RX400 h pricing

Lexus hybrid price stays the same

In 2008, the Lexus RX400h will start at the same price as it did in 2007, $41,800. The all-wheel drive RX400h will also remain the same at $42,580.

For the most part, the 2008 RX h will be the same as the 2007 RX h, except the 2008 model will receive "several styling enhancements including a restyled front grille design, new exterior chrome door handles, a new finish on the five-spoke, 18-inch wheels, and a color-keyed rear spoiler. The world's first luxury utility hybrid also receives seven new exterior colors including Smoky Granite Mica, Golden Almond Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Breakwater Blue Metallic, Brandy Wine Mica, Desert Sage Metallic and Matador Red Mica."

Fuel economy dominates Intellichoice vehicle picks

Fuel efficiency scores

Intellichoice.com announced its Best Deals of the Month yesterday, and hybrid cars were very strong performers.

"A look at the list and it's not hard to see that fuel economy is a major factor for May's winners," said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. "The Toyota Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid are perennial winners, and the Lexus RX 400h displaces the RX 350 on this month's list on the basis of fuel cost.

In addition, the Honda Civic hybrid also made the list.

American hybrids: SUVs only?

I'm glad it's NOT powered by a Hemi

Toyota has received an incredible amount of green buzz because of the Toyota Prius. While some argue that Toyota isn't deserving of all this praise because they still make far more gas guzzlers than hybrid cars, Toyota definitely made a statement about the future with the Prius.

On the other hand, if Toyota had made its first hybrid a more power-focused hybrid, such as the Lexus RX 400h, then Toyota's hybrid efforts would have been largely ignored.

Yet, power hybrids are all that seem to be coming out of Detroit, except for the Ford Escape hybrid. Chrysler's first hybrids will include huge Hemi engines. GM's first dual mode hybrids will be large, powerful gas guzzlers, such as the GMC Yukon hybrid. Yes, these hybrids will offer significant improvements in fuel economy, but they will still use a lot of fuel.

While I realize that the big truck segment is very important to Detroit, are these hybrids going to change Detroit's image? I doubt it. Without a Prius contender I just don't see Detroit's hybrid efforts offering much help to U.S. automakers until at least the Chevy Volt - and that's just too far into the future.

More Lexus hybrids?

This Lexus coming in June

When it comes to hybrid vehicles Toyota is the leader, and when it comes to luxury hybrids, Toyota's Lexus division doesn't even have any competition.

Already, Lexus offers the RX 400h, the GS 450h, and in June Lexus will offer the LS 600h L, but that isn't the end of Lexus hybrids.

Recently, Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager, told Forbes that a unique hybrid - available only as a hybrid - will soon also be offered.

Toyota sales up sharply with hybrid vehicle help

Hybrids helped Toyota post best-ever February sales

While the conventional Camry drove Toyota to the best February ever for the automaker, hybrid cars played an important role as well. Toyota sold almost twice as many Prius hybrid cars this February compared to last year, achieving its best monthly sales ever. The Camry hybrid posted sales of 3,332 units, while the Highlander hybrid achieved sales of 1,892 vehicles.

On the Lexus side, the RX 400h achieved sales of 1,249 units.

As a result, Toyota hybrid sales are now up 45 percent compared to last year at 33, 182 hybrid vehicle sales. Imagine if Toyota still qualified for the full hybrid tax credit!

Toyota's Hybrids at the Los Angeles Auto Show

Heading to the Los Angeles Auto Show this weekend, I had few expectations regarding Toyota and its hybrid vehicles. Pre-show hybrid buzz focused on the Aura and Yukon hybrids and GM's new green identity. Since, I started out on the GM side of the convention center, I thought the best of the show's hybrid displays were behind me, especially when I walked into the Toyota side of the convention center and saw Toyota Tundras everywhere.

Eventually, though, I did make my way through the Tundras and into Toyota's hybrid section.

The difference between GM's hybrid offerings and Toyota's was absolutely stunning. In fact, there was simply no comparison between Toyota and any other automaker at the show regarding hybrid vehicles. Ironically, Toyota's hybrid section was all business and no show gimmicks. There was a huge information bar where you could sit down, talk to a rep and obtain product literature. Then of course, there were Toyota's three hybrids, the Highlander hybrid, Camry hybrid and the Prius.

As I sat near the Toyota hybrid section I was amazed at the visitors to this area. This was a high traffic area, but it wasn't just people looking at hybrids. Here people were getting into hybrids - sitting in the front, then the back, opening the trunk, touching every gadget that the vehicles had to offer. These visitors looked like buyers.

Wow, I thought, not bad for a company without any new hybrid debuts. Then, however, I noticed the Lexus hybrid section and realized Toyota did debut a hybrid at the show, the Lexus LS600h L hybrid. While Lexus had the GS 450h hybrid the RX 400h hybrid at the show, in addition to a split 450h show gimmick, the LS 600h was the show stopper. Still, the Lexus hybrid section was pure auto show marketing, unlike the Toyota section, and it worked. The buzz around the Lexus hybrids was nothing short of phenomenal.

In terms of hybrid vehicles, Toyota didn't just dominate the LA Auto Show; it was the LA Auto Show.

Hybrid Wars: Camry versus Accord

Hybrid Competition Heats Up, A little

Slowly, albeit very slowly, competition amongst hybrid cars is building.

Already we have the Toyota Highlander hybrid versus the Ford Escape hybrid versus the Lexus RX 400h, as well the Toyota Prius versus the Honda Civic hybrid, and soon we'll have the Toyota Camry hybrid versus the Honda Accord hybrid.

Both the Accord and the Camry are already top selling cars in America. So, how will the hybrid battle between these two champions play out?

Unfortunately, it probably won't be much of a battle.

The Accord hybrid is a performance hybrid, offering some of the best performance of any Accord. For the power offered, the Accord hybrid offers good fuel efficiency. Ultimately, however, the hybrid Accord was built to perform on the highway, not to set fuel efficiency records.

The Camry hybrid, on the other hand, will offer significant gains in both fuel economy and pollution reductions compared to a standard Camry. While the hybrid Camry will still perform well, it wasn't designed for 0 to 60 supremacy, however the hybrid Camry should offer exceptional fuel efficiency.

Ironically, the real competition in the hybrid vehicle wars will probably be between the Camry hybrid and the Prius.

Jealous of the Lexus RX400h hybrid

For those who need luxury, but want a hybrid

I'm a take-the-subway-everywhere kind of guy, and when it comes to hybrid cars I'm more inclined to the Toyota Prius, Civic hybrid, or Insight.

For me a vehicle purchase is more about transportation not some sort of status symbol. I don't take public transportation, walk to the store, or drive a hybrid to make others feel guilty. I do it because I feel guilty if I don't. (Full Story)

Hybrid car testimonials: Read them and add your own

Do you own a hybrid vehicle?

Have you added your experiences to our hybrid cars testimonials? What kind of gas mileage are you achieving with your hybrid? What else would you tell others that are interested in buying a hybrid?

Click on one of the links below to add your hybrid experiences.

Ford Escape Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Accord Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Civic Hybrid Testimonials
Honda Insight Hybrid Testimonials
Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Testimonials
Toyota Prius Testimonials
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Testimonials

Prius lovers, Lexus hybrid haters?

That's the question put forth by John McCormick of the DetroitNews.

"Undeniably, the 400h is fast for a hybrid, but this quality raises an intriguing question: how will Prius owners, a notoriously pious bunch, take this 'distortion' of their 'save the planet' technology?"

As Mr. McCormick states, hybrid vehicles are "superior to a conventional automobile in terms of exhaust emissions," so I think the environmental faction of the Prius "pious bunch" will appreciate a hybrid Lexus a whole lot better than a standard Lexus, or some other large SUV.

More important, I don't know where Mr. McCormick receives the analytics to support his over generalized stereotype of Prius owners, but a significant percentage of Prius owners support hybrid technology because of foreign-oil dependency.

Yes, hybrid car technology is but a small step towards ending this dependency, but it is a step. Stereotyping this action into a "pious bunch" of tree huggers is simply ignorant, especially as Americans continue to die serving foreign-oil interests.

More on hybrid cars.

Read Mr. McCormick's complete article.

High Noon: Escape hybrid and Highlander hybrid match up

The Ford Escape hybrid stands as the only hybrid SUV. In mere days; however, the Lexus RX 400h hybrid officially goes on sale, but it is a luxury hybrid SUV. The real competition won't begin until June, when the Toyota Highlander hybrid hits the street. Funny thing is, in some ways the Highlander hybrid is more like the Honda Accord hybrid than the Escape. For more on an early match up, click here.

American pricing of Lexus RX400h

The Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV, that goes on sale April 15, will have a base price of $49,185, including a destination fee.

Canadian Lexus RX400h hybrid pricing announced

Lexus Canada today announced the 2006 Lexus RX 400h, the world's first luxury gasoline/electric hybrid SUV, will be available in two trim packages with a suggested retail price starting at $62,200.

The RX400h will go on sale in Canada in April.

Best Lexus RX400h Hybrid Review thus far

Lexus' math triumph by Dan Neil is really the best review of the Lexus RX400h hybrid, and in some ways, the hybrid car segment. "Overall, though, the RX 400h feels like a masterpiece of both engineering and accounting. Will Toyota make its money back on this generation of hybrids? Only the board members know for sure. But it seems clear that for Toyota, accounting is a form of martial art, like judo: It's all about leverage." (LATimes)

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Update and Hybrid Performance

Yesterday, I reported on a CNBC segment regarding hybrids. In that segment, the Toyota Highlander hybrid was the main focus, and the reporter noted that the Highlander hybrid would be released in March.

Originally, the Highlander hybrid was to be released at that time, but Toyota pushed that date back to June/July because of overwhelming demand. Well, the online version of yesterday's CNBC segment is now available, click here to see.

According to CNBC, the Toyota Highlander hybrid will hit the market in March. I am still in disbelief regarding this report; however, I am hopeful that it is actually correct.

The gist of the article noted that the new trend in hybrids is performance. The Honda Accord hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h hybrid, and the Highlander hybrid, the article points out, are the next generation of hybrids that are not just focused on fuel efficiency and pollution reductions, but on performance.

For example, each of the above hybrids are faster and more powerful than their conventional counterparts, going almost a second faster from 0 to 60.

The Highlander hybrid will be about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than the conventional Highlander. Toyota, the report states, could have made the Highlander hybrid even more efficient; however, Toyota didn't just want the most efficient Highlander, it wanted the best performing Highlander.

Click here for the complete CNBC article.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Update and Hybrid Performance

Yesterday, I reported on a CNBC segment regarding hybrids. In that segment, the Toyota Highlander hybrid was the main focus, and the reporter noted that the Highlander hybrid would be released in March.

Originally, the Highlander hybrid was to be released at that time, but Toyota pushed that date back to June/July because of overwhelming demand. Well, the online version of yesterday's CNBC segment is now available, click here to see.

According to CNBC, the Toyota Highlander hybrid will hit the market in March. I am still in disbelief regarding this report; however, I am hopeful that it is actually correct.

The gist of the article noted that the new trend in hybrids is performance. The Honda Accord hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h hybrid, and the Highlander hybrid, the article points out, are the next generation of hybrids that are not just focused on fuel efficiency and pollution reductions, but on performance.

For example, each of the above hybrids are faster and more powerful than their conventional counterparts, going almost a second faster from 0 to 60.

The Highlander hybrid will be about 30 percent more fuel-efficient than the conventional Highlander. Toyota, the report states, could have made the Highlander hybrid even more efficient; however, Toyota didn't just want the most efficient Highlander, it wanted the best performing Highlander.

Click here for the complete CNBC article.

"Car companies are at a crossroads"

In the article Taken for a ride, Thomas Kostigen takes a very bearish view of hybrids and fuel cells.

Kostigen does make some good points. Specifically, he notes that American car companies, particularly GM and Ford, have become more like financial companies that make automobiles, rather than automobile manufacturers that also have a financial arm.

Mr. Kostigen opens his article referencing Nissan's claim that hybrid cars make no economic sense. He also notes that fuel cell cars are even more of a dream than hybrids.

Well, Nissan's claim really doesn't mean much to me. How can you say hybrids don't make economic sense, then announce your first hybrid, which is exactly what Nissan's CEO, Carlos Ghosn, did when he ridiculed hybrids.

Ladies and gentlemen, hybrid cars don't make business sense, which is why I'm proud to introduce our first hybrid car, the Altima hybrid.

That's double-talk, and what else can you expect from Nissan?

Here at Nissan we believe hybrids are the future. That's why we haven't invested in this technology and are forced to lease it from our main competitor, Toyota.

Since the Altima hybrid still won't be out for more than a year, in reality, what else could Mr. Ghosen say?

The fact is, the only reason GM and Nissan are making hybrid cars is because they realize that if the model succeeds, they will be out of the car business without any hybrid models.

In my book, Mr. Ghosen's spin is nothing but an attempt to buy time.

Yet, Mr. Kostigen concludes his article, "The future of car companies may not rest in how sleek, fast or comfortable their products are, rather in how efficient (read economic, not fuel) they can make them.

O.K., I can agree with that statement.

Then Kostigen states, "That's bad news for environmentalists and alternative-energy seekers. It also provides keen insight into how an industry that's had a chance for years to be cutting-edge consistently goes retro in doubt."

Does the new Mustang or Charger ring any bells?

Yet, even if Kostigen is correct, and price is all that counts, Japan wins without doubt. In particular, Toyota takes over the automotive world.

Toyota's kaizen-driven manufacturing philosophy, i.e., efficiency driven, has already given the Japanese company a huge advantage over the likes of GM, Ford, and Chrysler.

More important; however, is the fact that Toyota President Fujio Cho, just recently announced to the automotive world that the hybrid powertrain is the key to Toyota's future.

Already Toyota Prius demand is far beyond supply, and a 100,000 new Prius will not fill demand in 2005. Without a real competitor, the Prius is demonstrating that it will achieve much more than "niche" production.

Yet, Toyota is only getting started.

Toyota's next hybrid, out in just a couple of months, the Lexus RX 400h hybrid, has already received more than 10,000 orders, as well as interest from another 50,000 consumers. In fact, initial demand on the RX 400h, the world's first luxury SUV, was so far beyond supply that its release date had to be pushed back.

Shortly after the Lexus 400h hybrid is released, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will follow. Unbelievably, interest in the Highlander hybrid is even far more spectacular than the 400h hybrid.

Next year alone, Toyota could easily sell 250,000+ hybrids, if it is capable of producing that amount of vehicles.

Of course, if gas prices continue to rise, and state legislation continues to demand fewer emissions from automakers, 250,000 hybrids won't even be enough to come close to matching this year's demand.

While Mr. Kostigen is correct in noting that most car companies are not worth investing in, one certainly is, Toyota.

And that's good news for environmentalists and alternative energy seekers.

"Hybrids are an interesting curiosity" says GM's Lutz

I've gone off on GM executive Robert Lutz before, but I'm going to do it again.

"Hybrids are an interesting curiosity and we will do some," says Lutz, "But do they make sense at $1.50 a gallon? No, they do not."

This statement exemplifies everything wrong with American corporatism - everything is about short term profit, even at the expense of American lives.

Is 30 percent better fuel-efficiency on a small car really important?

Ask the fathers and mothers of soldiers killed in Iraq that question, Mr. Lutz.

Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord hybrid are important because they demonstrate that America doesn't need to be dependent upon foreign oil.

Apparently, however, that's not important to you Mr. Lutz?

Fortunately, vehicles like the Toyota Prius and the Accord hybrid, pushed American auto companies into action. Thus, Ford released the Escape hybrid, and significantly more fuel-efficient hybrids are on the way.

The Toyota Highlander hybrid and the Lexus RX 400h hybrid will soon offer American consumers three different hybrid SUVs, with more soon to follow. While I am not a huge SUV fan, I am huge hybrid SUV fan when compared to a standard SUV.

The point is, without hybrid cars, there never would have been hybrid SUVs.

Yet, there will not be a hybrid SUV from GM until 2007 or 2008.

While Mr. Lutz can continue to putz around his company's complete lack of environmental concern, or lack of worry for American soldiers, more and more Americans have had enough.

Yes, Mr. Lutz, to many of us hybrid cars are worth the extra cost, even if gas is only $1.50 per gallon. Terrorism, pollution, global warming and Iraq, Mr. Lutz, make cheap gas insignificant if that cheap gas leads to billions of tax-payer dollars being spent on wars and military machinery to "protect" our oil interests.

If cheap gas and conventional automobiles mean that 1000s of young Americans need to die to ensure GM's poor business practices will continue to be profitable, then yes, I absolutely demand a hybrid car, Mr. Lutz.

And it's not just me. Millions of Americans are more than willing to spend an extra few thousand dollars to help save one American life, let alone thousands, sir.

At some point, Mr. Lutz, doing the right thing is more important than money, even for a huge multinational corporation like GM. Ignore that fact at your own peril.

1,000,000 hybrids within 5 years, powertrain analysts predict

According to the article, Panel of powertrain experts sees strong growth for hybrids, "The success of the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid has forced manufacturers to build more gasoline-electric hybrids."

"We had no idea where the market would go when we were doing this. We are working to increase capacity. We have a plan in place. We will look at many potential partners," stated Mary Ann Wright, Ford's director of sustainable mobility technologies and hybrid programs.

According to the article, a recent study by the Automotive Technology Research Group in Thousand Oaks, Calif. found that as many as 50 hybrid vehicles could be on the market in five years, resulting in annual North American sales of 800,000 to 1 million units.

In addition to the Honda Accord hybrid, which was released in mid-December, three additional models will hit the street this year, the Mercury Mariner hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h, and the Toyota Highlander hybrid.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is nice, but a F-150 Hybrid Pickup would be great

I love Ford's new Escape hybrid ads, The difference between a full hybrid and a mild hybrid is the difference between a bell pepper and a habanero.

In terms of trucks and SUVs, Ford is a kind of king right now. The only full hybrid SUV, the Ford Escape hybrid, is also the only American-made hybrid.

Hold on, now, what about the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid?

Well, I think Ford's pepper analogy is pretty good, but let's just say the Silverado hybrid is a pseudo-hybrid. It's just not in the same category as the Escape hybrid.

But Ford is about to face extreme competition in the hybrid SUV space soon. Already the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV has spawned more than 11,000 presales, while still a few months away from market launch.

The Ford Escape has not yet reached that number of sales, even though it has been on the market for several months already.

Of course the Lexus hybrid isn't the perfect match for the Escape hybrid, but the Toyota Highlander hybrid certainly is. Already, Toyota is receiving phenomenal interest in what will be it's third hybrid model, and the Highlander hybrid will definitely move more than 1,000 units per month.

Based on Toyota's experience with hybrids, in addition to the fact that Ford pays a license fee to Toyota every time it sells a hybrid, Toyota has incredible leverage in this race.

The one place that Ford has the greatest leverage; however, is in its truck brand.

In 2004, the Ford F-150 continued it's dominance over the American market, selling almost 1 million last year and around 250,000 more than its next competitor, the Silverado.

While the Silverado is only a mild hybrid, it still provides GM the ability to use that word, hybrid.

Using the Escape hybrid to offset some of the leverage gained by the Silverado hybrid and its parent, GM, isn't a bad idea. Fighting it with a full hybrid Ford F-150 Hybrid PickUp; however, would help shelter Ford's most important market segment far better than any SUV hybrid.

More hybrid cars.

Hybrid vehicle sales for 2004 rise almost 100 percent

According the Mercury News, automakers recently reported hybrid car and truck sales for 2004, and sales of seven gas-electric vehicles rose almost 100 percent to 85,699 hybrid vehicles sold, compared to 43,435 in 2003.

The Toyota Prius accounted for 63 percent of total hybrid vehicle sales, at 53,991 units sold.

The Honda Accord hybrid, which was only on sale for a few weeks in 2004, sold almost 1,100 units in just part of December.

Similar to Accord hybrid sales, the Ford Escape hybrid is averaging about 1000 sales per month since October, when the Escape hybrid was released.

Other hybrid vehicles on sale in 2004 included the Honda Insight, Honda Civic hybrid, as well as the Chevy Silverado hybrid, and the GMC Sierra hybrid pickups.

Automotive analyst, Anthony Pratt of J.D. Power and associates noted, "The fact that all vehicle manufacturers have a hybrid strategy is significant."

According to Matt Nauman of the Mercury News, "Power, the Westlake Village researcher, projects that U.S. hybrid sales will reach 222,000 this year and 500,000 by 2009. If that prediction comes true, hybrids would account for nearly 3 percent of the U.S. car and truck market in 2009. In 2004, hybrid sales represented about 0.5 percent of the 16.9 million vehicles sold."

With the Lexus RX 400h hybrid, the world's first luxury hybrid SUV, and the Toyota Highlander hybrid coming to market in 2005, those numbers seem light.

Power predicts significant hybrid growth for 2005, but then the auto researcher seems to think demand will slow through 2009, even as the hybrid field expands to 30 models by 2008 - that's less than 20,000 units per year for each hybrid model.

That seems like quite a sudden drop in hybrid momentum, just as the hybrid field finally gets competitive, as well as an awful waste of time for automobile manufacturers.

Toyota Highlander Hybrid More Popular the Prius

Apparently, the U.S really is the land of the SUV.

My favorite car in the world is the Toyota Prius, and a lot of other people feel that way as well. Yet, for all the excitement around the Prius, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV might cause even longer lists and more buzz than the Prius.

While the Highlander Hybrid is not due out until June or July of this year, more than 100,000 people have already told Toyota that they are interested.

Right now, the Ford Escape Hybrid is the only hybrid SUV available. While the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV will be released in April, the Lexus isn't the best competition against the Escape hybrid.

On the other hand, the Highlander hybrid is a perfect match for comparison, and many potential hybrid SUV buyers will be testing both vehicles.

In an effort not to let Toyota assume all the hybrid SUV buzz, Ford recently announced that the Mercury Mariner SUV hybrid will also hit the streets this year, a year earlier than expected.

One thing is clear, this will be interesting summer for hybrid SUVs, especially if supply is able to match demand.

Two More Ford Hybrid Cars

The hybrid vehicle revolution is just beginning.

While Toyota is the leader in hybrid cars, Ford appears to be ramping up to meet this new market demand.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is Ford's only hybrid, but not for long. Ford has already pushed the release of it's newest hybrid SUV, the Mercury Mariner hybrid, up one year.

Additionally, Ford recently announced the addition of the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and the Mercury Milan Hybrid, and now you can add two more. Ford will also be producing a Freestyle Hybrid and a Five Hundred Hybrid. Thus, Ford hopes to have 6 hybrids on the market within three years.

The more compelling thing about Ford, unlike GM, is its commitment to hybrid cars, rather than just hybrid SUVs.

While Ford is the undisputed leader of hybrid SUVs - it's the only one on the market - this space of the hybrid market will be heating up quickly.

Later this year, Ford will have two hybrid SUVs on the market, the Escape hybrid and the Mariner hybrid. Within three years, a hybrid powertrain will also be added to the Freestyle.

Additionally, Toyota will also have two hybrid SUVs on the market this year. The Lexus RX 400h Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be out in April and June, respectively.

By 2007 GM, will have the GMC Yukon Hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid.

Honda, on the other hand, has been committed to hybrid cars, such as the Accord hybrid, but don't be surprised to see a Honda hybrid truck or SUV in the near future.

Competition in the hybrid SUV market is good for all hybrids and hybrid consumers. More important, it's good to see one American auto-maker taking the challenge seriously, and not just with trucks and SUVs, but sedans as well.

Join the Soultek Hybrid Car Club.

Toyota plans to sell 40,000 hybrid SUVs in 2005

While the Ford Escape Hybrid was the world's first hybrid SUV to market, it will be facing competition soon.

11,000 orders are already in for the Lexus RX 400h hybrid, and similar interest in the Toyota Highlander hybrid is building.

Toyota has recently stated that it anticipates selling at least 40,000 hybrid SUVs this year.

In the past Ford has stated that it would only be able to produce 20,000 hybrid Escapes due to a limited supply of hybrid batteries. At the North American International Auto Show, Ford did announce that the Mercury Mariner would be also be released in a hybrid version this year, a year earlier than originally planned.

I'm sure Toyota's hybrid vehicle momentum had nothing to do with Ford's move.

Hybrid cars "core technology" of Future for Toyota

A lot of buzz coming out of Detroit and the North American International Auto Show has been about hybrid cars.

The Ford Escape Hybrid won the prestigious show's Truck of the Year. Trucks and SUVs, the last stronghold of American automakers, are now under serious fire from Japan and hybrid technology.

But wait, you say, the Escape hybrid is made by Ford. The world's first hybrid SUV was made by an American auto company.

And you are right, but Ford had to lease the hybrid parts from Toyota. Ford does not yet have its own successful, proprietary hybrid technology.

More important, Toyota will be challenging Ford's Escape Hybrid in just a few short months, when both the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid come to market.

Toyota is now like a boxer connecting with his jab, not yet ready for the knock out, but pushing his competitor back against the rope. A few more good jabs and it's time for the TKO.

Hybrid vehicles are, and will continue to present, that challenge to America auto-makers.

When Toyota President Fujio Cho take the stage for reporters at the auto show in Detroit Tuesday, he knocked the last few days of Detroit's big talk on hybrids and hydrogen hard against the ropes.

While confirming that Toyota was going to build hybrid cars in the United States, Cho stated that hybrids are key to Toyota's future. While Toyota will continue to invest billions on technology for hydrogen-powered vehicles, the auto giant continues to see hybrid technology as an integral piece of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

"We believe hybrids will continue to be the core of technology in the future," Cho said, challenging America.

While some American analysts continue to see little future in hybrids because of cost, if that cost is wiped out, hybrid cars will instantly make most conventional cars obsolete, especially the American-made ones.

Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord Hybrid have made this crystal clear.

Right now Toyota has the financial strength, manufacturing know how, and momentum to raise the stakes, especially while American chips are running a little low.

Besides,Toyota can afford to play that gamble.

Can America afford not to?

Join the Soultek Hybrid Car Club.

Nissan will also make hybrid cars in U.S.

Nissan will start producing the Nissan Altima hybrid in the United States in 2006.

Similar to the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Altima hybrid will be built with leased Toyota hybrid technology.

Nissan has stated in the past that they would lease hybrid technology in the short term, to meet customer demand, while finalizing their own hybrid system.

According to initial reports, Nissan is planning to produce about 100,000 Altima hybrids over the next 5 years.

Nissan becomes the second Japanese automaker to announce hybrid car production in the U.S.. Earlier this week, Toyota confirmed plans to also build hybrids in the U.S. next year.

Neither company has announced where exactly these cars will be produced. Some have speculated that California might be the location as over 40% of all Toyota Prius sales take place in California.

At this time, Toyota hasn't confirmed that it will produce the Prius in the U.S., though it hinted strongly towards that move.

In April, Toyota will be releasing the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV, followed by the Toyota Highlander Hybrid just a few months later. Additionally, Toyota has announced plans for a 2006 Lexus GS Sedan hybrid.

Perhaps one of those vehicles will also be added to the mix as well.

"Hybrids represent a bridge to the long-term solution of hydrogen fuel cells"

"Hybrids represent a bridge to the long-term solution of hydrogen fuel cells," stated GM chairman Rick Wagoner at the North American Auto Show.

It must be hard to get those words out, if you are an American auto executive, especially one that doesn't really offer hybrids.

When the 2004 Toyota Prius hit America by storm, American automakers seemed shell-shocked. What was GM thinking then?

The best America has done is one hybrid, the Ford Escape Hybrid.

While I love the hybrid Escape, Truck of the Year according to the North American International Auto Show, it wasn't built on proprietary technology.

Will Ford mass produce multiple lines of hybrid vehicles based on someone else's leased technology? I doubt it. This probably explains Ford's next big hybrid move.

The Mercury Mariner.

Wow! Excuse me for not being impressed, but isn't the Mercury Mariner basically the Escape hybrid?

I realize Ford just can't let go of the SUV, but even the hybrid SUV market will very soon be quite competitive.

In just a few more months the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV will be released and interest in that vehicle has already taken Toyota by storm. Just a few months after that rollout, Toyota will follow with the Toyota Highlander hybrid.

So, if hybrids are a bridge to the future, why is Detroit's bridge so narrow?

The Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Honda Accord Hybrid will go unchallenged for years by America, and soon the Toyota Camry will also be added to the mix.

Is Detroit just giving up that market?

Hybrid cars might be a bridge to fuel cells, but there is a very good chance that hydrogen fuel cell-powered automobiles might be at least two decades away. Additionally, perhaps hybrid powertrains will run the automotive fuel cells of tomorrow. More important, hybrids make important environmental and political changes today.

"I want to.....provide transportation that is affordable in every sense of the word - socially and environmentally, as well as economically. That means vehicles that are safe, clear and energy efficient," stated Bill Ford recently.

American auto execs keep talking the talk, but it's time to walk the walk.

Fleets of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are nothing but a concept. Hybrid cars are a reality, today. The future begins now, not tomorrow.

Ford Escape Hybrid "Truck of Year"

The world's first gas-electric hybrid sports utility vehicle won the North American International Auto Show's 2004 North American Truck of the Year.

Ford's first production hybrid vehicle was picked by about 50 American and Canadian automotive journalists.

Vehicles, such as the award-winning Ford Escape hybrid are judged on design, safety, handling, and innovations, plus driver satisfaction and value.

The North American International Auto Show is one of the auto industry's most important stages, and will be attended by almost 7,000 journalists from more than 60 countries.

The Escape hybrid, in addition to being the first gas-electric hybrid sports utility vehicle, is also America's first production hybrid automobile. Based on hybrid technology similar to the Toyota Prius hybrid car, the Escape hybrid was released late last summer.

Ford is also planning to create a Mercury Mariner SUV hybrid later this year.

Only Honda has multiple hybrid vehicles at this point in time. The Accord hybrid is already Honda's third hybrid.

This year, Toyota will be adding two additional hybrids. In April, the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid will be released, and the Toyota Highlander hybrid will follow a few months later.

Toyota, hybrid car king?

Is Toyota the hybrid car king?

Based on the current success of the Toyota Prius hybrid, then yes, Toyota is the king of the hybrids.

Why is the Prius so successful?

I think the originality of the Prius helps it compared to the Ford Escape Hybrid, or the Honda Accord Hybrid. The Prius, unlike the Escape hybrid or the Accord hybrid, has no direct conventional comparison.

The Escape hybrid is an excellent vehicle. For guilty SUV lovers, the Escape hybrid is a great choice, but it is inevitable that prospects will want to compare the hybrid against the conventional. And, if a certain color or feature is important, it is much easier to have your wishes fulfilled in a conventional Escape rather than a hybrid Escape.

Then you have the higher sticker price.

The Honda Accord Hybrid suffers the same conventional drawback as does the Escape hybrid. The Accord hybrid; however, is really the best Honda Accord - its the fastest, quickest, best performing Accord.

The Escape hybrid cannot make that same claim, there are more powerful Escapes.

The Prius is the best Prius ever, so there isn't any other fair comparison on that point, but that doesn't seem to be the whole issue for Toyota.

Recently, Toyota had to push back the release of it's Lexus RX 400h hybrid due to high demand. Though the Lexus hybrid SUV won't be released until April 15, over 10,000 orders have already been placed.

The RX 400h hybrid is a luxury SUV, and a smaller SUV, so perhaps it speaks to a different customer segment than the Escape hybrid. Still, the Toyota magic seems to have rubbed off on what will be Toyota's second hybrid.

While American auto-makers are now focusing their attention on hybrid SUVs, Toyota appears ready to dominate the hybrid SUV market.

In June, just a couple months after the Lexus hybrid SUV hits the streets, the Toyota Highlander hybrid will make it's debut.

The Highlander hybrid is a much better match for the Escape hybrid, and competition between the vehicles should get intense. Price is going to be a big issue for these two vehicles, and since Ford is leasing hybrid technology from Toyota, Toyota could have a big price advantage.

The Honda Accord hybrid might not be directly in the line of fire of the Prius, but Toyota has other cars up its sleeve. By 2007 the Camry Hybrid will really challenge it's Japanese competitor.

If Honda is still only selling 20,000 Accord hybrids per year two years from now, Toyota will easily become the undisputed Hybrid Car King.

2006 Lexus GS hybrid debuts at LA Auto Show, sort of

The Lexus LF-S concept car is on display at the LA Auto Show. The vehicle "represents a new design direction and new design language - one that is bold and striking yet simple and intriguing," Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager," stated in a recent press release.

The "LF" stands for "L-Finesse" in Toyota design lingo and represents the new direction of Lexus which "seeks to provide a peak experience that fills the driver with exhilaration and provides comfort in every moment, while understanding and anticipating each user's constantly changing needs."

The LF-S design language has been translated into the 2006 Lexus GS hybrid car, which will be the second Lexus hybrid, following the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV which goes on sale April 14.

Toyota to produce hybrid vehicles in U.S., announces new models

Several months ago, Toyota hinted that it would build hybrid vehicles in the U.S., but the Japanese auto-giant made it official just a couple of weeks ago.

The success of the Prius hybrid in California has had some speculating that Toyota might build a factory in that state. Toyota; however, hasn't yet confirmed where, when, or which cars it will produce in the U.S.

Currently, Toyota only offers the Prius hybrid, but the Lexus RX 400h hybrid goes on sale April, 15, with the Toyota Highlander hybrid to follow that summer.

Recently, Toyota also announced two more Lexus hybrids. In 2006, the Lexus GS hybrid will be sold in the U.S., followed by the Lexus LS in 2007 or 2008.

2007 is also supposed to be the model year for the first Camry hybrid.

Other hybrid cars.

2005 Year of the Hybrid Vehicle

2004 might have been the year of the Toyota Prius, but the hype around hybrid cars isn't going to end there.

If Toyota meets its goals, at least 100,000 Prius hybrids will be sold this year.

Next up for Toyota is the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV. Already, 10,000 orders have been placed for this vehicle, which doesn't hit the street until almost 5 months into the year. At that pace, one might imagine Toyota easily selling another 20,000 hybrid SUVs, at least.

Later in the summer, Toyota will add a third hybrid, the Highlander Hybrid. Based on Toyota's current success, similar numbers should also be expected for that vehicle.

In two years, Toyota should easily be producing a quarter million hybrid vehicles. By then, with the Camry available as a hybrid, it shouldn't be hard to visualize that Toyota could easily sell half a million or more hybrid cars in America alone, within just 5 years.

Some analysts don't even expect these numbers within 10 years, but if all goes as planned this year, the streets will be filled with hybrids within 10 years.

If Toyota can sell half a million hybrids per year by 2010, that would represent almost 25% of their current American sales. At that point that ball would be rolling, and Toyota could begin to contemplate converting to a hybrid-only powertrain platform.

A new automobile manufacturing era would emerge. On a hybrid platform, options might include gasoline, diesel, or hydrogen combinations.

These combinations would enable Toyota to always be at least 25 percent more efficient than any conventional competitor using any kind of internal combustion engine platform. Because any new engine technology in conventional cars can also be used in hybrids, hybrid technology is just more efficient.

And that's just Toyota.

Ford will be making 20,000 Escape hybrids this year, and the Honda Accord hybrid is Honda's third hybrid. With its three models, Honda is planning to sell about 50,000 hybrids this year.

Times are a changing.

Either a technology better than hybrids will be developed this year, or 2005 really will be the year of the hybrid.

More 2005 hybrid cars.

I want every car in the world to be a hybrid

That's the opening statement by Hiroyuki Watanabe, senior managing director in charge of environmental matters of Toyota in an interesting article published on asahi.com. In Leading the pack: Toyota and Honda look to capitalize on their quick start in hybrid car production, writer Roy Akagawa paints the automotive future as the domain of hybrid vehicles.

While it might take some time for every car in the world to be a hybrid, the article points out that hybrid cars are only just gaining momentum. Not only the success of the Toyota Prius completely took Detroit and Europe by surprise, but also the quickness of that success.

U.S. automakers have already bet against hybrids once, and lost.

Based on the success of the Prius and Lexus RX 400h alone, it is not hard to imagine Toyota producing a million hybrids or more, per year, within 5 years, when hybrid versions of the Camry, Siena, Highlander, Lexus GS and more become available.

I wouldn't bet against hybrids again.

Click here for the complete Asahi article.

10,000 orders for Lexus RX400h Hybrid and counting

By early December, 10,000 orders for the world's newest hybrid SUV, the Lexus RX 400h, had already been placed.

Toyota's newest hybrid, which was originally to be released this month, had to have its release pushed back months because of overwhelming demand.

The Prius hybrid, Toyota's first hybrid, has created lists of customers waiting as much as 6 months to claim their car.

In 2006, Toyota will begin producing hybrids in China, and already talks are in place to bring a hybrid car plant to the United States.

Hybrid version of the Mariner

At the New York auto show, Bill Ford announced the release of Ford's second hybrid.

In 2006, Ford announced, the Mariner hybrid would be available for sale.

The Mariner, built on the Escape platform, will be Ford's second hybrid vehicle, both of which are SUVs. Of course, they are almost the same vehicle.

I'm more concerned with numbers.

Toyota plans to sell 100,000 hybrids in the United States next year. Based upon current demand, they could easily sell more.

If Ford wants to be an environmental leader, then produce a couple of 100,000 hybrids. Try diesel hybrids, hydrogen hybrids, gas hybrids.

Once American auto executives said hybrids would never work in America because of their lack of performance. Now hybrid cars, such as the Honda Accord hybrid and the soon-to-be-released Lexus RX 400h Hybrid, are faster and more powerful than their conventional counterparts.

Even the superficial U.S. automarket is questioning more and more the environmental damage and military conflicts caused by gasoline and oil dependency.

Environmental leadership should be the highest corporate mandate at this point in time because customers are starting, and will continue, to demand that their products be environmentally friendly.

The sooner Ford acknowledges this point and takes action, the better the chances that the "Blue Oval" can lead the world in automotive innovation once again.

Hybrid vehicles less powerful?

When the Toyota Prius first hit the market, it was a great car for passionate environmentalists and those worried about foreign-oil dependency, but it was a performance dud for most.

Then hybrid cars came of age.

The current generation of the Prius added innovation, a sleek design, and converted the car into a real seller that offers acceptable power.

Not long after, the Ford Escape hybrid followed. Built on hybrid technology leased from Toyota, the power was acceptable.

Then a new twist to the hybrid genre was added when the Honda Accord Hybrid hit showrooms earlier this month. The Accord Hybrid is simply the best Accord. Not only is the hybrid Accord more efficient than the conventional Accord, it's faster and more powerful.

Now, Toyota's next entrant into the hybrid marketplace keeps the power coming.

In Spring 2005, the Lexus RX 400h hybrid will launch. Powered by Toyota's signature, Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which will combine the same V6 3.3 liter engine in the RX330 with an electric motor, this new hybrid system will produce 270 horsepower, compared to 230 for the RX 330.

Hybrids are not just better for the environment, or for ending foreign-oil dependency. They are now also faster and more powerful versions of their conventional cousins.

More hybrid vehicles.

Unwrap a hybrid car instead of that Jaguar

December is big month for luxury car dealers, as almost half of the luxury cars sold this month end up as gifts.

But instead of unwrapping a Jaguar this year, why not unwrap a hybrid car, such as the Honda Accord Hybrid or Toyota Prius, rather than some elitist hunk of superior waste.

Not good enough for you?

Put down an order for the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV. That's right, a hybrid SUV, and if you really need one right now, you can pick up a Ford Escape hybrid in the short term, and donate it to charity when the Lexus arrives.

And next year, you might be able to buy one of the first Lexus GS Hybrid sedans, if a luxury sedan is your requirement. Then you can still be pompous, but at least not an ass.

Toyota Driving Away in hybrid vehicles?

According to Toyota, 11,000 orders have already come in for the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV. Not bad for a vehicle that doesn't go on sale for 3+ months.

Toyota announces new hybrid vehicle for 2006

Toyota will bring another green auto to market in 2006. This time it will be a hybrid car.

Toyota execs. announced on Tuesday that a new luxury hybrid, the Lexus GS, will be available as a hybrid in 2006.

In addition to the already popular Toyota Prius, the Japanese will be adding two other hybrid models for 2005.

In April, the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV is scheduled to hit the market, followed by the Toyota Highlander hybrid a few months later.

This summer, therefore, there will be 3 hybrid SUVs - the other being the Ford Escape hybrid.

Honda is the only hybrid producer, with three, following the release of the Accord hybrid, but all Honda hybrids are cars.

More hybrid vehicles.

Could Chevron end hybrid vehicle hold up?

Ford is going to produce 20,000 Escape hybrids this year, but they would like to produce more, if only they could get more batteries.

The recently released Honda Accord hybrid is also set for 20,000 units, which equals the number of batteries currently guaranteed.

Additionally, the Toyota Prius hybrid car has been hampered by battery production as well. While Toyota will produce 100,000 Prius hybrids for America this year, it has been slowed by battery production and many owners are waiting several months to pick up their vehicles.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV was going to be late to market, one can only imagine batteries had something to do with it.

So what's going on?

Currently, there are only three major suppliers of hybrid batteries, known has NiMH, or Nickel-metal hydride batteries, Panasonic, Sanyo and Cobasys.

Earlier this year, Ovonics Corporation, the patent holder on these batteries claimed a $30 million dollar license infringement suit against the battery makers, and which has temporarily dampened the hybrid battery market.

Now Cobasys, a joint venture half owned by Chevron/Texaco and an Ovonics offshoot, Energy Conversion Devices, appears to be holding all the cards.

Recently it was announced that the major oil companies, such as Chevron, are currently amassing record-level profits. Considering the damage to the environment that this profit has caused, isn't it Chevron's responsibility to invest, heavily, in clean technologies, such as hybrid vehicle batteries?

Currently, any competition will take a year to hit the market because of the vigorous testing required of battery packs, and Chevron will lose no ground if battery production slows.

This conflict of interest possibly allows Chevron to slow the introduction of the hybrid vehicle into the American market so as not to disrupt the status quo to quickly. With Chevron's capital it would be no problem to flood the market with hybrid vehicle batteries.

Yet, Chevron is barely held accountable for all the environmental damage, let alone wars, that oil has caused in the last century. This simply shows how hard it is to compete with huge, multinational corporations, even when it comes to doing the right thing. The power of the corporation usurps the power of the people, in fact such power is wielded at the expense of the people.

How sad.

More hybrid vehicle information.

Porsche Seeks Toyota Hybrid Technology

Porsche is negotiating with Toyota, maker of the Prius hybrid car, to lease Toyota's hybrid powertrain technology.

In particular, Porsche covets Toyota's 270 horsepower powertrain used in the soon-to-be released Lexus RX 400h hybrid.

The buzz is that Porsche is eyeing the technology for its Cayenne SUV, as an alternative to diesel.

Hybrid cars, such as the Honda Accord hybrid, are proving that hybrids turn standard cars into much better cars by providing additional horsepower and torque while reducing fuel consumption and pollution.

Future hybrids "Mean & Green" according to Newsweek

Newsweek's byline for this month's Next Frontiers article, Mean & Green. is "Forget about those puny gas sippers. The hybrid in your future is all about hot-rod horsepower."

While I realize that some have that opinion of hybrids, new hybrids are not lacking horsepower, and the future of the automotive world is hybrid vehicles.

Both the Honda Accord Hybrid and the Ford Escape Hybrid achieve greater horsepower than their standard counterparts. Moreover, the Toyota Prius proves hybrid cars can easily achieve standard car performance, while significantly increasing fuel efficiency and reducing pollution.

To this point, Newsweek states, "The first of these have-your-cake-and-eat-it models arrives next month, when Honda rolls out a 255-horsepower Accord hybrid that races from 0 to 60mph in 6.5 seconds and still gets 37mpg on the highway."

Additionally, Newsweek mentions the Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV which "packs 270 horsepower", and will be the first luxury hybrid SUV.

In just the next 3 years, Newsweek states that every automaker will be in the hybrid race, offering their biggest brands as hybrids. "By 2008, auto researcher J.D. Power predicts that car buyers will have a choice of 35 different hybrids—everything from a Nissan Altima to a Honda Odyssey minivan to a big Chevy Tahoe SUV. By 2012 the menu will grow to 51 models."

Porsche, Mercedes and BMW are also working on hybrids.

What about the battery?

Oh, the battery. One major problem with hybrids, according to Newsweek, is the future resale value of hybrid cars. Because the battery costs $3000.00, the question goes, will the car be valuable down the road?

Hybrid batteries typically have 8 - 10 year, 100,000 mile warranties. Additionally, the capacity of the hybrid battery isn't fully used in current models, so the battery is never being 'overworked'.

Still, this a point that only time will tell, but as hybrids become more common, so to will new and used hybrid batteries.

Where is Detroit?

Good question. Newsweek points out that Detroit "is miles behind" in the hybrid race, however, Detroit is focusing on trucks and SUVs for their hybrid efforts, which might be their only chance to catch Japan.

Click here for the Complete Newsweek article.

Lexus RX hybrid SUV postponed

According to Toyota, the Lexus RX 400h hybrid sport utility vehicle will have its rollout date postponed.

Recently, Toyota had announced that it would start offering the hybrid in early 2005. However, Toyota has claimed that it is going to have to ramp up production to meet early demand for the hybrid vehicle. Consequently, the Lexus hybrid should hit dealers after April 15, 2005.

An AP report in MSNBC states that "Lexus .... has 9,500 confirmed orders for the RX 400h, 8,000 buyers on dealership waiting lists and about 46,000 potential purchasers who have indicated online that they want more information about the vehicle."

Addtionally, Toyota will be releasing the Toyota Highlander hybrid about "90 days after the Lexus".

This will be the 2nd and 3rd hybrid models offered by Toyota, which leads the hybrid field with its Toyota Prius.

Additionally, the two new hybrid SUVs should provide a strong challenge to the only American hybrid, the Ford Escape hybrid.

The rollouts are certain to continue and enhance Toyota's domination of hybrid market share.

In just weeks, Honda will be releasing the Accord Hybrid, the only real competition for Toyota's Prius.

Nonetheless, Toyota appears primed to revolutionize the world auto market.

Ford Escape Hybrid SUV leads Detroit

Last Friday, a press release announced Los Angeles Area National Park Among First in Nation to get 2005 Ford Escape Hybrids. That release noted that Ford had donated two Ford Escape Hybrids to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, "to meet demanding vehicle needs of the rangers and officials...while reducing the impact of Park vehicles on the environment and the visitor experience."

While this is great news, and great publicity for Ford, it is sad that Ford seems to spend more money and effort marketing itself as an environmental leader, rather than actually creating hybrids and being an environmental leader.

For example, some of Ford's marketing mantras for the Escape include, "On the road to a better future, some are born to lead the way", or "Earth's First and only full hybrid SUV".

The later statement while true, is exceptionally misleading. The first statement is a complete joke.

First, very few Escapes are available for sale right now, in fact, they are not available to the average consumer. When the Escape does become widely available, probably in the summer of 2005, other hybrid SUVs will also be available, such as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, as well as the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid.

Second, Ford does not have a proprietary hybrid powertrain, and had to lease some of the Escape's hybrid technology from Toyota. Toyota, the leader in hybrid car sales, is already on its third generation of hybrid cars with its Prius hybrid car.

Therefore, if there is a leader in the hybrid car market, it certainly is not Ford, or any other Detroit-based auto maker. While Ford is leading the way for Detroit, Detroit is way behind in hybrids and fuel efficient technology because it simply didn't invest in the future. 

A recent editorial in Business Week, The Stalling of Motor City, says of Detroit, "True it has enormous legacy costs from retired workers and huge benefit costs from current employees. But managerial shortsightedness is what's hurting the industry most."

For years Detroit chose to focus on far-from-efficient SUVs because they offered great profit. In hindsight, how can one not question the damage that has been caused by this lack of innovation. Terrorism, two wars in Iraq, SMOG, and global warming all have been significantly affected by the automobile industry. Rather than investing in America's future, Detroit chose to cash out quick profits.

In fact, Business Week concluded its article stating, "Hybrids are a technological breakthrough for the Japanese. Unless Detroit invests in innovation, it risks falling behind once again. How sad."

How sad indeed. It is time for Detroit to stop pretending to be a leader, and to start being a leader. It might not just be the future of the Detroit auto giants at stake, but the future of America itself.