Pickup trucks, which have dominated the sales charts in the U.S. for several decades, are in steep decline. They’re not going to disappear, but the warning shots have been fired—the Camry slipped into the number two spot in between Ford and Chevy’s pickups sales in April.
Are Indian Diesel-Hybrids For Real?
Importing a vehicle to the U.S. is a big deal, because this country has some of the toughest emissions and safety regulations in the world. So, when a company from China or India is said to be ready to design a hybrid or otherwise high-tech vehicle and bring it to America, industry analysts take a skeptical view.
Toyota Moving Closer to Prius Line
Toyota is moving closer to creating an entire line of vehicles carrying the Prius name— as a way to leverage the success of the Toyota Prius as the icon of hybrids.
Toyota's top U.S. executive, Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A, told Automotive News (in the May 12, 2008 issue) that a family of hybrid vehicles using the Prius badge could be the best way for Toyota to leverage its alternative-fuel technology.
Toyota's top U.S. executive, Jim Lentz, president of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A, told Automotive News (in the May 12, 2008 issue) that a family of hybrid vehicles using the Prius badge could be the best way for Toyota to leverage its alternative-fuel technology.
Fuel Prices Killing Diesel Comeback
Some auto industry analysts believe diesel vehicles will become more popular than hybrids in the next decade—but high diesel fuel prices could radically change those forecasts. This week, the average price of a gallon of ultra-low sulfur diesel is a dizzying $4.50 a gallon, compared with gasoline at $3.84.
Despite the fact that diesel vehicles achieve better fuel economy than conventional cars, and are roughly equal to hybrids in efficiency, the premium for the fuel—currently 66 cents a gallon— could dissuade new car buyers from adopting diesels.
Despite the fact that diesel vehicles achieve better fuel economy than conventional cars, and are roughly equal to hybrids in efficiency, the premium for the fuel—currently 66 cents a gallon— could dissuade new car buyers from adopting diesels.
Hyundai: Simple Improvements First
While the Toyota hybrid juggernaut marches on, and European automakers continue to lean on diesel to boost fuel economy, Hyundai is taking the simple low-cost route. Timothy White, senior manager of the powertrain department at Hyundai-Kia America’s Technical Center outside Ann Arbor, Mich., told Automotive News that it would meet new stricter fuel economy standards with incremental improvements. White said that improving powertrain efficiency and reducing weight would do the job for Hyundai. “There is really no home run out there,” he said.
New Honda Hybrid Car A Reality
TORRANCE, Calif. -May 2008 Honda have announced additional details regarding its new small hybrid scheduled for introduction in early 2009, as part of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. CEO Takeo Fukui's mid-year address. An official name and full product details of the new Honda Hybrid Car will be announced later this year.
In addition to weight reduction, a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components will result in the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. This dedicated hybrid vehicle will be offered as a 5-door hatchback with seating for five passengers and will employ an exterior design concept that evokes the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded IMA production line at Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan.
The new small gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle will have expected annual global sales of 200,000 units per year - approximately 100,000 of which are bound for the North American market. Following this launch, Honda also plans to introduce another unique small hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z sports car first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show as well as a Fit hybrid model. Including the Civic Hybrid, these four hybrid vehicles are expected to reach combined annual global sales of approximately 500,000 units.
"Honda has been at the forefront of hybrid development since it first introduced the American public to hybrid technology with the Insight in 1999," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "These new advancements in Honda's technology and production systems will result in cost reductions that will allow us to make hybrid technology available to a whole new generation of buyers."
Featuring seating for five passengers, distinctive styling and high-value amenities, the new hybrid will present an appealing package. Taking advantage of reductions in the size of components, the battery and the internal processing unit will be positioned below the rear cargo area, allowing the hatchback design to provide adequate cargo space to meet the needs of a family. Additionally, various technologies, including a function to assist more fuel efficient driving, are being installed to achieve a further improvement of practical fuel efficiency. With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment.
The new hybrid will be produced at a newly developed second IMA production line at Honda's Suzuka factory, which currently produces the Civic Hybrid. With the second line in operation and improvements in IMA production efficiency, hybrid production capacity at Suzuka will increase from 70,000 vehicles per year to approximately 250,000 units, with future expansion possible if needed.
Honda is committed to offering products with the highest environmental performance produced at factories with reduced environmental footprints. A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda introduced the first low-emission vehicles; America's first gas/electric hybrid car, the Insight and the world's first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, among other environmental achievements. In 2007, Honda was named "greenest automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time.
In addition to weight reduction, a significant cost reduction in Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) components will result in the most affordable hybrid vehicle to date. This dedicated hybrid vehicle will be offered as a 5-door hatchback with seating for five passengers and will employ an exterior design concept that evokes the FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded IMA production line at Honda's Suzuka factory in Japan.
The new small gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle will have expected annual global sales of 200,000 units per year - approximately 100,000 of which are bound for the North American market. Following this launch, Honda also plans to introduce another unique small hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z sports car first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show as well as a Fit hybrid model. Including the Civic Hybrid, these four hybrid vehicles are expected to reach combined annual global sales of approximately 500,000 units.
"Honda has been at the forefront of hybrid development since it first introduced the American public to hybrid technology with the Insight in 1999," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "These new advancements in Honda's technology and production systems will result in cost reductions that will allow us to make hybrid technology available to a whole new generation of buyers."
Featuring seating for five passengers, distinctive styling and high-value amenities, the new hybrid will present an appealing package. Taking advantage of reductions in the size of components, the battery and the internal processing unit will be positioned below the rear cargo area, allowing the hatchback design to provide adequate cargo space to meet the needs of a family. Additionally, various technologies, including a function to assist more fuel efficient driving, are being installed to achieve a further improvement of practical fuel efficiency. With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment.
The new hybrid will be produced at a newly developed second IMA production line at Honda's Suzuka factory, which currently produces the Civic Hybrid. With the second line in operation and improvements in IMA production efficiency, hybrid production capacity at Suzuka will increase from 70,000 vehicles per year to approximately 250,000 units, with future expansion possible if needed.
Honda is committed to offering products with the highest environmental performance produced at factories with reduced environmental footprints. A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda introduced the first low-emission vehicles; America's first gas/electric hybrid car, the Insight and the world's first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, among other environmental achievements. In 2007, Honda was named "greenest automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time.
Drive a Hybrid Car and Reduce Fuel Costs
With gas deposit of over $ 4 per gallon and will continue to rise, more consumers are looking for hybrid cars for a short term solution to the rising costs of getting from A to B. The old excuses of hybrid cars as "too expensive" and the idea that the hybrid premium was a deterrent effect, simply no longer apply.
It is now possible to revert to the 2k hybrid 3k premium in a shorter time frame than previously possible. For example, at $ 3 per gallon might be expected that approximately 20 miles on the way. Now, travel the same route costs $ 4 Calculation that a motorist is an average of 50 miles per day he or she will now pay $ 10 per day for gas, as against $ 7.50 when he 3 $ per gallon.
Multiply with a year amounts to about $ 2700, on fuel consumption costs at $ 3 per gallon. But that is now costing $ 3600 at the current $ 4 per gallon. In other words, every $ 1 increase in one gallons of gas costs the average consumer an additional $ 900 per year in fuel costs alone.
If the same motorist was driving a hybrid cars (eg A Prius), and average 40 mpg (more possible), they now pay $ 5 per day for gas. Your annual fuel cost is now amounting to about $ 1800, an approximate savings of $ 1800. If the hybrid premium is about $ 2000, after tax breaks, we are now in about one year to recoup the additional investment for the hybrid cars. Add in savings in the parking lot, (in some areas are free parking for hybrids), lower motor vehicle taxes, tolls and insurance costs, and it is feasible to the premium in less than a year.
Add in the expected continuing rise in gas prices and it would be possible to the hybrid premium in less than one year.
With more hybrids always available, and with gas prices likely to continue rising, let the hybrids fly out of the car lot.
It is now possible to revert to the 2k hybrid 3k premium in a shorter time frame than previously possible. For example, at $ 3 per gallon might be expected that approximately 20 miles on the way. Now, travel the same route costs $ 4 Calculation that a motorist is an average of 50 miles per day he or she will now pay $ 10 per day for gas, as against $ 7.50 when he 3 $ per gallon.
Multiply with a year amounts to about $ 2700, on fuel consumption costs at $ 3 per gallon. But that is now costing $ 3600 at the current $ 4 per gallon. In other words, every $ 1 increase in one gallons of gas costs the average consumer an additional $ 900 per year in fuel costs alone.
If the same motorist was driving a hybrid cars (eg A Prius), and average 40 mpg (more possible), they now pay $ 5 per day for gas. Your annual fuel cost is now amounting to about $ 1800, an approximate savings of $ 1800. If the hybrid premium is about $ 2000, after tax breaks, we are now in about one year to recoup the additional investment for the hybrid cars. Add in savings in the parking lot, (in some areas are free parking for hybrids), lower motor vehicle taxes, tolls and insurance costs, and it is feasible to the premium in less than a year.
Add in the expected continuing rise in gas prices and it would be possible to the hybrid premium in less than one year.
With more hybrids always available, and with gas prices likely to continue rising, let the hybrids fly out of the car lot.
US April Hybrid Car Sales Up 41 Per Cent
US hybrid car sales for April 2008 were 40,039 units. This figure shows a massive increase, in hybrid car purchases, of over 41 percent when compared to April 2007 figure of 28,330 units. When compared to the March 2008 figure of 38,214 units the increase is 4.77 percent. The Prius hybrid electric sedan continues to dominate the hybrid car market with sales of 21,757 units, an increase of over 66 percent on the same period last year.
The Camry hybrid – the 2008 hybridcar.com "hybrid car of the year" – with sales of 6,678 units, showed an increase of 51 percent when compared to the 4,410 figure for the same period in 2007. Hondas “evergreen” hybrid civic continues to maintain its position with sales of 4,324 units, up over 50 percent on the figure of 2,855 units for April 2007.
Calendar year to date (YTD) US sales of hybrid cars, for 2008, stood at, 121,746 units at the end of April.
The Camry hybrid – the 2008 hybridcar.com "hybrid car of the year" – with sales of 6,678 units, showed an increase of 51 percent when compared to the 4,410 figure for the same period in 2007. Hondas “evergreen” hybrid civic continues to maintain its position with sales of 4,324 units, up over 50 percent on the figure of 2,855 units for April 2007.
Calendar year to date (YTD) US sales of hybrid cars, for 2008, stood at, 121,746 units at the end of April.
Honda Hybrid Car Sales for April Up 26 Per Cent
The Honda April 2008 hybrid car sales figure of 4,349 units is up 26.4 percent on the figure of 3,175 units for the same period last year.Honda’s year to date (YTD) figure of 11,814 hybrid car sales for 2008, is up almost 10 percent on the figure of 10,641 units for the same 2007 period.
Honda is expected to release news later this year regarding their new hybrid car that is reportedly being marketed as an affordable alternative hybrid choice. This new hybrid will be priced somewhere below the Civic hybrid range.
Honda is expected to release news later this year regarding their new hybrid car that is reportedly being marketed as an affordable alternative hybrid choice. This new hybrid will be priced somewhere below the Civic hybrid range.
Toyotas Hybrid April 2008 die Pkw-Verkaufszahlen Surge Ahead
April 2008 Toyota's hybrid car sales figures Surge Ahead
Combined April 2008 hybrid car sales for Toyota and Lexus to a total of 32,841 units, an increase of 42 percent more than in April 2007 figure of 21,418 units. Toyota hybrid vehicles division reported a turnover of 31013 units with Lexus reporting sales of 1828 units. The Camry Hybrid, the recently hybridcar.com the name of the "2008 Hybrid Car of the Year", 6,678 units sold, an increase of 40 percent over the figure of 4,410 units for the month of April 2007.
Best ever hybrid sales
The Prius, Toyota's worlds best-selling gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted a best ever April figure of 21,757 units. This figure is a staggering 53.8 percent increase in the number of last April 13056 units. The Lexus hybrid vehicles April sales of 1,828 units a turnover of 1,624 Untis the RX400h luxury hybrid utility vehicle.
There were 26 days sales this month, compared to 24 selling days last April.
Combined April 2008 hybrid car sales for Toyota and Lexus to a total of 32,841 units, an increase of 42 percent more than in April 2007 figure of 21,418 units. Toyota hybrid vehicles division reported a turnover of 31013 units with Lexus reporting sales of 1828 units. The Camry Hybrid, the recently hybridcar.com the name of the "2008 Hybrid Car of the Year", 6,678 units sold, an increase of 40 percent over the figure of 4,410 units for the month of April 2007.
Best ever hybrid sales
The Prius, Toyota's worlds best-selling gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted a best ever April figure of 21,757 units. This figure is a staggering 53.8 percent increase in the number of last April 13056 units. The Lexus hybrid vehicles April sales of 1,828 units a turnover of 1,624 Untis the RX400h luxury hybrid utility vehicle.
There were 26 days sales this month, compared to 24 selling days last April.
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