Hybrids No More?

The Detroit News reports: Gas price fluctuations threaten hybrid future. Blah, blah, blah.

It may be early to conclude that America's love affair with hybrids is on the wane, but the signs are not encouraging. It will be interesting to see whether full size truck and sport utility buyers will still show an interest in fuel saving technology when it becomes available next year.

Yes, it's too early to say for sure. And yes, we expect full size trucks and SUVs to rebound some. But to say that hybrids are in big trouble is to be as short-sighted as all of Detroit. "OH GOD, THIS QUARTER IS HORRIBLE!" or "AMERICANS ARE BUYING SUVS LIKE CRAZY, LET'S ASSUME THIS WILL HAPPEN FOREVER!"

Gas prices will go back up. And they'll go up sooner than you sell your big SUV, so be careful Mr. Shopperman. Or Ms. Shopperlady with your cell phone and 2.5 ton SUV.

Speaking of gas prices, CNN/Money reports: Hybrid vehicles top EPA, DOE fuel economy guide. All of the cars listed are pretty much a given. Good to see Ford on there since then all of makes represented would have been from elsewhere.

That's a snap of the 2007 Toyota Prius. Not a looker, but better than the first and comes as a handy hatch. Sweet!

Comments

[editorbob]

Toronado45 -

Right! I think the Det News dude is off. :/

bob.

[toronado455]

>It will be interesting to see whether full size truck and sport utility buyers will still show an interest in fuel saving technology when it becomes available next year.
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No it won't (be interesting) because it will only offer those buyers 1-2 MPG improvement. And when did buyers of full size trucks and SUVs ever have an interest in fuel savings anyway?