Despite high price, sales of hybrid cars growing at phenomenal pace

[Thom Little]

Automakers are rolling out several new hybrids at this year's North American International Auto Show as hybrid sales continue to grow at a phenomenal pace. But consumers are finding out that hybrids are more expensive and may save less fuel than they thought, which could put the brakes on future hybrid sales.

General Motors Corp. is making one of the most visible pushes, introducing two models with different types of hybrid power systems at the show in Detroit. Toyota Motor Corp. will introduce its new hybrid-powered Camry, while Ford Motor Co. will show off a sporty concept vehicle with a diesel-electric hybrid system it says gets up to 65 miles per gallon. Subaru also will have a hybrid concept at the show, which opens Jan. 14.

GM is introducing the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid, the first GM vehicle with its new gas-electric system. The hybrid version of the midsize SUV will go on sale this summer and will use as much as 20 percent less fuel than a traditional Saturn Vue, GM says.

GM, which has been criticized in the past by some environmental groups for not offering more hybrids, is promoting the Green Line as a less expensive alternative to hybrids already on the market from Toyota and Ford. The Green Line's hybrid system adds around $2,000 to the cost of a Saturn Vue, compared to a $3,500 premium or more for other hybrids, and will allow the Green Line to sell for less than $23,000. That compares to a starting price of $33,030 for the similarly sized Toyota Highlander hybrid.



http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/sfl-zautos06jan06,0,6588318.story?coll=sfla-business-front

[Javaman]

1. This falls into the, "well, no shit sherlock" category...n/t

[lovuian]

2. Its not just hybrids my son got the only Honda Civic on the lot

the salesmen said that here in Texas the Californians are buying all the Hondas up and shipping them there... They can't get enough of them...

They know gas is going UP UP UP...

[jsamuel]

3. 5 year old hybrids are reselling at 85% the original prices

amazing...

[Vogon_Glory]

4. Small Wonder Hybrids Are Selling

After the price spikes last summer and autumn, small wonder hybrids are selling well. Savvy consumers across the political spectrum aren't going to fall for Rulin' Dubya Posse/Big Three auto company propaganda that the gas price hikes were only temporary and that soon gas prices will go back down to "normal." The credulous may want to have a final fling with their Expeditions, but I suspect that the warier are going to go hybrid.

[msongs]

5. you can buy my civic hybrid, only 7100 miles

the technology is fine and so is the mileage but the civic is just a cheaply built small
car. It has more vibrations, rattles, loose pieces and parts, than my truck with 100K miles
on it.

If I want another hybrid I will get a prius built from scratch as a hybrid.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/clark2008.htm

[DebbieCDC]

6. Proud Hybrid Owner

Bought my Prius 3 months ago and love it. Great in-town mileage, solid little car, drives like a dream and has a huge amount of room in the back when the back seat is down (with 3 dogs to transport around I need all the room I can get). I have only bought 2 1/2 tanks of gas in 3 months time, and I drive to work almost every day, weekend driving around, etc. It's not like this car is sitting in the driveway all the time -- it gets driven!

Take that Saudi sheiks -- why should I put money in the pockets of despots from a country where women can't even drive and who support the bushco junta? Not with my dime you don't!

[salin]

7. I've had mine for a month

and love it. The more I drive it, the better the mileage per gallon. For most of my adult life I have driven small cars (several corollas, and a mirage) - just get out of a mid sized car - and the Prius, while smaller, is a whole lot more spacious than my old 80s and 90s 'small' cars. Plan on driving this car for a long, long time.

[Robb]

8. I love hybrids and all

I just think they're too expensive for most people to get into, and just represent a dent in the problem.

BUT... one bite at a time, I suppose. :)

[KittyWampus]

9. Europe, Apparently Has Many Many Hybrids To Choose From, A Fellow

DU'er posted a thread about a month ago that had pix of dozens (?) of different hybrid cars that are sold in Europe... as compared to the handful available here.

I didn't bookmark it though :(

[DemoTex]

10. I'm waiting for a Toyota Tacoma hybrid pick-em-up truck.

And I wish they would down-size the Tacoma to what it was a couple of years ago. The new Tacomas look like Tundras. Meanwhile, my 7-year old Subaru Outback wagon is great. It only has 82,000 miles. It is a great car for the mountains and for Nick-Nick.


Nick-Nick