Kelley Blue Book Market Research.
In February, interest in hybrid cars had grown 4%, but in March, interest jumped to 8%, marking "a significant increase," according to Scott Upham, Harris Interactive's senior vice president of automotive research.

At the same, interest in diesel vehicles declined. According to analysts affiliated with the report, smart marketing, particularly by Toyota, has made hybrid cars more "sexy" than diesels.

Additionally, the report noted that higher gas prices have also diminished interest in diesels. Moreover, if gas prices continue to rise, and climb over $3.00, consumers have expressed strong intentions to move to the most efficient vehicles available.

Already, sales of larger SUVs and trucks are declining, and higher gas prices might even push many consumers out of smaller SUVs, spurring hybrid interest even further.

According to new reports, such as from the IMF, the world's oil problems are only going to increase, as demand is set to continue to outpace supply

In addition, if any event, natural or otherwise, should temporarily disrupt oil supply, prices could sky-rocket to unbelievable heights.

Prius 'plug-in' hybrid car, the best hybrid car?

Back in January I wrote a story about gasoline electric hybrid plug-in cars. I was inspired by stories of electric cars powered by residential solar systems. Clean energy that powered home and 2 cars for less than a previous home energy bill. And it's not just electric cars, owners of electric trucks have done the same. Yes, charging can be an issue on long trips, that's why a gasoline electric plug-in hybrid is so tempting. Already several Prius have been converted into plug-in hybrids by various different organizations. Fuel cells will be great, but hybrids are here today and they can begin changing the world, today - not in a decade or two when fuel cells mature. Isn't today just as important as tomorrow?


Read my original hybrid plug-in story.

The Toyota Prius and hybrid car cost

In 2004, Toyota sold about 135,000 hybrid cars worldwide, including 126,000 Prius models. Yesterday, Toyota announced that it would like to produce 1,000,000 hybrids in the very near future.

Some analysts think this number is obscenely high, unless Toyota can reduce costs. So, is Toyota doing anything to reduce costs?

Toyota claims that one problem with cost is limited production facilities. Prius production, for example, occurs only in Japan. According to the Japan Times, Toyota Prius production currently stands at 180,000 vehicles per year. Thus, Toyota will begin producing the Prius in China later this year, as well as in the United States soon.

Additionally, Toyota believes that spreading its hybrid technology into as many models as possible, while also licensing it to other auto manufacturers, will also drive down costs. For example, Toyota has already signed deals with Ford and Nissan, and is currently working deals with Porsche AG and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.

Hence, every time a Ford Escape hybrid, or Nissan Altima hybrid is sold, Toyota hybrids become a bit more cost-effective.

Moreover, some analysts believe that hybrid cars are not really tapping the potential of hybrids, arguing the hybrid SUVs and trucks offer the most to American consumers.

The pre-sales of the Lexus RX400h as well as the buzz around the Highlander hybrid definitely seem to support this belief. And if gas prices stay high, interest in hybrid vehicles will only increase.

Join the Hybrid Buyer's Club.

A little odd at GM

GM is having massive financial problems, laying off workers, and regularly losing marketshare. Gas is over $3 in some areas of California. So, what is GM's big move? Bringing new, large trucks and SUVs to market sooner.

Now, I would applaud this if it included a hybrid option, but it doesn't at this point. While gas might return to 'normal' levels, the odds are that demand is only going to rise for the next several years, pushing prices to permanent new levels.

If this happens, can guzzling trucks and SUVs really be expected to compete with hybrid cars? When desperation supersedes innovation, failure becomes catastrophic.

As gas prices go higher, hybrid cars offer more choices

As gas prices continue to rise, hybrid cars become more cost-effective, I wrote yesterday, but the plus side doesn't end there. Over the past couple of months, as gas prices have slowly risen, automotive analysts have noticed something, large SUV sales are down.

Yet, gas prices, not even into their summer highs, are demonstrating that they are going higher, much higher. California is certain to hit $3 gas.

That's why hybrid car technology is so important. It works with cars, trucks and SUVs. As the costs of gasoline, as well as the costs of acquiring gasoline, continue to rise, hybrids can, minimally, help offset those costs. More important, it offsets those costs while maintaining choice - the Toyota Prius is your family sedan, the Honda Accord hybrid the sporty sedan, the Ford Escape hybrid and Toyota Highlander hybrid as SUVs, and the Lexus RX400h hybrid is your luxury SUV.

And hybrid choices are only going to increase, as each new generation becomes more fuel efficient and cleaner as we naturally progress towards fuel cells.

Oh yeah, and hybrids also outperform their conventional cousins as well.

The great GM failure: The hybrid automobile

GM is in trouble. Marketshare is declining, earnings are diminishing, and their cars continue to lag foreign cars in reliability, safety, and overall customer value. And Ford isn't far behind.

Forbes Magazine's Jerry Flint writes in Cruch Time in Detroit "The structure seems designed to keep finance men up and everybody else down. It's impossible to find anyone on the car side, barring Lutz, who can actually get anything done."

Unfortunately, even GM executive Robert Lutz, has downplayed innovative technologies, such as hybrid cars, calling them a marketing success, but a business loser. Lutz is to have us believe that GM, like Toyota, should have spent $1 billion creating a line of hybrids only as a marketing ploy to give the appearance of environmental concern.

Interesting marketing ploy Toyota has created with its Prius hybrid car. Demand continues to grow, and at least 100,000 will be produced for 2005 alone. That might not be a blockbuster hit, but it sure is interesting. More important, it provides momentum for Toyota's growing line of hybrids.

Early demand for both the Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV and the Toyota Highlander hybrid has been so great that Toyota has had to push their release dates back.

In fact, the first half of this year's intended Lexus hybrid SUV production has already been pre-ordered and it still doesn't go on sale for a month. Based on early previews, this will probably be the hottest luxury vehicle on the market in terms of performance, safety, style, and intelligence.

Next comes the Highlander hybrid this summer. Currently, the Ford Escape hybrid is the only hybrid SUV on the market, but it was built on leased Toyota hybrid technology. Toyota's hybrid SUV will be built on proprietary technology, and this should enable Toyota to offer a pricing discount over Ford - if wanted. Such a move probably won't be cost-effective this year, as demand is almost certain to dwarf supply.

Yet GM hybrids are, minimally, a couple years away. Still, GM has a great opportunity, as does Ford, with trucks and larger SUVs, but the longer they wait the less their opportunity.

GM has to acknowledge that neither hydrogen, nor fuel cells, can arrive quickly enough to save either Ford or GM. Both must lead in the automotive technology of today, not tomorrow. Trucks and SUVs have buoyed American automakers for decades, but after decades, the technology is little changed.

This must end.

Hybrid F150s, Silverados, Tahoes and Yukons, if offered today, would create not only immense buzz, but sales, and it would give many American consumers something in which to believe. Many Americans want to do something to help the environment and end foreign oil-dependency, they just want to do it in a truck, especially an American-built truck.

Saturn isn't going to save GM, only automotive leadership can do that, and that will require immense change.

Will GM be up to it?

Where are the American-made hybrid trucks?

Japan dominates hybrids, especially hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord hybrid. Ford has the Escape hybrid - developed upon Toyota hybrid technology - the only hybrid SUV on the market, but that is temporary.

In just about a month, the Lexus RX400h hybrid will hit the streets, followed this summer by the Toyota Highlander hybrid, the first real competitor of the Escape hybrid.

While Ford and GM have dominated the SUV market, the Lexus and Highlander hybrid SUVs are going to provide real buzz for Toyota SUVs.

The most important American segment, unaffected by hybrids, is trucks. Yet, what could be more American than a hybrid truck?

Fuel efficient, environmentally friendly, top performing hybrid trucks - what are American auto-makers waiting for? Unfortunately, the first full hybrid trucks will probably not come to market for at least 2 to 3 more years, and I bet the first will be a Toyota.

Is this American technological leadership? The environment and foreign oil dependency just don't matter until fuel cell cars - even if their development takes 2 or 3, maybe even more, decades?

That doesn't seem very American to me.

Canadians anger automakers with feebate talk

Canada's legislators want the auto industry to do more to increase fuel efficiency, while reducing emissions. One such approach was to charge a 'feebate scheme that would tax gas guzzling vehicles and offer rebates on fuel-efficient cars and trucks," according to GlobeandMail.

Automakers said it wasn't their responsible to shape consumer interest via ads and promotions. Excuse me? Isn't that what marketing is, and don't automakers already shape consumer interest in favor of gas guzzlers with slick marketing ads and promotions?

Ultimately, automakers were hoping that Canada would create government sponsored tax rebates for consumers of fuel efficient vehicles. Automakers pointed out the tax rebate for hybrid cars in the U.S. as one possibility for Canada.

Toyota Prius picks up another award

The Toyota Prius won one of IntelliChoice's 19th annual "Best Overall Value of the Year" awards for 2005 model year cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.

The Prius, Toyota's first hybrid car, won the Best Car Value Under $23,000.

The Prius also won a class award for the best car in the Midsize Class under $21,000.

The Honda Civic hybrid won the the best car in the Compact Class over $16,000.

What's up with Ford's Mercury hybrid push?

First, I applaud Ford for being the first American automaker with not only the world's first hybrid SUV, but the first American automaker with two hybrid vehicles.

Second, I embrace Ford's commitment to hybrid cars. Ford is planning on releasing the Focus and the Milan as hybrids in the next couple of years, unlike GM which has kept its hybrid focus - if you can call it that - only upon large SUVs and trucks.

Nonetheless, why the rush?

Ford has claimed that Escape hybrid production will be limited in 2005 because of a hybrid battery component shortage. If that is true, why not just produce more Escapes, rather than two limited-supply vehicles?

Or is supply that limited?

In the past Ford has stated that it had secured enough hybrid battery packs for 20,000 hybrids. The last sales numbers that I've seen show that Ford is selling a little more than 1,000 hybrid Escapes per month.

Is the Mercury Mariner hybrid destined to pick up that surplus while building buzz around Ford's hybrid efforts? If so, why?

Toyota would be my guess.

Already Toyota has received downpayments on almost 11,000 units of its first hybrid SUV, the Lexus RX400h. Additionally, there are about another 50,000 interested buyers, and if Toyota can produce enough Lexus hybrid SUVs, the Lexus model alone will outsell the Escape hybrid.

But it doesn't end there.

Just after the Lexus hybrid hits the showroom, the Toyota Highlander hybrid will follow, and interest in that vehicle is as phenomenal as is interest in the Lexus, maybe even greater.

So, Toyota will only be limited by its production capabilities. Without doubt, Toyota can easily move 100,000 hybrid SUVs this year. Combined with the 100,000 Prius hybrids that Toyota has committed to releasing this year, Toyota could easily sell over 200,000 hybrids.

So Ford has to feel very pressured.

Currently, the Honda Accord hybrid is outselling the Ford Escape hybrid, and between the Accord hybrid, the Civic hybrid, and Toyota's Prius, Ford will have a hard time competing - at least in the short term - with these hybrid cars.

The hybrid SUV and truck market is really American automakers best opportunity to grab hybrid marketshare. With GM already eating its foot on hybrid predictions, Ford is a bit in the driver's seat. Unfortunately, Toyota's momentum and the fact that Ford hybrids include licensed Hybrid Synergy Drive technology from Toyota has to be a little unsettling for Ford executives.

Of course not as unsettling as it must be for GM, which is probably two years from entering the hybrid market. Such a head start for Toyota might make its brand almost synonymous with hybrids, much like the Kleenex of tissue.

American automakers should be afraid, be very afraid.

Join the Soultek Hybrid Car Club.

GM and hybrid vehicles

Is GM a hybrid failure?

I've pretty much argued that they are, at least in terms of passenger vehicles. In fact, GM has stated that they are not interested in hybrid cars, only hybrid trucks and SUVs.

Nonetheless, GM isn't a hybrid failure. GM's most important hybrid achievements have been confined to buses, which is a notable achievement.

A new article, Hybrid Powertrains: The Two-Mode Approach argues that GM's bus achievement, and it's Two-Mode hybrid powertrain will ultimately translate into success for the next generation of Yukon, Tahoe, and Sierra/Silverado hybrids.

Currently, only Toyota has technology that is similar to GM's; however, according to the article, GM's technology - its two-mode system - has even more potential than Toyota's powertrain.

The Prius, the Lexus RX400h, the Highlander hybrid are each full hybrids, but they do not function on electric power alone. GM's two-mode system, will allow GM hybrids to run on electric power alone.

GM claims its two-mode system can achieve a 60 percent increase in efficiency, versus about a 30 percent increase with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Anyway, its an interesting article if you are interested in reading about powertrain differences.

Click here for the complete article.

Subaru Legacy hybrid coming soon? Toyota and Subaru close to partnership

Reports are circulating that Subaru will lease Toyota's hybrid technology, and that Subaru will help supply hybrid batteries to Toyota.

Subaru maker, Fuji Heavy, is partially owned by GM, which has a hybrid partnership with Chrysler, but that partnership is focused mostly on developing larger hybrid vehicles, particularly trucks and SUVs.

Subaru; however, wants to focus on utilizing Toyota's hybrid technology for it's Legacy and other North American models, and it sees Toyota's Prius hybrid technology as the answer.

Talks between Toyota President Fujio Cho and Fuji Heavy President Kyoji Takenaka are expected to take place soon.

This would mark the third automaker to lease Toyota's hybrid technology. Ford was the first to lease Toyota's revolutionary technology for its Escape hybrid, followed by Nissan for it's Altima hybrid.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is nice, but a F-150 Hybrid Pickup would be great

I love Ford's new Escape hybrid ads, The difference between a full hybrid and a mild hybrid is the difference between a bell pepper and a habanero.

In terms of trucks and SUVs, Ford is a kind of king right now. The only full hybrid SUV, the Ford Escape hybrid, is also the only American-made hybrid.

Hold on, now, what about the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid?

Well, I think Ford's pepper analogy is pretty good, but let's just say the Silverado hybrid is a pseudo-hybrid. It's just not in the same category as the Escape hybrid.

But Ford is about to face extreme competition in the hybrid SUV space soon. Already the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV has spawned more than 11,000 presales, while still a few months away from market launch.

The Ford Escape has not yet reached that number of sales, even though it has been on the market for several months already.

Of course the Lexus hybrid isn't the perfect match for the Escape hybrid, but the Toyota Highlander hybrid certainly is. Already, Toyota is receiving phenomenal interest in what will be it's third hybrid model, and the Highlander hybrid will definitely move more than 1,000 units per month.

Based on Toyota's experience with hybrids, in addition to the fact that Ford pays a license fee to Toyota every time it sells a hybrid, Toyota has incredible leverage in this race.

The one place that Ford has the greatest leverage; however, is in its truck brand.

In 2004, the Ford F-150 continued it's dominance over the American market, selling almost 1 million last year and around 250,000 more than its next competitor, the Silverado.

While the Silverado is only a mild hybrid, it still provides GM the ability to use that word, hybrid.

Using the Escape hybrid to offset some of the leverage gained by the Silverado hybrid and its parent, GM, isn't a bad idea. Fighting it with a full hybrid Ford F-150 Hybrid PickUp; however, would help shelter Ford's most important market segment far better than any SUV hybrid.

More hybrid cars.

Join the Soultek Hybrid Car Club

On the other side of hybrid car hype

Now Mr. McCormick might not think much of the dollar value of green issues, but the Natural Resources Defense Council thinks of hybrids as significantly more than just a green issue.

"This is a do-or-die situation for a vital American industry. We cannot afford to lose the fight," said Roland Hwang, Vehicles Policy Director at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). "The answer is simple: Compete. Build the best damn cars and trucks in the world, and build them with the clean, efficient technology the market needs now. That means hybrids."

"We need to reduce our dependency on foreign oil. We need to invest in America's factories, rather than sending our dollars overseas to oil-rich areas of the world that are unstable and increasingly hostile to our country," Hwang said. "That means we need to end the stand-off and start delivering real solutions."

Click here for the complete NRDC article, "USA: Detroit faces ‘do-or-die fight’ and must go for hybrids - NRDC analyst"

How can GM think hybrid cars make no sense?

GM executive Robert Lutz not only thinks all hybrids are just PR hype, he believes hybrid cars make no business sense. Only hybrid trucks and SUVs, argues Mr. Lutz, make sense because the cost of hybrids is too high to justify a 30 percent gain in fuel-efficiency in cars.

While Toyota disagrees, Mr. Lutz is sure not to gain any new environmental credentials with that kind of cost-justification.

Yet, Mr. Lutz has tried to argue "For Toyota, it(the Prius) was a huge, huge, immeasurably valuable PR coup."

A huge PR coup?

Isn't successful PR and marketing part of a successful business? Isn't that why GM will spend about $300 billion on marketing this year alone?

Apparently, that is not part of Mr. Lutz's business sense.

Hopefully, not all GM executives have the same business sense as Mr. Lutz.

More hybrid cars.

Two More Ford Hybrid Cars

The hybrid vehicle revolution is just beginning.

While Toyota is the leader in hybrid cars, Ford appears to be ramping up to meet this new market demand.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is Ford's only hybrid, but not for long. Ford has already pushed the release of it's newest hybrid SUV, the Mercury Mariner hybrid, up one year.

Additionally, Ford recently announced the addition of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and the Mercury Milan Hybrid, and now you can add two more. Ford will also be producing a Freestyle Hybrid and a Five Hundred Hybrid. Thus, Ford hopes to have 6 hybrids on the market within three years.

The more compelling thing about Ford, unlike GM, is its commitment to hybrid cars, rather than just hybrid SUVs.

While Ford is the undisputed leader of hybrid SUVs - it's the only one on the market - this space of the hybrid market will be heating up quickly.

Later this year, Ford will have two hybrid SUVs on the market, the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid. Within three years, a hybrid powertrain will also be added to the Freestyle.

Additionally, Toyota will also have two hybrid SUVs on the market this year. The Lexus RX 400h Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be out in April and June, respectively.

By 2007 GM, will have the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.

Honda, on the other hand, has been committed to hybrid cars, such as the Accord hybrid, but don't be surprised to see a Honda hybrid truck or SUV in the near future.

Competition in the hybrid SUV market is good for all hybrids and hybrid consumers. More important, it's good to see one American auto-maker taking the challenge seriously, and not just with trucks and SUVs, but sedans as well.

Join the Soultek Hybrid Car Club.

Accord Hybrid and Toyota Prius Competition 3 years Away

The Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Prius will have to compete against each other for the next 3 years.

Ford does plan to challenge Japan in the hybrid car space, but the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan sedans will not be on the road for at least two years, and probably closer to 3.

GM, on the other hand, is mostly focused on hybrid SUVs and trucks.

Honda isn't as bullish on hybrids as Toyota. While Toyota plans to sell at least 100,000 Prius this year, Honda is only planning to sell about 20,000 Accord hybrids.

In three years, when Ford does release its first hybrid cars, Toyota will also have added several new models into it's hybrid offering, including the Camry hybrid.

Hybrid cars "core technology" of Future for Toyota

A lot of buzz coming out of Detroit and the North American International Auto Show has been about hybrid cars.

The Ford Escape Hybrid won the prestigious show's Truck of the Year. Trucks and SUVs, the last stronghold of American automakers, are now under serious fire from Japan and hybrid technology.

But wait, you say, the Escape hybrid is made by Ford. The world's first hybrid SUV was made by an American auto company.

And you are right, but Ford had to lease the hybrid parts from Toyota. Ford does not yet have its own successful, proprietary hybrid technology.

More important, Toyota will be challenging Ford's Escape Hybrid in just a few short months, when both the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid come to market.

Toyota is now like a boxer connecting with his jab, not yet ready for the knock out, but pushing his competitor back against the rope. A few more good jabs and it's time for the TKO.

Hybrid vehicles are, and will continue to present, that challenge to America auto-makers.

When Toyota President Fujio Cho take the stage for reporters at the auto show in Detroit Tuesday, he knocked the last few days of Detroit's big talk on hybrids and hydrogen hard against the ropes.

While confirming that Toyota was going to build hybrid cars in the United States, Cho stated that hybrids are key to Toyota's future. While Toyota will continue to invest billions on technology for hydrogen-powered vehicles, the auto giant continues to see hybrid technology as an integral piece of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

"We believe hybrids will continue to be the core of technology in the future," Cho said, challenging America.

While some American analysts continue to see little future in hybrids because of cost, if that cost is wiped out, hybrid cars will instantly make most conventional cars obsolete, especially the American-made ones.

Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord Hybrid have made this crystal clear.

Right now Toyota has the financial strength, manufacturing know how, and momentum to raise the stakes, especially while American chips are running a little low.

Besides,Toyota can afford to play that gamble.

Can America afford not to?

Join the Soultek Hybrid Car Club.

American hybrid cars

The Ford Escape hybrid is the main American hybrid. While some parts and technology have to be imported to America to make all American cars, the Ford Escape hybrid had to lease its most important technology, its hybrid technology, from Toyota.

Of course the Escape hybrid really isn't a car either. In fact, technically, there are no American hybrid cars. Thus far American auto makers have focused on trucks and SUVs, such as the Escape hybrid and the Chevy Silverado Hybrid.

Additionally, the Silverado hybrid isn't nearly as sophisticated as an Escape hybrid.

In reality, the hybrid car scene is dominated by Japan.

While the Honda Accord hybrid has received considerable buzz, it hasn't achieved Prius-type status yet. This might be because the Prius, like the Insight before it, are completely new cars. While the Insight was never really meant as a mass-produced car in the near term, it does have potential in the future.

The Prius; however, is functional today, and that is really the key difference.

In order for American car-makers to compete with Japan, American automakers cannot just focus on converting SUVs and trucks into hybrids. Additionally, America must stop reinventing has-beens, such as the Ford Mustang.

Those days are over. Constant, shrinking U.S. marketshare proves it.

America needs to show leadership by developing new cars, and a new hybrid car could turn American auto-makers from pretenders back into leaders they once were.

Detroit's best bet, hybrid vehicles.

A recent article in Businessweek covering the outlook for auto manufacturing in the United States, Borrowing from the Future, states "After years of lavish sales incentives, demand for cars is flat. With higher interest rates ahead, Detroit's best bet is to offer better cars.

GM and Ford U.S. market share is at historic lows, even following a year full of $5000.00+ rebates on many vehicles. Now even incentives can't lure enough car buyers.

Better cars, the article reiterates again and again, is the only thing that can save the last two American automakers.

A better car, it seems, would be derived from intelligent design and intelligent, innovative technology. Any design that incorporates waste or inefficiency into the design, cannot be seen as intelligent, or innovative.

Yet that is what many trucks and SUVs represent, an inefficient design built on inefficient technology.

The Toyota Prius, on the other hand, is probably the most innovative designed and technologically mass-produced automobile in the world. When compared side-by-side with the Ford Escape hybrid, the Toyota Prius is, unquestionably, much more efficient.

The hybrid Escape, built on leased Prius technology, is somewhat inefficient by design, due to it's SUV platform. Nonetheless, when all is said and done, the Escape hybrid is still the most efficient Escape. However, if one drives a loaded V6 Escape and a loaded hybrid Escape, the conventional vehicle will out perform it's hybrid cousin - in speed and acceleration.

So, are hybrids better than conventional vehicles?

It took Toyota a few generations of production to create a Prius hybrid capable of competing with non-hybrids in average consumer interest.

And hybrids are becoming better and better.

Honda's third hybrid, the Accord Hybrid, did something the Escape hybrid did not. It became the best Accord ever.

Reduced pollution and reduced fuel efficiency was only the beginning for the Honda Accord hybrid. Aside from these environmental credentials, the Accord hybrid is also the best performer of all Accords, picking up almost a second in acceleration on it's conventional cousin.

Toyota's next hybrid, the Lexus RX400h, is to offer significant more horsepower than it's conventional Lexus counterpart. Horsepower, long considered the main sizzle factor for American auto consumers, is now becoming the domain of hybrids.

The potential of hybrid vehicles is just beginning. What started as an experiment in fuel efficiency has become a demonstration of increased efficiency leading to increased speed and power.

More important hybrids represent an important step into the future, laying down a foundation for easier hydrogen and fuel cell integration.

Hybrid cars will continue to out-perform their conventional cousins in every measure of vehicle performance, and prices will go down.

When that happens, conventional cars will look about as appealing as VCRs next to a stack of DVD players.