Cadillac Converj should help Chevy Volt

Ready to plug in this Cadillac?

I'm a fan of the Chevy Volt, a pretty big fan actually - at least in the technology powering the Volt. Yet, in the next decade Toyota will sell millions of hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius, as GM sells hundreds of thousands of Volts.

Finish: Converj should help help Chevy Volt

Camry hybrid more important than the Prius?

Is the Camry hybrid the ultimate barometer?

Toyota is now ramping up its lobbying efforts in Japan hoping to extend tax credits for environmentally-friendly cars, particularly hybrid cars, for another two years. Thus far these credits have pushed the Toyota Prius to the top of the sales list in Japan. Yet, what would Prius sales be without these tax credits?

Finish: Camry hybrid more important than the Prius?

Auris hybrid more advanced thant the Prius?

Better than the Prius?

At the Frankfurt Auto Show there will be a good bit of hype around Toyota's plug-in Prius. However, there might be even more hype around the new Auris hybrid vehicle.

Finish: Auris hybrid more advanced thant the Prius?

How is your hybrid dealership?

How have you dealt with your hybrid problems?

Most hybrid owners are pretty happy with their hybrid vehicles. 90-some percent of Toyota Prius owners, for instance, would buy another Prius.

Still, there are consumers that are unhappy with the performance, usually fuel economy, of their hybrids. Sometimes these hybrid problems are bugs. Sometimes these hybrid problems are based on a misunderstanding of hybrid technology.

Finish: How is your hybrid dealership?

Nobody wants small cars

If only the F150 were a hybrid

Provide a lot of incentives for consumers to buy small and efficient cars and some will take advantage. Interest also rises with gas prices. No duh, right?

Finish: Nobody wants small cars

A sporty Toyota hybrid?

Toyota must challenge the CR-Z hybrid

Sometimes when you sit atop the world, it's quite easy to become complacent. Well, when it comes to Toyota's hybrid kingdom, there certainly has been no complacency.

Not long ago there were rumors that the 2010 Third Generation Toyota Prius was going to cost more than the eventual sticker price. However, Toyota didn't want pricing to be too high, as it might provide a competitive advantage for Honda's Insight hybrid. Thus, Toyota reacted with new pricing and a new base model.

Finish: A sporty Toyota hybrid?

A break for Prius buyers?

Time to go shopping soon

If you've been out shopping for a Toyota Prius recently, you might have noticed that supplies are thin, or that haggling for a better price was a wasted effort.

Finish: A break for Prius buyers?

Would a Yaris hybrid steal Prius sales?

An instant top selling hybrid?

By 2011, if the rumors are correct, Toyota will launch a Yaris-like hybrid that might sell for as low as $15,650 and achieve as much as 70 mpg in the city.

Finish: Would a Yaris hybrid steal Prius sales?

Best tires for hybrid vehicles

Cooper Lifeliner SLE - The best tire for Prius hybrid cars?

There is nothing worse than buying a hybrid car to save money on fuel only to have to use that savings to buy new tires many hybrid buyers have complained.

Unfortunately, many hybrid cars were outfitted with low resistance tires that simply haven't performed well. In the post Toyota Prius hybrid and unusual tire wear, Prius owners have provided a number of tips for buying and maintaining tires.

Finish: Best tires for hybrid vehicles

C'mon! Tax credits for all lithium hybrids

You're no plug-in, Ford hybrid

Today, Toyota is facing a battery shortage for its hybrid cars. By next year, however, Toyota might have enough batteries to produce 1 million hybrids per year.

Aside from Honda, no other automaker will produce even 100,000 hybrid vehicles per year until lithium is developed. Even then, many automakers might skip hybrids, instead preferring to put their lithium technology into limited production plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles.

Finish: C'mon! Tax credits for all lithium hybrids

Will the Japanese dominate natural gas?

Another sign of Toyota's forward-thinking?

I've been casually following the natural gas story since Boone Pickens made this issue his cause. At first, I was extremely skeptical and critical of the idea. Sure there might be a few hundred years worth of natural gas in America, but mining natural gas out of shale and creating an infrastructure would certainly outweigh any benefits I figured.

Finish: Will the Japanese dominate natural gas

Is lithium the key to Toyota's battery shortage

Running out of NiMH batteries

Toyota is running out of batteries. Consequently, in Japan, the wait for a new Toyota Prius can be as much as 8 months. According to Toyota, Panasonic EV just can't keep up with demand, although plans are in place to increase production to 1,000,000 units per year by next year.

Finish: Is lithium the key to Toyota's battery shortage

Clunkers for a Prius

No production limitations?

The latest results on the Cash for Clunkers program are in and the Toyota Prius continues to move well. Currently, the Prius is the 5th most purchased vehicle under the program.

Finish: Clunkers for a Prius

Rating fuel economy

Is it all about good karma?

Why do people care about fuel economy?

I can largely only think of three things: bragging, altruism, and cost of ownership. And most seem to be driven only by the later and only during gas price spikes.

Finish: Rating fuel economy

Toyota sketches its latest hybrid

The CT hybrid?

Lexus has released this interesting sketch of what could potentially be its next hybrid vehicle, the CT.

Finish: Toyota sketches its latest hybrid

Suzuki to use GM hybrid technology

Based on GM hybrid technology

Suzuki will bring the Kizashi hybrid to North America in 2011, according to reports.

Finish: Suzuki to use GM hybrid technology

Coming soon: Very cheap hybrids

Will cheap, small compact hybrids be a hit?

Rumors coming out of Japan indicate that Toyota could roll out a new $15,650 hybrid that achieves 94 mpg.

Finish: Coming soon: Very cheap hybrids

Chevy Volt: GM's best SUV sales tool?

A good reason to buy a Chevy Equinox?

The Chevy Volt is still more than a year from hitting dealer showrooms, yet GM is already using the Volt to sell other GM vehicles.

Finish: Chevy Volt: GM's best SUV sales tool?

Cheap rides: Small versus hybrid

Think small, light and foreign according to Forbes

Looking for a cheap car?

Well, think small and foreign, but don't think hybrid writes Forbes magazine. While hybrid cars offer greater fuel efficiency than compacts, they are packaged with more options increasing their costs while making them more expensive to maintain and to insure notes Forbes.

Finish: Cheap rides: Small versus hybrid

Is Cash for Clunkers really driving efficiency?

It's not all small cars

According to the government, the Cash for Clunker program is moving people out of fuel inefficient clunkers into vehicles averaging 25 mpg. I guess the keyword is average.

While the government hasn't released its data on the Clunker program, it has offered a Top 10 list that highlights small cars and a few hybrid vehicles.

Finish: Is Cash for Clunkers really driving efficiency?

Sonata hybrid spied

Can Blue Drive give Hyundai's hybrids street cred?

Insideline has a couple of spy photos of Hyundai's Sonata hybrid going through some paces with a number of other hybrid cars, such as the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid. Other than the photo, however, there aren't any new details.

Finish: Sonata hybrid spied

Buick plug-in hybrid: Built for the media?

The Saturn Vue plug-in hybrid lives

We've known for some time that GM was going to build a plug-in hybrid SUV. Originally, the Saturn Vue was going to be the platform for GM's dual mode plug-in hybrid powertrain, but then GM killed Saturn.

Thus, the new hybrid will based on the GMC Terrain and the Chevrolet Equinox platform and will mate a 3.6-liter V6 flex-fuel engine with a plug-in version of the dual mode hybrid powertrain. Also, it will use similar lithium technology as the Chevy Volt. Expect this new hybrid sometime in 2011.

Finish: Buick plug-in hybrid: Built for the media?

Toyota Prius rocks Japan

So hybrid incentives don't work?

The Toyota Prius has now been the top selling vehicle in Japan for 3 months, thanks to government incentives to buy hybrid cars.

Finish: Toyota Prius rocks Japan

GM must meet guzzler demand

Lutz at the Volt debut

"It remains a fact that the American public buys big, high consumption, cars," claims GM's Bob Lutz in a recent interview. Moreover, Lutz goes on to state, "The mass movement towards 'green cars' is only taking place in the media".

Except for the Toyota Prius of course.

Finish: GM must meet guzzler demand

Japan: Thanks cash for clunkers

Cash for clunkers worked?

According to the National Transportation Safety Administration the 'Cash for Clunkers' program led to a sales surge in small vehicles and hybrid cars, particularly the Toyota Prius. The Prius was the 4th most purchased vehicle via the clunker program.

Finish: Japan: Thanks cash for clunkers

Battery shortage hits new Prius

Just not enough batteries

Toyota cannot keep up with Prius demand due to a shortage of battery packs according to Toyota senior managing director Takahiko Ijichi.

Finish: Battery shortage hits new Prius

Incentives for hybrid vehicles ineffective?

Rebates wouldn't bring more into the Prius?

According to a new study, people that buy hybrid vehicles would buy them whether tax credits are available or not. Moreover, if hybrids were not available, these people would be buying other fuel efficient products. Therefore, according to an author of the study, those buying hybrids are having a negligible effect on the environment and fuel efficiency.

I say, poppycock.

Finish: Incentives for hybrid vehicles ineffective?

Toyota Prius: Just a fad?

10th best selling vehicle in America in July

Hybrid sales are dead. According to a number of the auto rags consumers don't want hybrid cars when gas prices are low. Period.

Well, despite gas prices that are far cheaper than last year - about $1.50 less - the Toyota Prius is the 10th best selling vehicle in America.

Finish: Toyota Prius: Just a fad?

Forget horsepower, it's all about aerodynamics

As aerodynamic as it's going to get

It's aerodynamics, stupid.

Insideline reported yesterday that GM's lead Chevy Volt designer, Bob Boniface, has become a little offensive about the Volt's aerodynamics. While GM isn't releasing official aero figures, Boniface claims that many competitors, such as Tesla, are releasing phony numbers. Ultimately, Boniface claims the Volt will offer a coefficient drag similar to either the Roadster or the new Toyota Prius.

Finish: Forget horsepower, it's all about aerodynamics

Hybrid research? Political escapism?

1 million and counting

Between automakers, their banks, suppliers etc. the government is into the US auto industry for $100 billion+. Additionally, the government is handing out $50 billion in loans to help automakers increase fuel efficiency. On top of that, if a Committee OK on hybrid research passes through Congress, another $590 million will go to hybrid research.

Why? Is there really any mystery?

Finish: Hybrid research? Political escapism?

The un-American small hybrid cars

Will America compete?

When it comes to hybrid cars, it's still all about the Toyota Prius. Surprisingly, however, after a decade on the market, only Honda has sought to challenge the Prius. American automakers, on the other hand, seem inclined to eventually sell some new, conventional small cars to both compete with the Prius and to help meet tougher CAFE standards.

Finish: The un-American small hybrid cars

Cash for clunkers and hybrid sales

A clunker for a hybrid?

Many auto dealers have reported a strong uptick in sales thanks to the launch of the Cash for Clunkers program. I've not yet seen any data on the types of vehicles that are selling thanks to this program, but I wonder if Cash for Clunkers will result in any noticeable uptick in hybrid vehicle sales.

My prediction: Cash for Clunkers will lead to minimal, if any, increase in hybrid sales.

How hybrid incentives helped Honda

Hybrids help deliver profits

"The Japanese auto industry is expected to pick up later this year thanks to government incentives, which are boosting sales of environmentally friendly cars, notably hybrids," said Okasan Securities auto analyst Yasuaki Iwamoto.

Finish: How hybrid incentives helped Honda

Another step towards the Yaris hybrid

Easily Toyota's smallest hybrid

Talk of a new Yaris-based Toyota hybrid continues to spill out of Toyota.

According to the latest reports, Toyota plans to begin selling a Yaris-based hybrid by 2011 to compete with the Honda Fit hybrid.

Can't wait for a healthy sub-$20,000 hybrid market.

BMW 1? How about the Lexus CT 200h hybrid?

250h: Toyota's latest Lexus hybrid

Within the next decade, Toyota plans to begin selling 1 million hybrid cars per year. The path to that sales output will certainly require a number of new hybrids, and the next new one might just be a CT 200h, CT 300h, or CT 400h according to the latest Lexus rumors.

Finish: BMW 1? How about the Lexus CT 200h hybrid?

Should Nissan build small hybrids?

No more HSD for Nissan

At a technology briefing regarding Nissan's electric vehicle plans, Executive Vice President Mitsuhiko Yamashita said "Japan's No.3 automaker had made no final decision about actually offering small and mid-sized hybrid vehicles, but said the technology may be necessary for consumers who need fuel-efficient, all-purpose cars that have the same driving range as conventional gasoline or diesel cars," reports Reuters.

Finish: Should Nissan build small hybrids?

Battery-powered car revolution: Far more hype than reality

Volts of hype

The battery is the future, at least the mid-term future, according to almost every major automaker. Eventually, after a couple of minor miracles, fuel cell vehicles might replace pure battery powered EVs. Still, even fuel cell vehicles will include hybrid-style batteries.

One way or another, the future of the auto industry is centered around battery technology.

Finish: Battery-powered car revolution: Far more hype than reality

Automakers still lost in the past?

It looks too much like a science experiment

In the last few days I've been hearing about how dumb hybrid cars are and how nothing more than diesel is needed in America. I guess these knuckle-heads believe that diesel isn't dependent upon foreign oil. Maybe one of them can explain that one to me some day.

Anyway, I was reviewing a few articles this morning on the best American cars. Of course, none of them were hybrids. Consequently, all of them offered city mileage at 25 mpg or less, far less for some.

No problem, right? Just fill 'em up with batteries.

Finish: Automakers still lost in the past?

Would a hybrid Scion sell?

A highly customizable city hybrid?

Toyota is seeking to spice up its Scion brand. So, how about some hybrid Scions? Could adding a few hybrid cars to the Scion brand help Toyota increase Scion sales?

Finish: Would a hybrid Scion sell?

Just add a rocket to your Prius

Just add a micro-jet engine?

ETV, an Israeli startup, has a modified a Toyota Prius into a range extended hybrid, much like the Chevy Volt. However, instead of using a small engine to generate electricity, the ETV hybrid uses a small micro-jet engine / turbine that produces power to drive the wheels or to recharge the battery pack.

Finish: Just add a rocket to your Prius

Natural gas gets a boost in Congress

But is natural gas green?

The House of Representatives is set to pass $150 million research program to develop natural gas vehicles, including natural gas hybrids, and a natural gas re-fueling infrastructure.

Natural gas is certainly a cleaner burning fuel than either gasoline or diesel, and there is a lot of natural gas available in the US. Hence, natural gas offers foreign oil dependency fighting potential.

So, there is a lot of upside to natural gas, but natural gas is still just an interim technology.

Inevitably, it seems the government has to set some goals for ending foreign oil dependency, much the same way the government is trying to set goals for reducing CO2 emissions.

Isn't it time to put together a plan that includes not just a time frame for ending foreign oil dependency, but that has solid benchmarks along the way?

Too many eggs in the lithium basket

A plug-in Prius

I was at HybridFest this weekend where I spent a good chunk of time with a hybrid battery repair person (more on that later). Anyway, I brought up the idea of replacing my NiMH battery with a lithium pack in several years, and Ron, the battery man, asked, why?

Before I could reply, he mentioned numerous reasons why lithium would offer very little over a NiMH battery in a conventional hybrid - an argument I've heard before.

Finish: Too many eggs in the lithium basket

Hybrids in race to World Car of the Year

And the nominees are....

The Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight are 2 of the 31 nominees up for the World Car of the Year. Next April the World Car of the Year will be announced at the New York Auto Show.

Do hybrid drivers deserve higher insurance rates?

Hybrid drivers get more tickets

Those that drive hybrid vehicles drive 25 percent more than those that don't drive hybrids according to analysis by Quality Planning. Likewise, hybrid owners also receive more tickets for driving violations. Even worse, fixing hybrids after collisions costs 13 percent more than non-hybrids.

Finish: Do hybrid drivers deserve higher insurance rates?

More Nissan hybrids in the works

Not a one hybrid automaker

For a while Nissan has planned to launch its own proprietary hybrid drive in some luxury vehicles, such as the Infinity M. However, new reports indicate that Nissan will also mate their new hybrid drive into a number of other small and medium sized vehicles as well.

While Nissan has been a bit of hybrid naysayer, it appears that Nissan is beginning to sing a different tune on hybrid cars.

Coming soon: Toyota Corolla hybrid?

Auris hybrid to begin production next year

Toyota has confirmed that it will begin producing a full hybrid version of the Auris in England in mid-2010.

‘With today’s announcement, Toyota has taken a significant step forward in ensuring that full hybrids become more accessible to a wider range of customers. Such efforts are crucial if we are to see more low-carbon vehicles on European roads,’ said Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President, TME.

Finish: Coming soon: Toyota Corolla hybrid?

Gas prices set to kill fuel efficiency?

National average at $2.49

Gas prices continue to trend downward, and as America heads into the winter, gas prices should fall even more. And, if the recession sticks into 2010, prices could be, overall, cheaper next year than this year.

Coincidentally, this decline in gas prices could continue as automakers begin a more serious roll out of hybrids, small cars, and other efficient vehicles.

Finish: Gas prices set to kill fuel efficiency?

Mazda switches to Toyota hybrid technology

The Ford inspired Tribute hybrid

By 2013 or so, Mazda will seek to sell about 100,000 hybrid vehicles per year using a hybrid system provided by Toyota that will include batteries, motors, control units, etc according to GreenCarCongress.

Finish: Mazda switches to Toyota hybrid technology

Bob Lutz, hybrid cars and GM

Still irrelevant according to Lutz?

Bob Lutz. Love him or hate him, he's one very interesting guy. Over the last few years I've had a chance to meet Lutz a few times, and even though I disagree very much with him on many issues, I still cannot help but like the guy. Moreover, even though I disagree with him, I have total respect for his straight talk.

Still, that doesn't mean that Lutz sticking around at GM is a good thing. Lutz, over the years, has been clear about a few things. For instance, global warming is a joke and the Toyota Prius, and hybrid cars in general, are a pretty stupid idea.

Finish: Bob Lutz, hybrid cars and GM

Plug-in tax credits counter productive?

A volt of reality?

In the next few years, if you're interested in a buying a hybrid car to save gas, to fight foreign oil dependency, or to reduce your CO2 footprint, you won't receive any help from the government, unless you buy a plug-in hybrid. Unfortunately, however, for the next several years, there will be very few plug-in hybrids available for sale even if cost is irrelevant.

Even more alarming, plug-in hybrids might not ever make financial sense to either consumers or automakers. In fact, according to a new plug-in vehicle study, almost every plug-in vehicle - both electric and hybrid - is taking the wrong path to mass adoption, and economies of scale. Only switchable batteries, this study finds, offer a path to cost-effective plug-in vehicles.

Finish: Tax credits for plug-ins counter productive?