Stupid Toyota to build hybrid plant cars

Silly Toyota keeps trucking along with hybrids, like this hybrid Camry

Toyota is going to build a new hybrid parts factory in Japan according to several news sources. Not much is known about specific plans for the hybrid plant, but it seems obvious that Toyota keeps ramping up for greater and greater production of hybrid cars.

Yet, Toyota's hybrids are consistently questioned. Series hybrids are better than Toyota's parallel hybrids. Toyota's hybrid powertrain is too complex. The Prius just doesn't make sense.

Apparently, Toyota is the dumbest automaker on the planet, staking their future on second rate hybrid technology. Of course, one has to continually ask, where are these technologically superior hybrids vehicles?

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Democrats suck: Why no Toyota hybrid tax credits? (Does America suck?)

Is leaving Iraq a solution or a distraction?

While Democrats keep beating the Leave Iraq drum, they continue to do little to resolve the problem that eventually pushed America into Iraq in the first place: oil. While there isn't anything that can be done to immediately end foreign oil dependency, there are small actions that create strong messages that could result in real action. Extending Toyota's tax credits is one such action.

Besides, Toyota deserves the extension. Hybrid cars, plug-in hybrid vehicles - these vehicles wouldn't even be on the world's radar if not for Toyota. Even today, the Big 3 - led by GM - can't get off the ethanol crazy train. Fortunately, even the mainstream media are finally starting to address the truth about flex-fuel vehicles and corn-based ethanol - its a scam (See BW).

--> Finish Democrats suck: Why no Toyota hybrid tax credits

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Specialty vehicles going hybrid

SatCon, which serves the off-road, heavy truck and specialty vehicle market, is announcing that over the past several months $1.2 million worth of on-board vehicle components have been ordered for production builds of hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.

Anyone seen any cool off-road hybrids or electric vehicles lately?

DaimlerChrsyler explands plug-in hybrid concept program

A plug-in diesel hybrid to be included

DaimlerChrysler will include the 2007 Dodge Sprinter in its recently announced plug-in hybrid test program in the U.S. In addition to the new platform, the concept program will also include diesel plug-in hybrids. Currently, the Sprinter plug-in can achieve around 20 miles on electric power only using next generation lithium-ion batteries.

While its nice to see this plug-in program evolving, how about some hybrid vehicles today?

Monday, March 26, 2007

Carpool sticker adds $4000 to used Prius price

Does your Prius have a California HOV sticker?

If your Toyota Prius includes a HOV sticker, it could be worth an extra $4000.00 when/if you decide to sell according to USA Today. The HOV sticker does expire in 2011.

Lutz responds to Volt doubters

GM's Bob Lutz getting out of the Volt concept at NAIAS debut

On Friday I wrote about GM's Chevy Volt doubts, based on a DetroitNews article. Late Friday, Mr. Lutz also responded to that article, saying that GM was 100 percent committed to the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid.

Good. Yet, while Lutz is a bit testy about GM doubters, can he really blame them? GM's history regarding hybrid cars and electric cars isn't great. While GM has claimed to be committed to this path, GM still has yet to sell one dual mode hybrid. The Volt, on the other hand, is at least 3 years away.

GM can continue to lobby the faithful with words, but until naysayers actually feel and touch real GM hybrid vehicles and next-gen vehicles, such as the Volt, words just won't be enough.

U.S. automakers: Too focused on fuels rather than on fuel efficiency

Shouldn't automakers be more focused on fuel efficiency, rather than on alternative fuels?

I hate being critical of the biofuel movement, but it is simply a fact that corn-based ethanol is just not a very good bio-fuel. Moreover, there are plenty of questions still left unresolved regarding bio-fuels, especially until cellulosic ethanol is economically achieved.

For example, if we triple or quadruple ethanol consumption, how much will food prices increase? Also, considering that water is more and more labeled as the next oil, is it wise to use so much of this precious resource to fuel our vehicles via water-greedy corn? Furthermore, will global warming affect our ability to produce many bio-fuels? And that's just for starters.

Finish Fuels rather than fuel efficiency

Friday, March 23, 2007

GM's doubts about the Chevy Volt?

Will GM really be able to deliver the Volt?

I am a perpetual GM critic. Why? Because I believe foreign oil dependency is the greatest issue facing America. It is also America's greatest opportunity. Yet, GM's actions are lacking.

Ending dependency means new, clean technologies (and jobs), which result in greater National security and a much cleaner world. Thus, when GM not only passed on hybrid cars, but ridiculed them, GM became an enemy of energy independence.

However, the debut of the Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid at NAIAS gave me hope, but is the Volt more hope than reality? Finish GM's doubts about the Chevy Volt.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Prius versus the Hummer, again? Nonsense again.

If we all drive Hummers we can save the world!

In the last couple of weeks some genius at a small student newspaper brought up the CNW hybrid study - announced a year ago - which suggested that the Toyota Prius hybrid was less environmentally friendly than a Hummer. For some reason Drudge picked up the story.

Finish Prius versus the Hummer

Plug-in hybrids key to alternative energy?

Batteries for alternative energy?

While some have worried about the environmental effect that plug-in hybrid vehicles might have because of their electricity consumption, others see plug-in hybrids as an integral part of alternative energy production.

"One of the things holding back power from wind is that it's hard to store," says Lester Brown, president of the Earth Policy Institute in Washington "Basically plug-in batteries could become storage for wind power."

Interestingly, Brown made these statements while discussing how plug-in hybrids could help food prices. As ethanol use increases, so too will food prices. Since plug-in hybrids limit the need for liquid fuel, Brown asserts that less ethanol would be needed.

As I regularly state, the best of hybrid cars is yet to come.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Mazda exploring hydrogen hybrids

Is Mazda pulling a Ford?

At NAIAS Ford announced plans to develop hydrogen plug-in hybrid vehicles. Of course, such vehicles would still require some sort of hydrogen highway, even though the plug-in feature would minimize the need for regular hydrogen fueling.

Now Mazda, a part of the Ford family, is also developing a hydrogen hybrid, however, this hybrid is a bit different than the Ford concept. Unlike Ford's hydrogen hybrid, Mazda's hydrogen hybrid would use Mazda's rotary engine according to reports. Since Mazda has been developing a flex-fuel rotary engine - one that could use either gasoline or hydrogen - Mazda's hybrid could be much more consumer friendly.

Regardless, such a development seems to indicate that the evolution of hybrid cars could become quite interesting in the very near future.

Energy Security and Global Warming: What GM is doing

Is GM about more than just the Hummer?

When it comes the environment and global warming, GM is the favored whipping boy in the automotive sector, but is such a view of GM accurate? Just because GM isn't the leading developer of hybrid cars, does that mean they are not an environmental leader? According to GM's VP of Environment and Energy, Beth Lowery, that view is not correct and she is letting people know about it on the Fast Lane Blog.

Finish Energy Security and Global Warming

Go electric for just $10,000 more?

Ready to go electric?

Would you convert you car into an electric vehicle for an extra $10,000? Well, you might soon have such an option. A French company, Dassault-Heuliez, has developed a system called Cleanova II, which is now being used to convert Fiats and Renaults into fully electric vehicles. While the price for the package has been estimated around $10,000, that might not include installation. Then there is the warranty. Still, the more these issues are explored, the sooner the world can be driven by plug-in hybrid vehicles and purely electric vehicles.

Time to kill the Mariner hybrid?

Too much like the Escape hybrid?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Mercury Mariner hybrid, except one thing: the Mariner hybrid is simply too much like a Ford Escape hybrid. At least that is the point Karl on Cars recently made.

Regarding the Mariner hybrid, "like most Mercurys, the increased cost over the comparable Ford product doesn't return when it's time to sell. In fact, Mercurys do worse on resale value than their Blue Oval cousins. If nothing else that last point confirms which version you should buy (and raises the inescapable spectre of what Ford should probably do with Mercury...)".

Canada to tax gas-guzzling, offer hybrid rebate

The Canadian government plans to reward the makers and buyers of hybrid cars by offering a rebate of up to $2000.00 for hybrid purchases. On the other hand, gas-guzzlers could be taxed as much as $4000.00. (DetroitNews)

I still like the idea of a gas tax funded clean vehicle credit the best.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Aura hybrid versus the Prius? Nonsense!

GM's first hybrid sedan

Hybrid cars have become incredibly important buzz generators in the automotive world. Thus, I use the term hybrid vehicle very lightly when describing mild hybrids, such as the Saturn Vue hybrid or the upcoming Saturn Aura hybrid.

It's not that I hate these hybrid vehicles. In fact, if GM offered both mild hybrid and full hybrid versions of these vehicles - letting consumers choose their hybrid package - I'd be incredibly supportive of mild hybrid technology. Since this choice does not exist, I see GM's mild hybrids more as a PR effort, rather than a technology effort.

Finish Aura hybrid versus the Prius

Build your own plug-in hybrid vehicle kit

Can't wait for a plug-in hybrid? Build it yourself

Robert Q. Riley Enterprises plans to sell plans and kits for a do-it-yourself plug-in hybrid vehicle, and the company will debut the XR-3 hybrid in June of this year. According to the company, this plug-in hybrid will be a three-wheeled, two-seater capable of 225 miles per gallon when in hybrid mode. The plug-in can also be powered only by its 3-cylinder diesel engine, or it can be powered by pure electric power, however, it achieves its greatest efficiency as a plug-in hybrid.

The XR-3 has been in the press for a few years now. Hopefully, this time it's for real. Unfortunately, pricing has not yet been set.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Lotus picks a hybrid battery

Cobasys will provide the batteries for the Lotus Eve hybrid vehicle project. Currently, the EVE (Efficient,Viable, and Environmental) hybrid vehicle is taking the shape of a Proton Gen2 vehicle.

Now is the time to buy a hybrid?

That is the word from Edmunds.com

The fact that automakers are offering great incentives on hybrid cars, coupled with the fact that tax credits on Toyota hybrids are about to again be reduced is a good reason to buy a hybrid in the next few weeks if you are in the market.

Still, is it really the best time to buy a hybrid car? Are the deals going to decrease in the future? Finish Time to buy a hybrid.

Friday, March 16, 2007

More gas tax buzz

I was told that a bunch of economists expressed to the Wall Street Journal that a gas tax was probably the best way to increase America's fuel economy. I think the idea is very interesting, however, only if the tax revenue is used only for clean vehicle tax credits for consumers. Thus, those whom buy E85 would only have to pay 15% of the gas tax, but if they drove a flex-fuel hybrid they would also qualify for a tax credit, such as the one in place for hybrid vehicles today.

Bush to check out Detroit's "relevant vehicles"

Bush with a hybrid battery maker

President Bush will check out Detroit's "relevant vehicles" on Tuesday. Several months ago, Bush angered Detroit automakers when he told them to build more "relevant vehicles" such as hybrid cars. Thus, Bush will visit a Ford plant that makes the Ford Escape hybrid and a GM plant where the Saturn Aura hybrid will be built.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Chevron to unload Cobasys

Oil and hybrids don't mix?

Cobasys, a company partially owned by Chevron, is working with investment bankers to "explore strategic alternatives" according to Reuters. In other words, it sounds as if Cobasys is preparing itself for sale.

Along with Chevron, Cobasys is owned by Energy Conversion Devices, an important developer of the NiMH batteries found in today's hybrid vehicles. But the future of hybrid batteries appears to be quickly moving towards lithium-ion batteries? Is that the reason for a possible sale? Perhaps Cobasys is trying to leverage its NiMH contracts before lithium overtakes nickel - a move which might disadvantage Cobasys?

Is the Chevron battery conspiracy over?

MPG: What do automakers want?

Does the world need some new automakers?

Automakers, including the leading developer of hybrid cars, Toyota, are essentially begging Congress not to get too tough on fuel economy according to the latest Reuter's reports. Yet, what are their solutions? Wait until the holy grail, the hydrogen economy, develops? Do automakers not fully comprehend the threat and problems caused by foreign oil dependency, by global warming and automaker's significant responsibility towards these issues?

While automakers speak of the billions it might cost them to achieve significant gains in fuel efficiency, how many billions - if not trillions - has foreign oil dependency cost America, the world? Certainly Congress and automakers must work together, rather than as adversaries. And, while it is true that consumers also must bear some of the burden for creating our gas-guzzling culture, at some point automakers need to realize that America needs solutions to foreign oil dependency and global warming far more than it needs any of the major automakers.

Ultimately, if automakers cannot become part of the solution, then they are part of the problem.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Toyota hybrid tax credits and Democrats

Why haven't Dems taken any action?

Many Democrats in Congress have made global warming one of their most important political issues - at least in terms of political speech. Yet, political action is still lacking.

Most of these hard-talking Democrats and some Republicans have demanded tough increases in fuel economy that could severely threaten the viability of U.S. automakers. Fine. This is an important issue and tough action will be required. Nonetheless, tough talk and little action accomplishes nothing.

Finish Toyota hybrid tax credits and Democrats

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

GM's 2008 'mild' Chevy Malibu hybrid?

Another GM 'mild' hybrid?

The 2008 Chevy Malibu hybrid will utilize the same hybrid powertrain as the Saturn Vue hybrid - a mild hybrid vehicle - rather than the dual mode hybrid powertrain which will power the upcoming Yukon hybrid according to battery maker Cobasys (press release).

It's great to see GM expanding its lineup of hybrid vehicles, but why isn't there more emphasis on the dual mode hybrid powertrain?

Some new juice on the Volt plug-in battery

Rick Wagoner and Bob Lutz at the Volt reveal at NAIAS

GM is continuing its policy of transparency regarding the Volt plug-in hybrid. Today Beth Lowery, GM's VP of Environment and Energy, provided an update regarding the battery of the Volt. Unfortunately, most recent Volt updates have simply been reiterations of previously released information, and this update wasn't any different. Hopefully, some real juice on technological progress isn't too far away.

Read Mrs. Lowery's post.

Toyota tax credits set for another reduction

Are you in the market to buy a hybrid?

Have you been out shopping for hybrid cars recently? If so, then you know there are some pretty good deals being offered on hybrids. For Toyota hybrids, the deal might never be sweeter. The current tax credits offered on Toyota hybrids are set to again be cut in half in April. So, if you were thinking about a new Prius, Camry hybrid or Highlander hybrid, you might want to act now.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Hybrids a tough sell?

Sluggish sales growth or normal adoption cycle?

Last Friday I read BW's Why hybrids are such a hard sell, and I thought it was a worthless piece. How can one discuss an emerging technology, such as hybrid technology, without even addressing the normal evolution of emerging technologies?

Surprise, surprise, BW lets readers know, hybrid cars aren't dominating the world of automotive sales mostly because of their price. Unbelievable!

Finish, Hybrids a tough sell?

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Hybrid Advantage: Is Toyota Unstoppable?

Hybrids have given Toyota a nice sales boost

Yesterday, I was walking in Pasadena and it seemed everywhere I looked, I saw a Toyota Prius. In Southern California the Prius is a very popular car.

While some critics speak of slowing hybrid sales, the reality is that hybrid sales are catapulting Toyota past every other automaker. Yet, the best of hybrid technology is yet to come.

Finish reading, Hybrid Advantage.

Hybrids set for summer sales surge?

Gas is already above $3.00 per gallon in parts of California

"The West Coast will certainly be the wild, wild West this year," said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst for the Oil Price Information Service. Extensive maintenance work at West Coast refineries has curtailed supplies and exacerbated the typical "preseason rally" spurred by jitters about tight supplies.

"In the rest of the country, it's just petro-noia. They're worried that they won't have enough gasoline," Kloza said. "But on the West Coast the concern might be warranted." (DetroitNews)

As California is already the home to the majority of hybrid sales, one could assume that there could be a dramatic surge in the sales of hybrid cars as we head into the summer if gas prices continue their upward trend. Will Toyota again defy the hybrid critics?

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Hybrid notes from the Geneva Auto Show

Will this be the first Saab hybrid?

Without doubt the hottest hybrid news coming out of Geneva has been the Hybrid X concept. Unfortunately, much of the rest of Geneva's hybrid news isn't really new.

For example, Saab announced a future hybrid vehicle, though its plans are still sketchy. At NAIAS, Saab displayed the Biopower 9-3 flex-fuel hybrid, so the possibility of a Saab hybrid isn't really news. In addition, Mercedes reconfirmed plans to offer its first hybrid in 2009, but it did not clarify which model will be a hybrid nor whether the hybrid would be a full hybrid or a mild hybrid.

There was; however, one other interesting piece of news regarding hybrid cars coming out of Geneva: TATA, the Indian automaker, is seeking a hybrid partnership. Considering that India will drive much of the automotive market in the future, this is very interesting news.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

The Volt IS NOT an all electric vehicle

The first production Volt almost certainly won't be an all-electric vehicle

What's up with the Reuter's staff?

"General Motors Corp has set a target for production of an all-electric car in 2010, GM’s product chief and Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said on Tuesday."

Really, an all-electric vehicle? I guess the Volt is an all-electric vehicle if you only drive 40 miles or less per day for the life of the vehicle. However, for most consumers, the Volt will be a plug-in hybrid vehicle that can use electric power for many trips, but that will also utilize gasoline or flex-fuel for extended trips - extending the range from 40 miles to 600 miles. Then again, what's 540 miles?

Yes, the Volt could become an all-electric vehicle in the future, but its first iteration almost certainly will not be an all-electric vehicle.

Good job Reuters!

Hybrid X: Is this the third generation Prius?

Wow!

According to Erin Riches of Straightline, the Toyota press conference at the Geneva Auto Show was packed, as the hype around the Hybrid X had boiled into a froth.

So, is the Hybrid X the third generation Prius? If so, and if this vehicle can hit the streets sometime in 2008, Toyota is going to become an almost unstoppable force in the automotive world. Imagine this hybrid with lithium-ion batteries, significantly increasing both the performance and the fuel efficiency of the third-generation Prius compared to the current Prius.

This hybrid says one thing: future.

Toyota might be the king of hybrid cars right now, but this vehicle could be the beginning of a new hybrid vehicle empire for Toyota.

Read more of Erin's report.

Honda'a small hybrid more concept than reality?

Unfortunately, Honda's new small hybrid is more concept than reality

Sure, Honda's new small hybrid sports car is cool looking, but it doesn't seem anywhere near reality. Honda, it seems, continues to believe there is little value in hybrid cars.

Disappointing....

Lutz confirms Volt plans in Geneva

GM's Bob Lutz again confirmed the plans for the Chevy Volt at the Geneva Auto Show - the same plans Mr. Lutz has confirmed in several recent interviews. Basically, GM is shooting for a 2010 Volt, the Volt design will become more conventional, and batteries are the key. Unfortunately, no new info. Read the Reuters story.

Escalade hybrid works for the Oscars, but not the real world?

Good enough for the Oscars, but not you

I'm sorry, but I don't get GM. They use an Escalade hybrid at the Oscars, yet the vehicle won't be available until at least mid-2008 as a 2009 model?

If it's ready, why not start selling it as a 2008 model? Continue reading Escalade hybrid works for the Oscars.

Monday, March 05, 2007

A unique Lexus hybrid-only model?

Lexus is considering a new Lexus hybrid, AutoWeek is reporting, that would not be based off of a current model. Much like the Toyota Prius, the new Lexus hybrid would be a unique model only available as a hybrid vehicle.

Friday, March 02, 2007

Toyota confirms plug-in hybrid development

Just plug-in your Prius?

Toyota confirmed today that it is now working on plug-in hybrid vehicles. "We are doing consumer research right now as well as product development," Toyota North America President Jim Press told Reuters in an interview. Additionally, Mr. Press claimed that batteries are still the biggest obstacle to plug-in hybrid development and that Toyota would be willing to work with other automakers to develop such batteries. "We would be quite open to any kind of sharing," Press stated.

Is this a prelude to Hybrid X?

What is Hybrid X?

Is the FT-HS hybrid concept Hybrid X?

Earlier this week I mentioned that Toyota will debut the Hybrid X at the Geneva Auto show next week and I wondered whether the Hybrid X is the FT-HS concept, or a derivative of this concept. I just don't know.

Also, recently, Toyota claimed that the third generation Toyota Prius, and all of Toyota's hybrid cars, will utilize lithium-ion batteries, rather than the NiMH batteries used today. This development - this revolution - promises much lighter vehicles and greater energy capacity - two things that should increase both the performance and the fuel efficiency of Toyota's hybrid vehicles. At the same time, Toyota claimed this will also reduce the price of hybrid technology.

So is this Hybrid X? More on Hybrid X.

Hybrid sales growth slowing?

The Prius isn't slumping

Is the sales growth of hybrid cars slowing down? Earlier this week I responded to reports that hybrid sales growth was slowing and basically called the news a non-story.

Perhaps hybrid growth has slowed, but one certainly wouldn't know it judging by Toyota's hybrid sales. Prius sales continue to grow. The Toyota Camry hybrid is possibly outselling the combined hybrid sales of all other automakers, and Toyota is accomplishing all of this with a reduced hybrid tax credit.

Certainly, hybrid sales are a bit more sluggish at Honda and Ford, and Nissan is only selling hybrids in a few states, but Toyota's hybrid sales are pushing Toyota into record monthly sale's territory.

I'll bet Toyota would accept that kind of sluggishness any day.

Thursday, March 01, 2007

Hybrids help Toyota sales soar

Hybrids helped Toyota post best-ever February sales

While the conventional Camry drove Toyota to the best February ever for the automaker, hybrid cars played an important role as well. Toyota sold almost twice as many Prius hybrid cars this February compared to last year, achieving its best monthly sales ever. The Camry hybrid posted sales of 3,332 units, while the Highlander hybrid achieved sales of 1,892 vehicles.

On the Lexus side, the RX 400h achieved sales of 1,249 units.

As a result, Toyota hybrid sales are now up 45 percent compared to last year at 33, 182 hybrid vehicle sales. Imagine if Toyota still qualified for the full hybrid tax credit!

BMW, Daimler to produce mild hybrids

Going hybrid

BMW and DaimlerChrsyler will co-develop a mild hybrid transmission for rear-wheel-drive cars which will be available within three years, according to Reuters.

Additionally, the two companies will continue their partnership with GM to develop dual mode hybrid vehicles - full hybrid vehicles.

GM is planning to launch the Yukon hybrid and the Escalade hybrid later this year, while DaimlerChrysler is hoping to launch the Durango hybrid and a Mercedes-Benz hybrid soon after GM's hybrid launch.