Hybrids continue to be attacked by non-believers, but they will survive.
GM's Bob Lutz says that developing hybrids is a political and not a financial decision. He says the technology will always be too expensive to be practical. Atta boy Bob, way to encourage your engineers who are developing next gen technology! As for diesel hybrids, Lutz is equally negative, saying they cost $12,000 or more than conventional gasoline engines.He probably believes gas will go back to be $1.50 a gallon too.
While GM can continue to turn a blind eye to the possibilities Peugot says it will make a production diesel hybrid car. Diesel hybrid buses have been successful shuttling passengers for years, and the technology will filter down to passenger vehicles, starting first with larger models.
Edmunds has a positive reviewof the Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI SUV. The only knock on the clean efficient SUV is that it's acceleration leaves a little to be desired, but the addition of an electric motor (or turbo charger) would take care of that. And if you are already spending $60K, the cost can be absorbed.
The Detroit News' John McCormick is guilty of selective journalism by stating that interest in hybrid is on the decline, as Accord and Prius sales are down this year. That may be true (he must have read myearlier post), but overall sales of hybrids are up significantly, and the Civic and Camry hybrids are selling really well. McCormick further puts his foot in his mouth by saying performance hybrids are now of more interest even though that is the niche of the not-selling Accord!
For more posts discussing hybrids, go here.
