Mercedes: The Prius doesn't make sense
The future of hybrid cars?According to a report in LeftLaneNews, one of Mercedes' top vehicle researchers claimed that the Toyota Prius doesn't make sense for manufacturers, as LeftLane itself assumed stating that Toyota "is known to have absorbed enormous losses to keep its Prius Hybrid at the forefront of the green revolution".
According to Toyota, money is made off every Prius, and I wonder how many non-hybrids Toyota sold through the years simply because of the hybrid halo? And, how much extra money are dealers making now because of the Prius, of the Camry hybrid?
Still, head of Mercedes-Benz’s Research and Development, Dr Thomas Weber, told LeftLane “Most hybrids have a price premium but the question is whether the premium is enough to earn money. On smaller cars, that answer is ‘no’ right now, but we are developing modular architecture for hybridization and we believe it will be possible to be profitable straight away.”
Maybe small hybrids aren't profitable for Mercedes, but I'll bet Toyota isn't complaining. Likewise, Honda's new hybrid religion seems quite contrary to Mercedes - so, I think I'll put my money on Honda and Toyota.
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles, mercedes s400 hybrid, toyota prius





