Fusion smackdown: Lithium to power Camry hybrid soon

The perfect Toyota hybrid for lithium?

OK. This is pure speculation. Nonetheless, there was a time when Toyota had verbally committed to putting lithium-ion batteries into the third generation Prius.

Then a few cell phones and laptops blew up. But, that wasn't all that happened to stymie lithium Prii.

Gas prices began to spike and Toyota Prius demand went through the ceiling. Imagine making your first lithium hybrid roll out in a car with such huge production numbers, demand, and expectations. One bad thermodynamic event and the king of hybrid cars drops from first to last. Hence, Toyota indicated that the first Toyota lithium hybrid might be a Lexus.

Screw Lexus. Now that Ford has rolled out the Ford Fusion hybrid, Toyota needs to send a strong response.

Thus, if Toyota is to keep its hybrid edge, I can think of no better entry point today for lithium than the Camry hybrid. Ford has put a shot off Toyota's hybrid bow. Now it's time for Toyota to fire back, if they can.

Incentives for Toyota hybrid cars buyers

Get a deal on a Toyota hybrid today

Toyota has announced a bunch of incentives on its vehicles, including its hybrid cars. Incentives can vary depending upon your region, but the Toyota Camry hybrid is averaging about a $1500 discount and the Prius is averaging about $1000 discount according to Cars.com.

Check out Toyota's consumer site for more information.

Fusion hybrid priced right?

$27,270

The new Ford Fusion hybrid is 8 miles per gallon more fuel efficient than the Toyota Camry hybrid in city traffic, but it will also cost over $1,000 more than the Camry hybrid.

According to the EPA, the $27,270 Fusion hybrid achieves 41 miles per gallon in the city and the 36 on the highway. The $26,150 Camry hybrid achieves 33 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.

Is the Fusion hybrid worth the extra cost compared to the Camry hybrid, purely in terms of fuel economy? Not necessarily, especially for highway drivers. For city drivers, however, the Fusion hybrid makes a compelling case. Of course, hybrid tax credits are still available for the Fusion hybrid, so this price difference is currently less relevant.

Regardless, the Fusion hybrid is a pretty impressive offering from Ford. Now, if only they could start seriously ramping up yearly production of their hybrid cars.

4 Hybrids in CR's Best Values

Toyota is value

This year's Consumer Reports Best New Car Values includes a ton of Toyota autos, including 3 of its hybrids vehicles. The Prius, Camry hybrid and Highlander hybrid each made the list.

One other hybrid, the Honda Civic hybrid, also made the list.

Fusion hybrid punks Camry hybrid in the city

Hybrid wars are on?

Ford's new hybrid, the Fusion hybrid, will beat the Toyota Camry hybrid in city fuel economy by 8 mpg according to the latest EPA findings. In the city, the Fusion hybrid will be rated at 41 mpg, 8 mpg more than the Camry hybrid. On the highway, the Camry hybrid will be rated 36 mpg, 2 mpg more than the Camry hybrid.

While this is fantastic and exciting news, I'm still uncertain that Ford is truly ready to challenge Toyota's supremacy in hybrid cars.

Even before the bottom fell out of hybrid sales last month, Ford still only planned on producing 25,000 Fusion hybrids next year. Why? This is a car that should outsell the Camry hybrid. Is Ford's new hybrid technology cost-competitive compared to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive?

Still, whether by luck or not, 25,000 Fusion hybrids per year might be the right number until gas prices pick back up. For now, the Fusion hybrid is a hopeful development for the US auto industry.

Toyota's natural gas hybrid: Going nowhere fast?

Just an auto show filler?

Let's be honest. When it comes to Toyota and hybrid cars, it's all about the Prius, especially when the third generation Prius is just months from making its North American debut.

In the past couple of years, Toyota has used the green-focused LA Auto Show to, well, show off its new gas-guzzlers, such as the Sequoia.

This year, Toyota will show off its Camry natural gas hybrid. Yet, under the Obama administration, does natural gas mean anything? Is this hybrid even less valuable the Sequoia?

Best hybrids of the LA Auto Show

Ford Fusion hybrid

There are going to be a number of new hybrid cars at this year's LA Auto Show. While much of the hype has been focused on the Honda Insight hybrid, it is the Ford Fusion hybrid that I am almost most interested in, almost.

The new Fusion hybrid will debut Ford's new hybrid powertrain - no longer dependent on Ford's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Even more exciting, it will out perform the Toyota Camry hybrid in fuel economy.

Unfortunately, however, Ford only intends to produce 25,000 Fusion and Milan hybrid vehicles per year. That simply doesn't cut the mustard. It also makes me wonder, is Ford's new hybrid powertrain truly cost-competitive?

Pickens: Support the Camry natural gas hybrid

Fill 'er up with natural gas

Boone Pickens is calling out his SoCal natural gas army to attend the LA Auto Show this weekend to support the Toyota CNG Camry hybrid, and other natural gas vehicles.

I'll be at the show tomorrow and Thursday for the Media Preview, but I think I'll stop by this weekend and see what kind of presence the Pickens Army has at the show.

Sketches of new Lexus and 2011 Camry hybrids?

The Lexus HS250h

Here is a shot of the Lexus HS250h from Mag-X that some are speculating will be the new Lexus hybrid set to debut at NAIAS 2009 in January. According to VW Vortex the new Lexus hybrid will utilize the same 2.4 liter engine currently found in the Toyota Camry hybrid.


The 2011 Toyota Camry?

Likewise, here is a picture of the 2011 Toyota Camry hybrid that is expected to utilize the same third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive set to debut in the 2010 Toyota Prius, except the new Camry hybrid will move up to a 2.5 liter engine.

Similar to the third gen. Prius, the new Camry hybrid is expected to offer better performance and fuel economy.

Black October over - Next for the Big 3?

October was scary, but is the worst over?

So, October was a pretty scary month for US automakers, and it now appears inevitable that the Big 3 will become the Big 2. But, is that is bad as it gets? Is the worst over?

Before addressing the dark side, there were a few a bright spots in October. GM, for instance, stated that despite massive financial concerns, the development of the Chevy Volt will continue as planned. And Ford, according to Consumer Reports, has basically caught up to the best automakers in quality. Moreover, the Ford Fusion hybrid might be a more solid hybrid than the Toyota Camry hybrid.

Still, with the economy possibly crashing into a recession, financial issues could become much worse for automakers, especially US automakers whom have been hit particularly hard by the dramatic decline in gas-guzzler sales. So, even if these automakers avoid bankruptcy, will they really be able to afford producing significant numbers of new, fuel efficient vehicles? When will a US automaker produce 100,000 hybrid cars per year (including the Volt)?

Fusion hybrid 5mpg better than Camry hybrid

No competition for Ford's new hybrids?

InsideLine is reporting that the new Ford Fusion and Milan hybrid vehicles will achieve fuel economy that is at least 5 mpg better than the Toyota Camry hybrid on the EPA's city cycle. That would mean at least 38 mpg..

To achieve this level of fuel economy, Ford's new hybrids will have an electric range of up to 8 miles and be able to run on nothing but electricity up to speeds as high as 47 mph.

According to Ford, these impressive numbers were achieved by downsizing all hybrid components, as Toyota has claimed it will also do with the next generation Prius. That means a battery that is 20 percent lighter than the battery pack used in the Escape hybrid, for instance.

Sounds like a winner. It would be nice to see Ford live up to the hype. Of course, if Ford only produces 25,000 Fusion hybrids, I still won't be that impressed.

Diesel v hybrids at an EPA glance

The EPA's top pick for 2009

I've been ill the last several days, so when I saw the EPA's Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles List last week, I just wasn't very surprised or excited. Hybrids still dominate, especially in the city. Since, however, I've read a few articles noting the significance of the first diesel making the list.

A manual VW Jetta TDI is rated 30 mpg in the city, 41 on the highway. The Toyota Prius is 48 and 45, respectively.

Many diesel fans regularly chide the whole hybrid cars segment as a fad, but when it comes to city driving it's clear, hybrids are easily superior.

In order the list goes: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid (and Mercury Mariner hybrid, Mazda Tribute hybrid), Smart ForTwo, Toyota Camry hybrid, VW Jetta Diesel Manual, VW Jetta Diesel Automatic, Toyota Yaris Manual, and the Toyota Yaris Automatic.

Toyota Camry natural gas hybrid in works

Fill this hybrid up with natural gas

Toyota plans to debut a Toyota Camry hybrid concept at the LA Auto Show that uses natural gas rather than gasoline according to reports coming out of a Toyota Conference in Oregon. Toyota doesn't have concrete plans to build natural gas hybrid vehicles yet, but if US interest in natural gas continues to increase, Toyota would then consider developing such hybrids.

A short Toyota hybrid vehicle shopping trip

Customers back in control?

Thanks to a killer headache on Friday, I decided to call it a day early and take care of a few errands. Since those errands took me close to a local Toyota dealership, I decided to shop some hybrid cars.

Are there still dealer markups on the Prius or Camry hybrid?

Finish: A short Toyota hybrid vehicle shopping trip

Do hybrid tax credits still make sense?

Tax credits have helped Altima hybrid sales

The Toyota Prius has not qualified for a tax credit in some time, yet demand far outweighs supply. The demand supply ratio is so out of whack that dealers are adding as much as $5,000 to the MSRP, in addition to thousands worth of dealer add-ons - and they are still selling.

Many other hybrid cars, such as the Honda Civic hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid, are selling as fast as they can be produced - also with dealer markups. While a few hundred thousand new hybrids will be added to the hybrid supply starting some time in 2009, if gas prices remain high, these hybrids will probably not just sell easily, but many will sell with dealer markups.

So, are hybrid tax credits still necessary? For what, to help justify dealer markups?

Hybridcarblog has been an advocate of hybrid tax credits for years, but isn't new thinking required? For example, perhaps the focus should be on plug-in conversions, EVs, or vehicles that achieve at least 80 mpg. Of course, it's hard arguing against hybrid tax credits when, unbelievably, gas guzzlers STILL qualify for small business tax incentives.

Nonetheless, should Congress create new hybrid tax incentives and, if so, what should be the focus?

Will Toyota's hybrid price increases affect dealer markups?

Still leaving all the competition behind

Effective August 1st, the Toyota Prius will cost $500 more, starting at $22,720. Soon after that, on August 25th, the Camry hybrid will also see a $500 increase that will bring its base price up to $26,870 as the price of the Highlander hybrid increases $518 to $35,445.

Considering that most automakers are raising prices on any vehicle that can sell to help offset both declining auto sales and increased commodity prices, the price increase is neither surprising or unexpected. However, when coupled with dealer markups as high as $3,000 - $5,000, isn't the pricing of Toyota's hybrid vehicles becoming a little ridiculous?

Zen and the Art of Hypermiling

Hypermiling isn't for wimps

I don't drive much thanks to the Goldline and the rest of LA's light rail and subway system. When I do drive it's mostly through dense urban traffic, so hypermiling is an art I find little time to practice and experiment.

OK, that's not totally true since I've been hypermiling through LA traffic long before hybrid cars first hit the road. In my old manual Nissan Sentra from my old Pasadena neighborhood, I would try to coast through Arroyo Parkway traffic touching the breaks as little as possible.

Thus, when I became a hybrid driver, my city driving changed little. In fact, either in a Toyota Prius or a Camry hybrid, I can coast in EV mode through much of LA's commuting congestion achieving unbelievable - at least to non-hybrid drivers - fuel economy.

Highway hypermiling, however, is a whole different story. Finish: Zen and the Art of Hypermiling

Chevy dealers pull a Toyota: Hybrid markups

Not you too?

With demand for hybrid cars skyrocketing well above supply, many Toyota dealerships have added markups to both the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid ranging from $3,000 - $5,000, and often including many dealers add-ons beyond the markups (more).

Recently, a few potential Chevy Tahoe hybrid buyers have also complained of dealer markups ranging from $2,000 - $4,000.

As I've posted in the past, not every Toyota dealer is adding markups to their hybrids. Believe it or not, some dealerships actually value long term customer relationships over short term profits. Shop around if you are running into hybrid markups, you just might find such a dealer.

Hybrids: Edmunds picks Camry over the Prius

Not the best hybrid?

When it comes to hybrid cars, the Toyota Prius is the king of hybrid sales. Still, when you consider the sale's success of non-unique hybrids, or the lack thereof, the Toyota Camry hybrid is the one exception. This apparently doesn't surprise Edmunds. Recently, the Edmund's guys put the Camry hybrid and the Prius to a number of tests to determine which hybrid they liked the best. Ultimately, despite the superior fuel economy of the Prius, Edmunds picked the Camry hybrid because it's a "more spacious, well-equipped true midsize sedan with normal styling and a familiar interior layout."

Hybrid Vehicle Shopping: Camry hybrid v Prius

A better buy right now?

So, I've been helping a friend of mine, Carlos, shop for a Toyota Prius, which I first covered in $3000.00 Prius markup: Screw the Customer. Since that time we've gone to and called dozens of Toyota dealerships in Southern California, and we've found that many dealerships have increased their markups, read $10,000 extra for a Toyota Prius.

Still, we have found a couple of dealerships that were not adding ANY markups to their Prius hybrids, nor were they accepting deposits. It was simply first come first serve at MSRP. Most dealers, however......

Finish: Hybrid vehicle shopping: Camry hybrid v Prius

Have dealers damaged Toyota's hybrid halo?

Could markups kill the Prius?

The Toyota Prius is hot and getting hotter. Almost a year ago, my local Toyota dealer told me the Prius was the best selling car at the dealership. As gas prices have gone up, however, interest in the Prius, and other Toyota hybrid vehicles, has increased greatly since last year. Unfortunately, this increase in hybrid interest has coincided with a massive battery shortage which has reduced Prius availability by a whopping 40 percent. Thus, in hot markets some dealers are charging $3000 or more for a Prius, and in some cases, the Toyota Camry hybrid.

While some say its supply and demand, I say nonsense. If Toyota was factoring in this supply shortage into the MSRP and using that cash to build more batteries, maybe I could swallow the markup. Instead, in my opinion, some dealers are just taking advantage of consumers. Ask most in the market for a car and they'll tell you they trust neither the dealer nor the salesperson, and these kinds of dealer - not manufacturer - markups don't help.

So, have dealers damaged Toyota's hybrid halo?

Camry hybrid: Best hybrid for the money?

Payback in just 18 months?

According to Edmunds, the Toyota Camry hybrid recovers its costs compared to the the base 4 cylinder Camry in just 18 months. The Chevy Malibu hybrid was second at 2.7 years, although it won't save as much money over the long run as other hybrids. Thus, the Toyota Prius at 3.5 years will save more money than the Malibu hybrid if you keep the vehicle for at least 5 years. The Honda Civic hybrid takes 4.8 years to recover its hybrid costs.

Because of large price increases in the last year, the Ford Escape hybrid, now priced more than $2,300 more than last year, and the Toyota Highlander hybrid, now up $5,482 over last year, take 7.3 years and 12 years respectively to recover their hybrid costs. Ouch!

Obviously, some hybrid vehicles are a great hedge against high gas prices, but the Toyota Camry hybrid is beginning to look like a steal.

Camry hybrid price increase announced

Still a good deal?

Earlier this week Toyota announced that prices on the Toyota Prius would be increased by 1.8 percent on all new Prii delivered as of Monday. That announcement has been updated with pricing for the Toyota Camry hybrid. The new price for the base Camry hybrid will be $25,650, an increase of $300.

Prius price increase coming

More expensive some time this month

Toyota is going to raise prices on most vehicles this month to make up for rising production costs in North America. According to the AFP, Toyota Prius prices will be increased by 1.8 percent on Prius hybrids delivered as of today. The Camry hybrid will also see a price increase later this month.

Camry hybrid: Toyota bucks the trend again

Outselling all other hybrids combined, minus the Prius

I have to laugh a bit. Since the launch of the Toyota Camry hybrid, I've been claiming that consumers will buy hybrid vehicles based off conventional models - it's not just about unique-looking hybrids. It's about value, and the Camry hybrid has been proving this since its launch.

Now that the Camry hybrid is outselling the V6 conventional Camry, others are also starting to take notice.

Still, Toyota sold almost 55,000 Camry hybrids last year. This year it might be 60,000. So, it's not as if the Camry hybrid is just starting to sell. More interesting, if the Camry hybrid had qualified for the full hybrid tax credit for as long as the Prius hybrid, I'll bet Camry hybrid sales would have been, and would be, much higher. Nonetheless, once again, Toyota is bucking the hybrid trend and proving that smart hybrids with conventional counterparts can sell.

Prius still the greenest hybrid

Prius is the greenest conventional fueled car

According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the Toyota Prius is the 2nd Greenest mass-produced car in America, just behind the natural gas powered Honda Civic. And for all you Boston Legal fans out there, that rating includes battery consideration so a Hummer really isn't cleaner than the Prius.

Other hybrid vehicles included in the Top 10 were the Honda Civic hybrid at 3, the Nissan Altima hybrid at 6, and the Toyota Camry hybrid at 10.

Hyundai Genesis: Should have been a hybrid?

Hyundai's future: The luxury market?

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

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

Why is there so little vision in the auto industry?

Interest in Ford Escape hybrid increasing?

Ready for a sales explosion?

According to CarMax, searches for hybrid cars are on the rise. Hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid have seen huge increases in search traffic, however, the hybrid that has seen the biggest increase is the Ford Escape hybrid.

Is it Ford's smart "hybrid, hybrid" commercial? Have high gasoline prices finally forced die-hard SUV drivers to consider a hybrid SUV?

Who knows, but it will be interesting to check out Ford's Escape hybrid sales numbers the next few months. For many months, interest in hybrid vehicles has increased, but sales have lagged far behind this interest. Are consumers finally ready to pull the trigger on hybrids like the Escape hybrid?

The Toyota Prius: The truth about hybrid cars

It's not just a niche vehicle for environmentalists

I just finished reading Karl On Cars' take on the Toyota Prius, and how the Prius outsold entire brands like, Acura, Audi, Buick, Infiniti, Lincoln, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki and Volvo. Not bad for a niche vehicle.

So, why aren't other hybrid cars selling as well?

Because there really isn't any competition. That's the plain and simple truth. Finish....

Will Americans really buy plug-in hybrids?

Would consumers flock to 100 mpg $30,000 plug-in Prius hybrids?

In several recent posts, I've made some negative statements regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles. So, have I changed my mind about something I've called a revolutionary technology?

No. I'm still a huge advocate of plug-in hybrid vehicles. Still, I'm a bigger fan of lithium than of plug-in hybrids. Ultimately, I have serious concerns about the electric grid in terms of reliability, security and greenness. Thus, a lithium hybrid with some kind of capacitor might actually make better sense in terms of fuel economy, cost, emissions, etc - at least for some drivers. Finish.....

Toyota's hybrids continue to lift Sales

Camry hybrid continues to post strong sales

The Toyota Prius achieved a 109 percent increase in November sales compared to last year, selling 16, 737 units. The Camry hybrid achieved sales of 5,118 units, a 65 percent increase compared to last year. Even the sluggishly-selling Toyota Highlander hybrid achieve an almost 11 percent increase in sales at 2,577 units.

Did the Prius give Toyota a green halo? I don't know, but the sales of Toyota's hybrid cars continue to increase and they continue to lift Toyota.

CR - Prius Most Satisfying Vehicle Again

The fourth year in a row

For the fourth year in a row, the Toyota Prius took the top spot for the Consumer Reports' 'Most Satisfying' survey. 92 percent of current owners would definitely buy one again.

The Toyota Camry hybrid was also a Most Satisfying pick in the family car category.

No other hybrid cars were on the list.

Toyota hybrid price increase

2008 Prius at the LA Auto Show

Toyota will increase the price of two of its hybrid vehicles by $150.00. The Toyota Prius, starting December 17, will have a base MSRP of $21,100 for the base model and $23,370 on the Touring model.

The Toyota Camry hybrid, starting January 21, 2008, will have a base MSRP of $25,350.

AOL Autos calls Camry hybrid great

When it comes to the Camry hybrid, AOL and I agree

I absolutely love the Toyota Prius; however, I have to admit, I'm a bit more of a Toyota Camry hybrid fan. It feels safer. It has more comfortable seating for those of us with bad backs, and you can have a factory installed moon roof.

O.K., let me clarify that statement regarding these two hybrid vehicles. In urban driving, I'll drive the Prius. For distance, however, the Camry hybrid rules supreme. Still, don't take my word for it, check AOL Auto's review of this "great" hybrid.

Toyota hybrid vehicle reliability

The Top family car

The fact that Toyota's reliability has slipped a bit according to Consumer Reports has been a big thread on the Internet. Yet, as I mentioned on Tuesday, CR did find that Toyota's hybrid cars are VERY reliable. In fact, they are some of the most reliable vehicles in the auto industry.

What I failed to mention, however, is that not only are Toyota's hybrids reliable, but they are also great family cars. CR rated the Toyota Prius as the most reliable family car and the Toyota Camry hybrid picked up the fourth place spot.

Toyota Camry not reliable?

What about the hybrid version?

Consumer Reports is no longer recommending the 6-cylinder Toyota Camry; however, both the 4-cylinder Camry and the Camry hybrid are still recommended.

In addition, while watching CNBC, a rep from Consumer Reports reiterated to Phil LeBeau that Toyota's hybrid cars have been some of the most reliable vehicles in the U.S.

Top Safest Fuel Saving Cars

Tahoe and 5 other hybrids lead the pack

So, you want to save money on gas, but you also want to feel safe - it is your family, right? What could be more important?

No problem. CNNMoney has come up with 6 vehicles that save gas by providing great fuel economy while providing best in class safety, and 5 of those vehicles are hybrid vehicles.

The Saturn Aura hybrid, Honda Civic hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid, Toyota Camry hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the Ford Taurus all provide great fuel economy for their class, while also providing excellent safety.

Tahoe, Yukon hybrids to equal Camry fuel economy?

As efficient as a Camry?

Ed Peper, a General Manager for GM's Chevrolet, told CNBC's Behind the Wheel that the Chevy Tahoe hybrid would achieve 21 mpg in the city - the city fuel economy of a conventional Toyota Camry.

That's a good start. Of course, the Toyota Camry hybrid, on the other hand, achieves mid to high 30s fuel economy in the city.

Still, I get Chevy's point.

My Chevy Tahoe hybrid test drive left me very impressed. Still, it's hard for me to endorse any large SUV, but I absolutely believe that the buyers of large SUVS need to take some responsibility for their gas-guzzling. The Tahoe hybrid and the GMC Yukon hybrid provide such an opportunity for large SUV buyers to both reduce foreign oil consumption and to invest in GM's hybrid technology.

Hopefully, one day, that investment will lead to hybrid cars in addition to smaller hybrid SUVs from GM. Until then, the Tahoe and Yukon hybrids are a step forward.

Hidden hybrid potential: The crossover?

An Edge hybrid - Now that would have been bold

For far too long, American automakers put far too many eggs in the SUV basket. At the same time, the Big 3 also missed the boat on hybrid cars, although they are swiftly paddling up river.

Thus, wouldn't a unique hybrid crossover have been a perfect way for U.S. automakers to morph away from large SUVs while also developing winning hybrid vehicle designs?

For example, had the Ford Edge debuted as a hybrid vehicle, I bet it could have challenged the Toyota Camry hybrid in sales. Since the Camry hybrid is on track to move about 60,000 units, I think Ford would have considered the Edge hybrid as a huge success - that would have been a bold move.

Detroit, it seems, has so far been afraid to challenge the Toyota Prius. A unique hybrid crossover, however, could have challenged Toyota, without any comparison to the Prius, while providing a unique offering to I-only-buy-American, SUV-loving consumers.

Sometimes a flanking maneuver is just better than a frontal assault.

Obviously, the profit margins on a hybrid crossover would be less than a conventional crossover, however, the buzz that can be created by a successful hybrid is almost impossible to buy - exactly the kind of buzz that Ford desperately needs.

Hybrids taking off in the Midwest

A tale of Midwest values

Hybrid vehicle registrations, led by the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid are up almost 50 percent compared to last year according to RL. Polk. The Midwest saw the biggest jump in the sales of hybrid vehicles, up almost 57 percent.

"Hybrids are being adopted by vehicle buyers in all regions at an increasing rate for many factors which include fuel prices, differentiating themselves from other consumers and environmental activism," said Lonnie Miller, R.L. Polk director of industry analysis. "The data indicates that hybrids have not hit plateau and that there is room for continued growth within the marketplace in all regions."

Prius One of Top 10 Best selling cars through August

8th Best Selling Car through August

The Toyota Prius has broken into the 20 top selling vehicles of 2007 through August, according to Reuters, coming in at 14. However, the Prius is the 8th best selling car, up almost 77 percent compared to last year.

It's hard not too wonder how well the Prius and Toyota's other hybrid vehicles, such as the Camry hybrid, would be selling if Toyota still qualified for a full tax credit.

A good time to buy a hybrid?

The 2008 hybrids are coming

Are you in the market for a new hybrid vehicle? Then now might be a great time to do some hybrid shopping, as dealers prepare to unload 2007 models to make room for 2008 models.

The 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid is already available at some dealerships, and the price of the hybrid Camry is $1000.00 less than last year. Thus, buyers can only assume that dealers are ready to bargain.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid has been totally revamped, although only small changes were made to the hybrid powertrain. Still, many are calling the new Highlander the best ever, which might create some deals on the 2007 Highlander hybrid.

Unfortunately, Toyota's other hybrid, that quirky little Prius, continues to be a hot seller, so deals on this popular hybrid might not be common. Still, the 2008 Prius will offer a cheaper base version.

The 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid is also set to launch, so again, dealers might be prepared to discount the 2007 model to make room for the 2008s.

Overall, this is a good time of the year to buy an automobile, so get out there and check out your favorite hybrid vehicles. You just might find a deal you can't refuse.

GM's hybrids: The wrong start?

Large SUVs will become GM's first hybrids

When the first full hybrid vehicles from GM hit the streets this Fall, they will come in the form of full size SUVs. And, why should anyone be surprised that GM would start with large SUVs, such as the Yukon hybrid or the Tahoe hybrid?

If large trucks are GM's bread, then large SUVs are GM's butter.

Of course, GM's bread and butter isn't as tasty to consumers as it was a decade ago. Sure, more fuel efficient hybrid versions of these gas-guzzlers might help stem the public's growing disinterest in such vehicles, but will they provide any new marketshare?

--> Finish: GM's hybrids: The wrong start?

Small changes for 2008 Altima hybrid

Starting at $25,695

The 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid will see a small price increase compared to this year's model, but a base Altima hybrid will still be slightly less than a 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid. In addition, the new Altima hybrid will include a few new options such as "splash guards and a Diversity antenna."

"Options on the '08 Altima Hybrid include a $6,400 technology package, an $850 power moonroof and a $1,300 convenience package," according to Edmunds.com.

Different Prius models key to Toyota's hybrid future?

Hybrids: All about the Prius?

I think the Toyota Camry hybrid is an awesome car, and I don't really care if no one notices that it is a hybrid. Still, for many other hybrid buyers, telling the world they drive hybrid cars is important.

Thus, Toyota has been floating the idea of Prius-derivatives for some time. According to Newsweek, Toyota is now committed at least 3 versions of the Prius - a smaller Prius, a family Prius and a crossover Prius.

And, who can argue against this move? When it comes to hybrids, people trust the Prius brand, so let them buy a Prius that best fits their needs. More important, however, the more Prius hybrids Toyota can sell, the more cost-effective hybrid technology becomes.

As Toyota hybrid technology becomes more cost-effective, the sooner more car buyers will buy hybrid versions of every other Toyota automobile, and that's the real future of hybrid technology.

Surprise, Surprise Prius is most researched and read about hybrid

Prius dominates NADA research

The Toyota Prius is the most researched and most read about hybrid at NADAGuides.com.

Wow. Isn't that a big surprise?

About the only interesting fact is that the Honda Civic hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid are more researched than the Toyota Camry hybrid, but more people read reviews of the Camry hybrid compared to either the Civic or Altima hybrids.

I guess when consumers consider hybrid cars, they research Civic and Altima hybrids for comparison before, ultimately, buying the Prius - in most cases. Not as many consumers, however, are researching the Altima or Civic hybrids as seriously as the Camry hybrid, it appears.

Again, that's not really surprising either. While the Prius is the undisputed king of hybrid sales, the Camry hybrid is also blowing away any competition. 60,000 Camry hybrid sales for its first full calendar year is pretty good for a car that offers barely any tax credit.

Time for Change? July kills Detroit

No hope until the Volt?

For decades the winds of change have blown across the automotive landscape of America, spreading the seeds of compact car interest, fuel economy, etc. Nurtured by the ever-growing dangers of foreign oil dependency, pollution, and global warming, the seeds of change have flourished.

Consequently, as "unexpectedly weak" July auto sales is forcing Detroit's automakers to expect "vehicle sales to end the year at a nine-year low," the Toyota Prius - the poster child of change - has become the top selling vehicle for the same month.

Not long ago, the Prius was labeled with terms like joke or publicity stunt, even a stupid idea. Yet, not only do Prius sales continue to strengthen, they continue to power Toyota and its hybrid cars . And, make no mistake, selling 60,000 Camry hybrids this year is no less of a joke than the 1st generation Prius - the future is not just the Prius.

America is ready for change now more than ever. Unfortunately, any real change coming out of Detroit, such as the Chevy Volt, is still, minimally, a few years from reality.

As labor unions and executives begin to hammer out the future, let us hope the winds of change are not only realized, but harnessed. Change is the only way forward.

The Chevy Malibu hybrid: GM's Big Mistake?

GM plans massive marketing blitz to challenge Camry

The Chevy Malibu is of critical importance to GM, thus the automaker will use a six-speed transmission with a four-cylinder engine to increase fuel economy. In addition, GM will spend more than $100 million marketing the Malibu in an effort to challenge the Toyota Camry.

That's great, but how much buzz would a full hybrid version of the Malibu have brought to GM dealers?

GM's Bob Lutz has essentially called the Toyota Prius a marketing coup. It's not that the Prius is breaking sale's records for any category outside of hybrid cars, rather it's the fact that the Prius is a PR machine. Even if the Prius isn't selling, it's still driving buyers into Toyota.

Moreover, while the Toyota Camry hybrid might only sell a little more than 50,000 units this year, I'll bet the Camry hybrid has also helped drive more buyers into Toyota.

So, why not a dual mode Malibu hybrid? GM's dual mode technology is ready to roll. Selling 50,000 Malibu hybrids in 2008 wouldn't just make GM the second best hybrid vehicle seller and validate GM's hybrids, it would drive incredible buzz to GM.

What's the deal? Can't GM compete?

BW - Altima and Camry hybrids are 5 star vehicles

"best looking, best priced hybrid sedan"

Both the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid were given 5 stars by a recent Business Week article, but the Altima hybrid was, ultimately, favored.

"The Camry and Altima are "full" hybrids that can operate on their electric motors alone at times. I gave both of them our top five-star rating. But when you factor in the Altima's low price and the $2,350 federal tax credit many consumers will earn for buying one, it's a far better bargain than the Camry Hybrid right now."

My Take

Recent road tests of these hybrid vehicles have demonstrated that the Camry hybrid is more fuel efficient than the Altima hybrid. So, the Camry hybrid will save more money over time. Of course, the Altima hybrid is more sporty - in performance and handling. So, give'em both a drive if you are seeking a hybrid sedan, if you can find an Altima hybrid - it's still only available in just a handful of states.

No slowing Prius sales

Camry on pace for more than 50,000 sales in first year

For July, while car U.S. car sales slumped, the Toyota Prius continued to be a hot seller, recording over 16,000 units sold.

The Camry hybrid continues to be a strong seller for Toyota as well, achieving over 4,300 units sold. Ultimately, for 2007, Toyota's hybrid Camry will probably outsell the combined sales of all other hybrid vehicles, minus the Prius.

CAFE: Toyota's bad, growing addiction?

Toyota just loves trucks too much?

Toyota has long made excellent vehicles, but when it comes to the environment, Toyota has always lagged far behind its Japanese rival, Honda. Nevertheless, when Toyota pushed ahead with the Prius, despite mockery from the rest of the automotive world, it seemed the automaker might just be ready to push ahead of Honda.

Then again, it isn't just the Prius, it's all of Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

While most hybrid hype is placed upon the Prius, the Toyota Camry hybrid has quietly become a strong seller itself, a trend that I bet will only pick up pace. Moreover, if Toyota is correct when it claims that the price difference between hybrids and conventional gasoline vehicles will disappear within the next decade, then the Camry hybrid might soon outsell the Prius.

Thus, it's completely dumbfounding that Toyota continues to join the Big 3 against a significant increase in CAFE. If the future is all hybrid, as Toyota claims, and the hybrid price differential will soon end - another Toyota claim - then 35 mpg fleet economy should be a cake-walk by 2020.

So, what's up with Toyota? Does it fear high CAFE standards will destroy U.S. automakers and bring a backlash against foreign autos? Is Toyota still uncertain about the future of hybrids? Or, are the ridiculous profit margins of large, gas-guzzling vehicles just too bloody addictive?

Where's the kaizen?

InsideLine chooses Camry as best hybrid sedan

Camry hybrid was "the obvious winner"

InsideLine recently completed a comparison of hybrid sedans, testing the Toyota Camry hybrid, the Saturn Aura hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid.

"It's the Camry's abundant features, comfortable ride and fuel-sipping efficiency that take it to the top of the podium in this test. Just like the standard Camry, the simple fact is the Camry Hybrid gives you a lot of car for your money."

Once again, Toyota proves it knows hybrid cars.

Still, the Nissan Altima hybrid did catch the attention of the testers at Edmunds. "Finally. A hybrid with decent steering and a responsive chassis. What took so long?" So, if you are willing to give up some fuel economy for sportier handling, then the Altima hybrid is worth a look in this segment.

The Aura hybrid, unfortunately, it just too much of a mild hybrid and achieved far less fuel economy than the other two hybrid sedans, especially in the city, where Camry hybrid was more than twice as fuel efficient as the Aura. However, for purely highway drivers, looking to spend as little as possible on a hybrid sedan, the Aura hybrid might work, especially if you are committed to GM products.

$1000.00 price drop for 2008 Camry hybrid!

Camry or Camry hybrid - price is getting closer

The 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid will have a base price of $25,200, which is $1,000.00 less than the 2007 model. The new Camry hybrid will arrive in dealerships later this month.

Hybrid interest dropped in 2007?

J.D. Power says interest in hybrids dropped in 2007

The DetroitNews is reporting that interest in hybrid cars has dropped 7 percent in 2007. "In the 2006 study, we found consumers often overestimated the fuel-efficiency of hybrid electric vehicles, and the decrease in consideration of hybrids in 2007 may be a result of their more realistic understanding of the actual fuel economy," said Mike Marshall, director of automotive emerging technologies at J.D. Power.

Ironically, as interest in hybrids supposedly dropped, and as Toyota hybrid tax credits have been reduced to almost nothing, the Toyota Prius has become one of the top 10 best selling cars in America as 2007 Prius sales have pummeled 2006 sales. Likewise, the Camry hybrid has seen stellar first year sales.

Somehow, I think this study is missing something.

Do Prius leases suck?

Just not worth leasing?

I was helping a friend shop for a new hybrid. She's interested in both the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid, and she wants to lease either vehicle as a small business write-off.

Unfortunately, Toyota just doesn't want to lease these vehicles. I'm kidding. Of course Toyota will lease these vehicles, but one could lease many luxury vehicles for less. The lease deals on these two Toyota hybrids just suck.

Nonetheless, my friend is probably going to lease the Toyota Camry hybrid because she can actually lease a loaded Camry hybrid - not the Special Edition - for slightly less than the Prius, even though the Camry costs more.

Now, we live in California, where hybrid vehicles are hot, especially the Prius. Have others had similar experiences outside of California trying to lease either the Prius or Camry hybrid?

Toyota - The future is all hybrid

Only the beginning?

Many believe hybrid vehicles are just a niche technology. Not me. Even if fuel cells or hydrogen can be developed, hybrid technology can make each more efficient.

Many believe the Prius is so successful because it allows consumers to gloat to the rest of the world about what great people they are. Not me. I believe many Prius drivers do want to gloat, but I believe just as many Prius drivers are simply following their beliefs - trying to do as much to fight foreign oil dependency and/or global warming as possible.

Ultimately, when the Camry hybrid is priced almost the same as the conventional Camry, then the Camry might still be the best selling car in America, but that status will be driven by the hybrid version, not the conventional version. Hybrid technology, not just unique hybrids, are the future. Just ask Toyota.

"Eventually, everything will be a hybrid," said Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor North America, in an interview Tuesday in New York according to the DetroitNews.

Lazy Media: The Hybrid Buyer Stereotype

Aren't all hybrid vehicle buyers gloating, liberal treehuggers?

What's wrong with trying to do something positive? What's wrong with wanting to end pollution and/or global warming? What's wrong with wanting to fight terrorism and foreign oil dependency?

Even more important, what is wrong with being proud of doing such things?

Over and over, so-called auto analysts, such as Rebecca Lindland, a Global Insight analyst, claim that hybrid buyers, "really want people to know what good people they are." Thus, to support her claim, Lindland points out that the Toyota Prius outsells the Camry hybrid 3 to 1 because its more unique-looking, more of a message sender.

--> Finish: Lazy Media: The Hybrid Buyer Stereotype

Toyota reports hybrid sales for June

Toyota's hybrid sales still strong

Toyota sold almost 30,000 hybrid vehicles in June, an increase of almost 50 percent compared to last June. Not surprisingly, the Prius was the top selling hybrid, posting sales of 17,756 units. The Camry hybrid achieved sales of 5,530 units, while the Highlander hybrid posted sales of 2,403 units.

The Lexus RX400h hybrid achieved sales of 1,562 units.

How about a Toyota FSC-like hybrid-only brand?

Does a hybrid crossover make sense?

So, you like the Toyota Prius, and it works, in theory, for your family of 4. Nonetheless, it seems like your brother's two kids spend almost as much time with your family, as with his. Thus, ultimately, the Prius just doesn't accommodate the needs of your extended family.

Well, what if Toyota offered another hybrid-only brand, as unique as the Prius, but a little larger, with a slick foldaway third row of seating?

We know Toyota is almost certainly going to launch a new hybrid-only brand that is probably going to be larger than the Prius. Wouldn't such a hybrid crossover be the perfect vehicle? It wouldn't really adversely affect Camry hybrid sales, Prius sales, or Highlander hybrid sales.

I'd buy it.

Karl on Cars slams Saturn Aura hybrid

An exercise in marketing?

Back in March I called another journalist's Saturn Aura hybrid versus Toyota Prius comparison, nonsense. Even though it wasn't my comparison, some suggested I should compare the Toyota Camry hybrid to the Aura hybrid.

Why? It's still nonsense, but then again, I have hybrid a bias.

Karl on Cars recently tested the Camry hybrid, the Aura hybrid, and the Nissan Altima hybrid and stated, "the Aura got about 19 mpg, or about half what the Altima and Camry hybrids recorded. It was also slower than the other two cars, and our test car had a nasty high-pitched rattle coming out of the center stack area above 4,000 rpm. The upside would be that it costs less than the Altima or Camry Hybrids and the trunk isn't negatively impacted by its "hybrid" technology (though the Camry Hybrid's trunk is plenty large, too)."

Yet, Karl, whom isn't the biggest fan of hybrid vehicles, didn't stop there.

"The real tragedy here is that this car, like the last Accord Hybrid and the current LS 600h, is yet another example of the technology being used for marketing purposes rather than truly saving gas or cutting our dependence on foreign oil or reducing CO2 emissions or any of those other things that we're supposed to feel good about when buying a hybrid."

Now, my critics claim I'm paid off by Toyota, is Karl?

Toyota reiterates plans to reduce hybrid vehicle costs

Camry hybrid at the same cost as a conventional Camry?

At an alternative fuels conference yesterday, Toyota reiterated their plans to soon reduce the costs of hybrid cars to help achieve their next hybrid goal: one million hybrid vehicle sales per year.

According to reports, Toyota will use "Advancements in higher-capacity, lower-cost batteries".

Does that dispel rumors that the use of lithium in its third generation Prius has been delayed?

Prius top selling Toyota vehicle at some dealers

A hidden gem at NAIAS?

Despite a severely reduced hybrid tax credit, the Toyota Prius is now the top-selling vehicle at some Toyota dealers, according to my sources at more than one Toyota dealership in Southern California.

Often Southern California is the barometer of U.S. auto trends. If this is true regarding the Prius and hybrid cars - the Camry hybrid is also a hot seller in SoCal - imagine the sales potential of the third generation Prius.

What would all the hybrid vehicle critics say if the Prius became the best selling vehicle in America?

Karl on Cars dumbfounded by Prius success?

That little car that could

When Toyota started mass-producing the Prius, U.S. automakers just didn't get it, nor did hybrid critics such as Karl on Cars.

Now that the Toyota Prius became one of the top 10 best selling vehicles in the month of May, Karl still doesn't get the Prius. Yet, he now believes in the 3rd Generation Prius, kind of.

-->> Finish: Karl on Cars dumbfounded by Prius success

Prius, hybrid vehicles, hot in Pasadena - A quick shop

Time to get a deal?

I was running some errands the other day that took me near a Toyota dealership, so I thought I'd stop in and check out the selection of hybrid cars.

I haven't been out shopping hybrids in many months, but I was shocked by how things have changed. At one time you couldn't find any hybrids on a Toyota lot. Six months ago or so, you might find a few on the lot, but selection was still very limited. Now, the Toyota lot is loaded with hybrids.

--Finish: Prius, hybrid vehicles, hot in Pasadena - A quick shop

Toyota hybrids post record sales in May

The Camry hybrid was also hot

Ouch! That's all I can say regarding the sales of the Toyota Prius hybrid car this May.

With a tax credit that has been cut in half, then cut in half again, one might have expected a bit of a drop in the sales of Toyota's hybrid vehicles, or at least some stagnation. Instead, Toyota posted its BEST EVER month of Prius sales, selling some 24,009 Prius vehicles - almost equaling the total sales of Toyota's entire Lexus division.

----> Finish: Toyota hybrids post record sales in May

3 Hybrids make Forbes hottest cars for 2007

Forbes magazine picked three hybrid cars as part of their Hottest Cars for 2007. Granted two of their picks are luxury hybrids, but they are still hybrids and fuel economy did affect Forbes' decision. The Lexus GS 450h "can do zero to 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds — better than many sports cars — yet it has EPA fuel-economy ratings of 28 mpg city/27 mpg highway. This sexy-looking Lexus is both fast and efficient." The other luxury hybrid was the Lexus LS 600h L "Rather than developing a 12-cylinder version of its top luxury sedan to compete with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Lexus opted for a gas/electric hybrid powertrain and invented the world's first full-hybrid V8." Rounding out Forbes hybrid picks was the Toyota Camry hybrid, which Forbes said, "All together the system makes 192 hp and up to 203 pound-feet of torque and runs through a continuously variable transmission to provide performance that beats a standard four-cylinder Camry."