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.

Mercedes first to lithium hybrids?

Coming to America in late 2009?

In the third quarter of 2009, Mercedes-Benz is planning to begin selling the lithium-powered Mercedes S400 hybrid vehicle. The 3.5 liter V6 gasoline electric hybrid should achieve almost 30 mpg, and it could be the first mass-produced lithium-powered hybrid.

Sometime thereafter, Mercedes will also launch a lithium powered diesel hybrid, the S300 Bluetec hybrid, a 2.2 liter twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel hybrid that is expected to achieve more than 43 mpg.

According to AutoWeek, Mercedes-Benz has will control the thermodynamics of lithium "by integrating the lithium-ion batteries directly into the cooling system of the car to allow them to operate at an optimum temperature of between 59 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Mercedes says it has been working on the underlying technology since 1992, creating 25 patents in the process.

"What we have here is a groundbreaking key technology that is going to be a decisive factor for the future success of the automotive industry," says Thomas Weber, head of Mercedes-Benz research and development."

Mercedes - the future king of hybrid cars?

S400 hybrid: Hottest hybrid at the Detroit Auto Show?

Mercedes getting its hybrid act together

No doubt, my biggest LA Auto Show disappointment has been Toyota. Not one word about hybrid cars at their press release.

Anyway, my favorite hybrid vehicle so far - purely based upon looks and luxury - is the Mercedes S400 diesel hybrid. That's right, I said diesel.

Early reports suggest about 30 mpg for this 275 hp V6 hybrid. It's not the greatest fuel economy, but it's one hot car.

Hybrids at the LA Auto Show

Chrysler Aspen to debut at the LA Auto Show

I'll be at the LA Auto Show tomorrow and Thursday, and I am looking forward to checking out some new hybrid vehicles, such as the Chrysler Aspen hybrid and the Mercedes S400 diesel hybrid.

Later today I'll get another chance to drive GM's Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicle, and over the next couple of days I'll be talking with a number of GM hybrid and hydrogen execs., so stay tuned.