Small hybrid and plug-in cars: A skewed perspective
Can the Chevy Silverado hybrid be turned into a sale's leader?
Light duty trucks dominate US market share and Big 3 profits, again
In recent weeks, the CEO of Better Place has stated that when his company focuses on the US market, it will focus on electric SUVs. Similarly, one of Tesla’s co-founders recently claimed that small EVs are rather insignificant, and that hybridizing pickup trucks and SUVs was more beneficial.
Judging by last month’s auto sales, with light duty trucks achieving almost 53 percent of marketshare, both seem to have a point.
Once again the Ford F-Series dominated US auto sales, selling almost twice as many units as the closest non-truck competitor.
Likewise, the top selling cars were larger sedans, not compacts like the upcoming Nissan Leaf, for instance.
Consequently, US automakers are gaining share because pickup trucks and SUVs are again selling well. More important, increased light duty truck sales mean increased profits for Big 3 automakers. Obviously, that seems good for a beleaguered, almost bankrupt, but hugely important base of US manufacturing, despite the negative effects of declining US fleet fuel economy.
But is it sustainable?
If given a choice it seems US consumers want pickup trucks, SUVs, crossovers and large sedans. Therefore, wouldn’t it be wise to focus a greater share of hybridization and electrification efforts towards such vehicles? If the goal is change, isn’t this the most important segment?
It’s great to know from TopSpeed.com that Chevy Silverado was awarded as “2007 Motor Trend Truck of the Year” and according to them Silverado represents the best of the best in the competitive pickup truck segment.IMO, If GM didn’t offer the GMC version of the Silverado, don’t just assume they’d all go over and buy the Chevy.
I’m not against small hybrids in any way. Personally, I’m very interested in that Toyota yaris-sized hybrid.
I’d just like to see trucks get more attention, particularly since they are so important to the US auto industry, which is probably why we’re avoiding them. Take away truck profits and you take away a good chunk of Big 3 profits. Obviously, this is a very difficult segment to deal with, but if impact is the focus, this is the segment to tackle.
It’s pretty sad when the government puts together capped tax incentives for hybrids and plug-ins, yet at the same time allows unlimited small business tax credits for the purchase of only the biggest gas guzzlers.
Amen
Ford sells 20 F-150’s for every Hybrid they sell.
If you want to impact oil consumption, focus your efforts on trucks.
BUT….
Don’t abandon efforts on small hybrids. There are plenty of us out there that want these vehicles as well….