Passing Lane

Consumers shunning hefty hybrids 8

Automakers may have assumed that hybrid SUVs would be a hit with the eco-minded-soccer-mom market, but drivers aren't buying it -- literally. Analysts are seeing a tepid reaction to SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and hybrid GMC Yukon, both launched in fall 2007. Concern about climate change and fuel prices has attached a stigma to large cars that isn't much lessened by the word "hybrid" plastered all over it, say analysts. Most consumers are flocking to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, though original Tahoes and Yukons have also been selling significantly better than their hybrid counterparts -- likely thanks to the fact that the non-hybrids are about $20,000 cheaper.

source:

Related Stories

Advertisement
Advertisement

  1. idealist4sale Posted 5:34 am
    21 May 2008

    $20,000?I assume that should be $2,000. If they're really charging 50% for hybrids, they should rethink their pricing structure.

    Permalink

  2. Eoin OC Posted 7:39 am
    21 May 2008

    Maybe it's about the imageThe Prius has outsold all other hybrids combined, a fact that many attribute to the car's distinctive shape (most other hybrids look just like the original car).
    Driving a Prius, you not only burn less gas, you get to broadcast to the world that you care about the environment. You can't do that from an SUV, even if it is a hybrid.

    Permalink

  3. human power Posted 3:43 pm
    21 May 2008

    Some imageSince it takes up to ten years to pay back the carbon deficit of producing a Prius, it doesn't so much broadcast concern about the environment as it does insatiable consumption. I am reminded of the first rule of holes: once you identify that you are in one, stop digging. Conspicuous over-consumption has brought us to the edge of ecological collapse. The first logical step for those who have identified this is to stop consuming.

    Permalink

  4. Pathos Posted 5:43 pm
    21 May 2008

    10 years to pay back?Human power...  No disrespect, but I'd really like to see your source for that statistic.
    The study I read (posted by spaceshaper on Gristmill last year; unfortunately, the links he gave us are no longer active) indicated that something like 15% of a vehicle's environmental impact comes from manufacture--the remaining 85% comes from operation. For a hybrid, it's more like 25%/75%, but that's because a hybrid uses about the same amount of energy to produce, and waaaaay less to operate.
    Yes, as you and others have said, it's better not to drive at all. Certainly not arguing that. But if you can't or won't stop driving, it's best to drive the most efficient machine you can--always. Even if that means buying a new vehicle.

    Permalink

  5. ndunne Posted 6:12 pm
    21 May 2008

    yeah...some imageThe current Prius looks like a great big dorkbubble! And I can't be the only one who thinks that.
    I see mostly grannies driving them these days. And how far does your average granny go per day? Two miles round trip, from home to the church to the store and then back home again? Way to save the world, Toyota!
    Maybe the hip, sexy new 2009 redesign will be the key to our salvation.

    Permalink

  6. BlackBear Posted 10:12 pm
    21 May 2008

    People do have half a brain...I think the major reason those hybrid SUV's aren't selling is because everyone realizes that they are ridiculous. If you are looking for gasoline economy, you're not going to buy a more expensive SUV hybrid that gets less mpg than a small car that costs 10-15k less.
    Give the consumers credit for being able to figure out that much, at least!

    Permalink

  7. Tasermons Partner Posted 2:17 am
    22 May 2008

    Most aerodynamic in the U.S....The current Prius looks like a great big dorkbubble! And I can't be the only one who thinks that.
    Opinions on all cars vary, but nearly all automotive magazines have agreed that the Prius looks sleek and stylish ('specially for models after 2004).
    Plus, it's exterior design has the least wind resistance of any mass-produced car in the United States (a mere .26 sheer rating).
    The aerodynamics are parta what makes the car so efficient.

    Permalink

  8. nmm Posted 1:24 am
    27 May 2008

    Dorkbubble???"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."  I own a 2003 Prius and think it's cute.  (How many people thought the first VW Beetle was dorky?)  And, ya know what?  Looks really isn't the issue here.  By the way, I am not a "granny."  I used my Prius to commute 60 miles per day at my last job and when I take a (rare) trip to visit family and friends (800-1000 miles roundtrip), I love the fuel-efficiency of my "baby".  If it's more important to NJD to look flashy than to reduce his carbon footprint, then HE is the dork!

    Permalink

Add a Comment

You are not logged in. Thus, you cannot post a comment. If you have an account, log in. If you don't have an account, well, by all means go make one! Meet you back here in five.

Hello, Visitor!    Why not register?

Viewed
More
Commented
More
Advertisement