As automakers gear to meet new CAFE standards, hybrids could get bigger

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Rybold, Jun 21, 2011.

  1. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    Small cars like the Civic, Fiesta, Elantra, Yaris, and so forth, already get good gas mileage and are priced to sell to buyers lpoking for a low price.

    Buyers of midsize cars aren't just looking for the cheapest thing on the lot. In other words, buyers of midsize and large vehicles have extra money to spend and want a more expensive car. With hybrid powertrains costing thousands more, it makes a lot more sense to put hybrid powertrains into midsize vehicles when the goal is to meet new CAFE standards. As a result, we may see hybrid powertrains going into midsize cars a lot more than small cars over the next few years as automakers try to meet the new CAFE requirements.

    Hybrid-car sales will grow -- but not how you would expect - Drive On: A conversation about the cars and trucks we drive - USATODAY.com

    Thoughts?
     
    #1 Rybold, Jun 21, 2011
  2. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    That's the way it should be. When necessary, the gumnt should set performance standards and let the market decide how to meet them.

    There is lots of room the debate "when necessary" is really necessary. I happen to agree with the need for tighter CAFE standards, some of my right leaning friends don't.
     
    #2 xs650, Jun 21, 2011
  3. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    and some of our Middle Eastern friends would love to keep selling oil to our right wing friends until America is literally bankrupt.
     
    #3 Rybold, Jun 21, 2011
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  4. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    You would think so but many mid-sized hybrids are being discontinued by the auto makers. The Accord Hybrid is gone, This is the last year Nissan will make the Altima Hybrid. Camry Hybrid aren't exactly selling like hot cakes. Malibu Hybrid.... never seen one on the road. GS450h, too expensive. LS600Lh, saw a couple, one in LA and one in Hong Kong. That one probably doesn't count since it's not even in the same country.
    It seems like the idea of saving gas is not in everyone's mind. I'm starting to see a lot of Chevy Cruz on the road and none of them are the ECO. All of them are either LT or LTZ.
     
    #4 cproaudio, Jun 22, 2011
  5. Rybold

    Rybold globally warmed member

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    Nissan is actually in the process of developing and testing a whole new design of the Altima Hybrid and that is why they are discontinuing the current version.

    Report: Nissan Adapting Hybrid System for Front-Drive Cars Like Altima - Rumor Central

    Nissan developing new FWD hybrid tech for next Altima

    Nissan adapting hybrid drivetrain for next-gen Altima Hybrid — Autoblog
     
    #5 Rybold, Jun 22, 2011
  6. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    The Accord hybrid never really sold well. It was the first power hybrid available, and also the flagship Accord trim. Honda put it out to show that hybrids weren't gutless or required sacrifice. The market was still only interested in fuel economy hybrids at the time though.

    The eAssist is GM's next generation BAS 'hybrid', and is available in the Malibu and a Buick now, I believe. A hypermiler with a manual Cruze ECO may be able to wring more out of it, but for the average American driver, they may not see the gains. Plus, it costs more. Being released after the initial Cruze roll out will also keep their current numbers down in comparison to the other trims.
     
    #6 Trollbait, Jun 23, 2011
  7. Skoorbmax

    Skoorbmax Senior Member

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    Yeah it seemed a stupid idea. People have always associated hybrid with saving gas, using it to increase power more than anything else was just uninteresting to many, I'd think. It sure was to me.
     
    #7 Skoorbmax, Jun 26, 2011
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