Toyota debating future of their hybrid lineup http://hybridscoop.com/article/toyota_deba...r_hybrid_lineup Looking for a way to stifle hybrid sales? Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., may have found it. The new Lexus RX 400h has been drawing complaints from prospective customers, but it's not over what you might think.
I have a Prius and the technology is cool. But that's not what primarily motivates me. It's about the gas mileage, stupid. As we are focusing on the technology, we seem to be losing sight of the main point of it all. And now we see Honda focusing on performance with the Accord just like all the other automakers have been focusing on performance and size to the detriment of gas mileasge all these years. If we had kept the performance and size the same since the 80s, we'd be in a position where our overall mileage would be much higher and hybrids would merely be icing on the cake. I fear we're going to continue down the same road that has gotten us in trouble with respect to peak oil and global warming. Most of the gains in mileage will be eaten up by even more absurd levels of performance, size, and bulk. Apparently, the Lexus owners mainly want to look cool. The environment and the gas mileage are clearly secondary. Yes, the Prius makes a statement. But the statement isn't simply that it has cool technology; the statement is that it has great mileage that blows away the competition. We want to make a statement not for our own ego, but that others will emulate us and that the conservation ethic will spread throughout the society. At least, that's my motivation. Tax breaks need to be given for mileage, not just for the fact that one has hybrid technology. It's not the technology that's important; it's the result.
I'm sorry but I think Toyota is going about it all wrong with regards to other hybrid models. I think the distinctive design and looks of the Prius is one of the main reasons it has become so hugley popular. Don't forget we might be reallyinto all the intricanscies of a hybrid car, but the general public wants a car that looks cool. ie The original Mustang. Part of what got me to look at a Prius was all the hub-bub and it's design and cool looks. I think that's the problem with the slow sales of the Honda hybrids, no excitement. If Toyota brought over here the Hybrid mini-vans they have in Japan(that was pictured here awhile ago) I bet they would sell tons of them but if they just make a hybrid version of the sienna I think they will just sell so-so. I my humble opinion it's because the Hybrid mini-van looks cool and different where as a hybrid Sienna would be just another mini-van.
I think they should have both. They should have a distinctive hybrid-only line for those of us who want to stand out and make a statement. And they should also have a hybrid version of their standard line, I.E. hybrid Camry, for those consumers who would like a hybrid but do NOT want to stand out. If someone has owned a Camry and likes the Camry and wants a Camry, they are more likely to buy a Camry Hybrid than to switch to something they might consider "radical". Something for the trendsetters, something for the fuddyduddys.
that's actually kinda funny. i like that my car stands out. it makes people take notice. 'hey, that's a hybrid.' it makes them think. wonder about it. marvel at the unique design. 'maybe i should be driving a hybrid.' it puts the car out there more. it looks different, and we all know people's eyes are attracted to things that are 'different'
In that case, instead of making a hybrid Sienna, they should import the hybrid Estima! . That would work! It's reasonably sized, futuristic and has HSD.
I bought the Prius for its wonderful gas mileage and terrific combination of advanced technology, but I'm not sure I would have bought it if it had been a Camry. I think the extra functionality of the hatchback did it for me, plus the fact that people who see my car know that it's a hybrid. In some ways, driving a Prius does call people's attention to the soaring gas prices, and the USA's huge oil consumption. People have said to me, yeah, I'd be interested in a hybrid in place of my SUV. I also agree with tstreet, that car performance (esp. how fast you can pull away from a stop light) has gotten way out of hand. A Honda Accord V-6 with 250 hp? Why? And the hybrid Accord is even more powerful? That kind of power is OK if you want a sports car, but in a family sedan? The Prius has about 150 hp (give or take 10hp), which is what my 1990 Honda Accord had, and it had enough performance for me.
they should add logos as an option. like the stickers on my prius.. or.. have a company paint the logos on.
Hate to break this to you, but the Prius isn't that distinctive a design. I hardly ever get a second glance - and if I do it's only because someone's been close enough to notice the lack of engine noise. And the Prius is much rarer here, so one might expect more attention. It's only "distinctive" in the US because of the antiquated design of most of the stuff on your roads. Here it's not a lot different from the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Honda Civic or Citroën C4. It's just another family hatchback. I'd agree it's probably better looking than any of those, except maybe the C4, but nothing radical. Toyota have just decided to sell you a European-style car rather than make a special US 3-box version. Honda have done the opposite here. The Honda Civic is a hatchback only, except for the IMA version which is a US-style saloon. And unsurprisingly, I've never seen one. Saloons aren't popular.
I was kinda surprised when they announced Scion as being a youth-oriented brand. I thought it would have been a perfect opportunity to create a hybrid-only brand instead.
Time for Toyota to show the world they're serious! They should have both, hybrid options on regular models, and the Prius. But they should also convert some regular models to hybrid only. I'd say start with something like the Scienna, or maybe Highlander when they redesign it. They have to show the world now they're not just doing a lab experiment with flaky new technology. If they don't dare go all the way they should have little 4 cyl engines and hybrid with bigger engine options and dump all the large engine non-hybrid models. Time for a new model too that gets good mileage: like 130 mpg! Make it small, hold 4, ultra light, and whatever else is needed to achieve this: diesel, manual transmission with user selectable drive power source, low power. Then for Prius make a plug in option with 4 x the battery size at least.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tomdeimos\";p=\"108510)</div> So... what would the benefit be of rushing? There is an absolutely overwhelming amount of proof that taking it slower by sticking to the current schedule is more likely to yield a higher rate of success. My logs are loaded with comments over the past 5 years of people wanting to speed up the rollout process but not seeing all the fine little details that would impair those good intentions. Remember, we are still fighting dealer markups and mechanic overfills, not to mention a bunch of misconceptions and some anti-hybrid arguing. Plus, the automotive industry is facing a serious production & inventory shakeup right now due to gas prices. Maintaining the pace currently established seems like the most sensible approach. Patience, grasshopper.
