Hybrid buyers choosing Prius, Civic over lower-mileage models

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Areometer, Apr 13, 2006.

  1. Areometer

    Areometer Silver Business Sponsor

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    By Matt Nauman
    Mercury News

    Consumers want their green cars to be very green. High-mileage hybrids such as Toyota's Prius and Honda's Civic are winners, but just being a hybrid isn't enough.

    Honda said Thursday that it might trim production of its Accord Hybrid because of slow sales. And Ford said last week that it's offering no-cost financing to boost sales of its Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrid sport-utilities.

    Sales of hybrid cars and SUVs grew 7.5 percent in March compared with the same month in 2005, despite the arrival of three new models plus a completely redesigned Civic Hybrid over the past year.

    Through the first three months of 2006, hybrid sales were up 37 percent, compared with January to March 2005. That's still impressive growth at a time when the overall auto market is up just 1.1 percent.

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    #1 Areometer, Apr 13, 2006
  2. nerfer

    nerfer A young senior member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Areometer @ Apr 13 2006, 08:33 PM) [snapback]239497[/snapback]</div>
    Yeah, they're finally figuring it out. The hybrid "price premium" matters when the vehicle you're buying is getting 28-35 mpg. When you're getting well over 40 mpg, then there is no premium because there are no comparable vehicles.

    nerfer
     
    #2 nerfer, Apr 18, 2006
  3. osiris12

    osiris12 Owner of 3, yes three priuses

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(nerfer @ Apr 18 2006, 05:42 PM) [snapback]241711[/snapback]</div>

    I looked into the Highlander hybrid before I got my second Prius. If you compare the Highlander to its non hybird version, there is very little fuel econmy different. A value of 28 mpg vs 32 for the hybrid is statically even.

    The only major difference between the two automobiles is the price. Almost $10k more for the hybrid. This is almost a no brainer. Why would you pay that much for something that offers so little in fuel savings???
     
    #3 osiris12, Apr 19, 2006
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