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Hybrid-car sales will grow -- but not how you would expect
You'd think that hybrids would be doomed. More buyers are opting lower-priced compacts with less exotic, but still fuel-thrifty technology. But you'd be wrong: experts say we're going to gas-electric hybrid models than ever.
The growth, however, won't be where most people would expect. The focus on the market for hybrids will move from small cars to the bigger, plusher, more expensive larger ones. J.D. Power and Associates says from a measly market share of 2.45% this year, hybrids and pure electrics will grow to 7.2% of the market in 2015.
Why? Because automakers are going to have to figure out a way to meet stricter government fuel standard demands -- and hybrids are pretty much the most reasonable way to go. Yes, the Toyota Prius will stay with us -- it's become an incredibly valuable brand -- but lots of hybrids will be bigger luxury barges.
Reason: The extra cost of a hybrid, which J.D. Power estimates at an average of $6,000, isn't as big of a consideration in luxury models, which comes with big pricetags anyway. The larger, premium 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have standard a new, hybridized "eAssist" four-cylinder powertrain. At $30,820 to start, it's about $3,000 more than the 2011 base model that did not have eAssist and 2012 buyers can opt for a non-hybrid V-6 at no extra cost.
"In order to meet (rising federal gas-mileage standards), the whole fleet will get some form of hybridization," says Rebecca Lindland, analyst for IHS Automotive. Future hybrids, however, probably will include more larger, luxury models the extra price is not as big a factor in the overall cost as with smaller, cheaper models.
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But you'd be wrong: experts say we're going to gas-electric hybrid models than ever. The growth, however, won't be where most people would expect. The focus on the market for hybrids will move from small cars to the bigger, plusher, more expensive
Nissan Motor Co. is reportedly developing a front-wheel drive adaptation of its in-house hybrid vehicle technology for the next generation Altima Hybrid as early as next year. The system will be based on
But there's still not enough cargo space for some folks, so Toyota is rolling out the Prius v, a hybrid car targeted at people who might be tempted by roomier crossover SUVs. Crossover SUVs are also more powerful. Toyota may be trying to fit too much
Finalists in this year's Car category also included the Audi Quattro, the Mazda Shinari, and the Porsche 918 RSR Hybrid. "The Jaguar C-X75 is one of the most visually arresting cars ever. Call it aggressive elegance. The novel turbine-based
AutoPacific data also shows that increased interest in compact cars has more to do with higher-performance engines and increased content than the need for better fuel economy. Still, compact and hybrid vehicles are expected to grow as a segment.
Is Ford having some hybrid doubts? - Hybrid Cars and Plug-in ...
Is hybrid enough for C-Max?
When it comes to hybrid cars , Ford has up to now talked a better game than it has played. However, since CEO Alan Mulally took the reigns at Ford, hybrid hyped has been tempered.
Recently, Ford announced that the new C-Max will be Ford’s first hybrid-only brand, at least in the US, including an eventual plug-in version.
So, why is Ford testing a non-hybrid prototype in the US?
According to Automobile the direct-injected I-4 looks pretty much like a “tall Focus hatchback”, and could possibly be a prototype for engine testing. Therefore, this non-hybrid C-Max might be a conventional piece of Ford’s C-Max testing.
Or, maybe Ford is keeping its options open.
Under Mulally, Ford has forecast pretty aggressive hybrid numbers, at least on the high end of its range. Of course, Ford’s 10 – 25 percent by 2020 hybrid forecast is pretty wide. Consequently, if it seems 10 percent is a more likely reality, perhaps Ford would quickly add a non-hybrid C-Max to its American lineup.
Anyway, not sure what I think about the C-Max as a “Prius-fighter”. The conventional Toyota Prius appears to offer more hatchback utility, and the larger Prius V seems to offer more size and utility. Of course, pricing is still a wild card.
I suspect that FORD is playing the same game as Toyota.
While it is clear that the Prius has established itself as THE defacto Hybrid – the technology has not “bled” through to the rest of it’s models.
There is no stampede, for instance to buy the Highlander Hybrid as far as I can tell. Ditto the Camry Hybrid. I suspect that the non-Hybrid versions of those cars sell better than the hybrid versions.
Ford is clearly not sold on the idea of hybrids as their primary product offering.
They want to be in the game – but are not putting all their eggs in the hybrid basket.
Where I see them getting a potential leg up on Toyota is with their TransVan Hybrid.
It would make an awesome urban delivery van.
If they turned it into a window Van – a funky station wagon.. it could catch on.
I’m no engineer, but I think the “tall hatchback” design is for stability or rigidity if looking to be big enough for 3rd row seating. I can’t help but thinking how the Kia Rondo looks ugly (to me) but is the cheapest 7-seater I can think of and still has descent fuel economy. I think their profiles are similar enough for this to be a possibility.
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