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?

Are Ford's hybrid better than the competition?

"Not all hybrids are created equal"

That's the new message that Ford wants the buyers of hybrid cars to understand. Because of Ford's lighter battery - and its 20 percent increase in power and improved chemistry at higher temperatures - the Ford Fusion hybrid is able to stay in electric mode up to speeds as high as 47 mph, unlike the 35 mph to which many other hybrids are confined.

“The Fusion Hybrid’s ability to run at a much higher speed in electric mode allows drivers to maximize fuel efficiently in many driving situations,” says Praveen Cherian, the Fusion Hybrid program team leader.

Finish: Are Ford's hybrid better than the competition?

Hybrid vehicle tax credits for insurance

$655 more per year to insure?

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, an affiliate of the IIHS, the overall insurance costs for crash damage on most hybrid cars is higher than conventional vehicles.

MarketWatch states, "The 2009 Camry hybrid, for instance, costs an average $1,957 to insure for that 40-year-old male driver, while a similar conventional 2009 Camry costs just $1,302, according to Insure.com."

Finish: Hybrid vehicle tax credits for insurance

What to you think about natural gas hybrids?

Fill this hybrid up with natural gas

Toyota plans to debut a Toyota Camry hybrid concept at the LA Auto Show that uses natural gas rather than gasoline according to reports coming out of a Toyota Conference in Oregon. Toyota doesn't have concrete plans to build natural gas hybrid vehicles yet, but if US interest in natural gas continues to increase, Toyota would then consider developing such hybrids.

Are natural gas hybrids a good idea, or much ado about nothing?

Interest in the Ford Escape hybrid increasing?

Ready for a sales explosion?

According to CarMax, searches for hybrid cars are on the rise. Hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid have seen huge increases in search traffic, however, the hybrid that has seen the biggest increase is the Ford Escape hybrid.

Is it Ford's smart "hybrid, hybrid" commercial? Have high gasoline prices finally forced die-hard SUV drivers to consider a hybrid SUV?

Who knows, but it will be interesting to check out Ford's Escape hybrid sales numbers the next few months. For many months, interest in hybrid vehicles has increased, but sales have lagged far behind this interest. Are consumers finally ready to pull the trigger on hybrids like the Escape hybrid?

Customers love the Prius

The fourth year in a row

For the fourth year in a row, the Toyota Prius took the top spot for the Consumer Reports' 'Most Satisfying' survey. 92 percent of current owners would definitely buy one again.

The Toyota Camry hybrid was also a Most Satisfying pick in the family car category.

No other hybrid cars were on the list.

Many Americans interested in hybrids, but few buy

Most still pick the Camry over the Camry hybrid

There is a belief, especially among hybrid critics, that the Toyota Prius is the best selling hybrid vehicle because it looks different. While there are some that buy the Prius purely for status, many others buy it purely for fuel economy.

But there is another reason that might be even more important when considering hybrids cars and fuel economy: short term versus long term thinking. Finish.....

Is Toyota acting green?

The NRDC wants to send a message to Toyota regarding CAFE and they want you to help

It’s time to send a message to Toyota. It’s time to tell them that if they want to be known as the industry leader on fuel economy, they must start acting like it," writes the NRDC.

Why I can't focus on Toyota

Toyota is greener than any of the Big 3, and a new study demonstrates that in the last 15 years, Toyota was the ONLY automaker of the Big 6 to cut average vehicle emissions - that includes even Honda. Toyota achieved this decrease in emissions by developing and producing hybrid cars, such as the Prius, knowing such cars would lose money for years.

Finish: Is Toyota acting green?

O.K. for Feds to suggest foreign hybrids to employees?

A Health and Human Service Recommendation

"Every new sport utility vehicle on the road produces 60 percent more climate threatening CO2 emissions than a smaller vehicle," stated a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services quarterly employee newsletter called"Energy News," according to the Detroit News. "Fortunately, there are efficient options for a consumer to choose from when selecting a vehicle to drive … A couple of high profile releases for 2007 are the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Nissan Altima Hybrid."

Quickly Ford and Chrysler complained. Finish: O.K. for Feds to suggest foreign hybrids to employees?

A few changes for 2008 Altima hybrid

Starting at $25,695

The 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid will see a small price increase compared to this year's model, but a base Altima hybrid will still be slightly less than a 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid. In addition, the new Altima hybrid will include a few new options such as "splash guards and a Diversity antenna."

"Options on the '08 Altima Hybrid include a $6,400 technology package, an $850 power moonroof and a $1,300 convenience package," according to Edmunds.com.

A few changes for 2008 Altima hybrid

Starting at $25,695

The 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid will see a small price increase compared to this year's model, but a base Altima hybrid will still be slightly less than a 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid. In addition, the new Altima hybrid will include a few new options such as "splash guards and a Diversity antenna."

"Options on the '08 Altima Hybrid include a $6,400 technology package, an $850 power moonroof and a $1,300 convenience package," according to Edmunds.com.

Global Insight analyst without a clue on hybrid vehicles.

Toyota Camry hybrid on track to sell 60,000 units

"Owning a hybrid is all about saying 'Look at what I'm doing for the world'," says auto analyst John Wolkonowicz of Global Insight. "If you can't say that, the whole purchase is a waste of time."

So, why are so many buying the Camry hybrid? How many more would be buying the Camry hybrid if the full hybrid tax credit was available?

---> Finish: Global Insight Analyst without a clue re: hybrids

1, 2, 3 or 4 different Prius hybrids?

Hybrids: All about the Prius?

I think the Toyota Camry hybrid is an awesome car, and I don't really care if no one notices that it is a hybrid. Still, for many other hybrid buyers, telling the world they drive hybrid cars is important.

Thus, Toyota has been floating the idea of Prius-derivatives for some time. According to Newsweek, Toyota is now committed at least 3 versions of the Prius - a smaller Prius, a family Prius and a crossover Prius.

And, who can argue against this move? When it comes to hybrids, people trust the Prius brand, so let them buy a Prius that best fits their needs. More important, however, the more Prius hybrids Toyota can sell, the more cost-effective hybrid technology becomes.

As Toyota hybrid technology becomes more cost-effective, the sooner more car buyers will buy hybrid versions of every other Toyota automobile, and that's the real future of hybrid technology.

Camry and Altima are 5 star hybrid sedans - BW

"best looking, best priced hybrid sedan"

Both the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid were given 5 stars by a recent Business Week article, but the Altima hybrid was, ultimately, favored.

"The Camry and Altima are "full" hybrids that can operate on their electric motors alone at times. I gave both of them our top five-star rating. But when you factor in the Altima's low price and the $2,350 federal tax credit many consumers will earn for buying one, it's a far better bargain than the Camry Hybrid right now."

My Take

Recent road tests of these hybrid vehicles have demonstrated that the Camry hybrid is more fuel efficient than the Altima hybrid. So, the Camry hybrid will save more money over time. Of course, the Altima hybrid is more sporty - in performance and handling. So, give'em both a drive if you are seeking a hybrid sedan, if you can find an Altima hybrid - it's still only available in just a handful of states.

Can't stop Prius sales

Camry on pace for more than 50,000 sales in first year

For July, while car U.S. car sales slumped, the Toyota Prius continued to be a hot seller, recording over 16,000 units sold.

The Camry hybrid continues to be a strong seller for Toyota as well, achieving over 4,300 units sold. Ultimately, for 2007, Toyota's hybrid Camry will probably outsell the combined sales of all other hybrid vehicles, minus the Prius.

CAFE - Is Toyota losing its Kaizen?

Toyota just loves trucks too much?

Toyota has long made excellent vehicles, but when it comes to the environment, Toyota has always lagged far behind its Japanese rival, Honda. Nevertheless, when Toyota pushed ahead with the Prius, despite mockery from the rest of the automotive world, it seemed the automaker might just be ready to push ahead of Honda.

Then again, it isn't just the Prius, it's all of Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

While most hybrid hype is placed upon the Prius, the Toyota Camry hybrid has quietly become a strong seller itself, a trend that I bet will only pick up pace. Moreover, if Toyota is correct when it claims that the price difference between hybrids and conventional gasoline vehicles will disappear within the next decade, then the Camry hybrid might soon outsell the Prius.

Thus, it's completely dumbfounding that Toyota continues to join the Big 3 against a significant increase in CAFE. If the future is all hybrid, as Toyota claims, and the hybrid price differential will soon end - another Toyota claim - then 35 mpg fleet economy should be a cake-walk by 2020.

So, what's up with Toyota? Does it fear high CAFE standards will destroy U.S. automakers and bring a backlash against foreign autos? Is Toyota still uncertain about the future of hybrids? Or, are the ridiculous profit margins of large, gas-guzzling vehicles just too bloody addictive?

Where's the kaizen?

Camry the best hybrid sedan?

Camry hybrid was "the obvious winner"

InsideLine recently completed a comparison of hybrid sedans, testing the Toyota Camry hybrid, the Saturn Aura hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid.

"It's the Camry's abundant features, comfortable ride and fuel-sipping efficiency that take it to the top of the podium in this test. Just like the standard Camry, the simple fact is the Camry Hybrid gives you a lot of car for your money."

Once again, Toyota proves it knows hybrid cars.

Still, the Nissan Altima hybrid did catch the attention of the testers at Edmunds. "Finally. A hybrid with decent steering and a responsive chassis. What took so long?" So, if you are willing to give up some fuel economy for sportier handling, then the Altima hybrid is worth a look in this segment.

The Aura hybrid, unfortunately, it just too much of a mild hybrid and achieved far less fuel economy than the other two hybrid sedans, especially in the city, where Camry hybrid was more than twice as fuel efficient as the Aura. However, for purely highway drivers, looking to spend as little as possible on a hybrid sedan, the Aura hybrid might work, especially if you are committed to GM products.

Price difference between Camry and Camry hybrid narrows

Camry or Camry hybrid - price is getting closer

The 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid will have a base price of $25,200, which is $1,000.00 less than the 2007 model. The new Camry hybrid will arrive in dealerships later this month.

Lazy Media: The hybrid buyer stereotype

Aren't all hybrid vehicle buyers gloating, liberal treehuggers?

What's wrong with trying to do something positive? What's wrong with wanting to end pollution and/or global warming? What's wrong with wanting to fight terrorism and foreign oil dependency?

Even more important, what is wrong with being proud of doing such things?

Over and over, so-called auto analysts, such as Rebecca Lindland, a Global Insight analyst, claim that hybrid buyers, "really want people to know what good people they are." Thus, to support her claim, Lindland points out that the Toyota Prius outsells the Camry hybrid 3 to 1 because its more unique-looking, more of a message sender.

--> Finish: Lazy Media: The Hybrid Buyer Stereotype

An exercise in marketing?

Back in March I called another journalist's Saturn Aura hybrid versus Toyota Prius comparison, nonsense. Even though it wasn't my comparison, some suggested I should compare the Toyota Camry hybrid to the Aura hybrid.

Why? It's still nonsense, but then again, I have hybrid a bias.

Karl on Cars recently tested the Camry hybrid, the Aura hybrid, and the Nissan Altima hybrid and.....Finish: Karl on Cars slams Aura hybrid.

Could the Prius become the best selling vehicle in America?

A hidden gem at NAIAS?

Despite a severely reduced hybrid tax credit, the Toyota Prius is now the top-selling vehicle at some Toyota dealers, according to my sources at more than one Toyota dealership in Southern California.

Often Southern California is the barometer of U.S. auto trends. If this is true regarding the Prius and hybrid cars - the Camry hybrid is also a hot seller in SoCal - imagine the sales potential of the third generation Prius.

What would all the hybrid vehicle critics say if the Prius became the best selling vehicle in America?

Hybrids a hard sell? Not if it's a Prius

Almost 20,000 sold in March

With significant help from hybrid cars, Toyota posted "best-ever monthly sales" for the month of March. The Toyota Prius achieved the best month of sales for the second month in a row with 19, 156 vehicles sold, an increase of 133.2 percent according to Toyota.

The Camry hybrid achieved sales of 5,144 units sold in March, while the Highlander hybrid achieved 2,501 units sold. In addition, Toyota also sold 1,471 units of the Lexus RX400h hybrid.

While some of this increase in hybrid sales might be attributed to a decreasing tax credit for Toyota hybrids, that's still an amazing month. Too bad the credit is expiring, I guess Congress just doesn't feel the need to get as many foreign oil dependency fighting, global warming reducing automobiles on the road as fast as possible?

Toyota's new hybrid plant: A sign of stupidity

Silly Toyota keeps trucking along with hybrids, like this hybrid Camry

Toyota is going to build a new hybrid parts factory in Japan according to several news sources. Not much is known about specific plans for the hybrid plant, but it seems obvious that Toyota keeps ramping up for greater and greater production of hybrid cars.

Yet, Toyota's hybrids are consistently questioned. Series hybrids are better than Toyota's parallel hybrids. Toyota's hybrid powertrain is too complex. The Prius just doesn't make sense.

Apparently, Toyota is the dumbest automaker on the planet, staking their future on second rate hybrid technology. Of course, one has to continually ask, where are these technologically superior hybrids vehicles?

Another cut in Toyota's hybrid tax credits coming

Are you in the market to buy a hybrid?

Have you been out shopping for hybrid cars recently? If so, then you know there are some pretty good deals being offered on hybrids. For Toyota hybrids, the deal might never be sweeter. The current tax credits offered on Toyota hybrids are set to again be cut in half in April. So, if you were thinking about a new Prius, Camry hybrid or Highlander hybrid, you might want to act now.

Sluggish hybrid vehicle sales?

The Prius isn't slumping

Is the sales growth of hybrid cars slowing down? Earlier this week I responded to reports that hybrid sales growth was slowing and basically called the news a non-story.

Perhaps hybrid growth has slowed, but one certainly wouldn't know it judging by Toyota's hybrid sales. Prius sales continue to grow. The Toyota Camry hybrid is possibly outselling the combined hybrid sales of all other automakers, and Toyota is accomplishing all of this with a reduced hybrid tax credit.

Certainly, hybrid sales are a bit more sluggish at Honda and Ford, and Nissan is only selling hybrids in a few states, but Toyota's hybrid sales are pushing Toyota into record monthly sale's territory.

I'll bet Toyota would accept that kind of sluggishness any day.

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!

Why you should support extending Toyota's hybrid tax credits

Today's hybrid success drives tomorrow's hybrid technology

"I'm not going to buy a new vehicle until I can buy a plug-in hybrid vehicle," is a statement I often hear.

Of course, I understand this sentiment. Yet, there are still many potential plug-in hybrid consumers whom need a car today. For these buyers, it is essential that they buy one of today's hybrid cars. Inevitably, the more success today's hybrids achieve, the faster tomorrow's hybrids - and plug-in hybrid vehicles - will become reality.

Hybrid tax credits are key to this process.

Consequently, even for those unwilling to buy any vehicle until plug-in hybrids are available, it is essential that they support today's hybrid vehicle tax credits. In addition, it is especially important that they also support extending and uncapping the current tax credit, or lack thereof, for Toyota's hybrid vehicles.

--> Read the rest of Why tomorrow's hybrid buyers should support extending Toyota's hybrid tax credits

Prius sales defy reality and soar into the New Year

Are hybrid vehicles losing their appeal?

Despite lower gas prices and a federal tax credit that was reduced by 50 percent, the Toyota Prius had its best January on record, selling 8,299 units. The Camry hybrid posted sales of 2,801 units, the Highlander hybrid reported 1,810 sales, while the Lexus RX400h reported 1,245 units sold.

So, if Toyota sold more than 14,000 hybrid cars in January with only a reduced tax credit, how many more would Toyota have sold if it still qualified for the full tax credit? Considering the seriousness of foreign oil dependency, pollution and global warming, it is simply silly that Toyota is being punished for being too successful doing the right thing.

--> More on Hybrid vehicles dead? Prius sales soar in January

Altima hybrid pricing and availability

Altima hybrid available in 8 states

The 2007 Nissan Altima hybrid is now available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont with an MSRP of $24,400.

With an EPA estimated 42 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, the Altima hybrid qualifies for a $2350.00 federal tax credit.

Hmmm?? A Camry hybrid, a Prius or an Altima hybrid, all these damn hybrid cars! Finally!

2008 Highlander hybrid coming to Chicago

On February 7 Toyota will debut the redesigned 2008 Highlander hybrid at the Chicago Auto Show. Not many new details regarding the Highlander other than instead of being based off of the Camry, the new Highlander will be based off of the Avalon in an effort to provide more room for a third row of seating.

(Source: KickingTires)

Is the third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive almost production-ready?

0 - 60 in 4 seconds with 4 cylinder fuel efficiency! What are we waiting for?

I've already stated that I want the FT-HS hybrid concept to become a reality, and I've also stated that the technology behind the FT-HS hybrid is more important than the vehicle itself. Obviously, this begs the question, "When is some of this new hybrid technology going to find its way into Toyota's current hybrid cars?"

Already, Toyota has contemplated a city Prius, for example. Why not put FT-HS technology into a smaller Prius - say one with only a 3 cylinder engine - that would achieve greater fuel efficiency, yet still be capable of amazing bursts of speed or power.

Also, why not a sporty version of the Camry hybrid? Couldn't this new hybrid technology provide more torque and/or towing capacity for the Highlander hybrid?

Since Toyota has claimed the FT-HS is basically a production-ready vehicle, one has to assume the third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive has to be almost production-ready as well. So, why not give consumers a little taste?

Forbes' hottest cars for 2007 includes 3 hybrids

Forbes magazine picked three hybrid cars as part of their Hottest Cars for 2007. Granted two of their picks are luxury hybrids, but they are still hybrids and fuel economy did affect Forbes' decision. The Lexus GS 450h "can do zero to 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds — better than many sports cars — yet it has EPA fuel-economy ratings of 28 mpg city/27 mpg highway. This sexy-looking Lexus is both fast and efficient." The other luxury hybrid was the Lexus LS 600h L "Rather than developing a 12-cylinder version of its top luxury sedan to compete with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Lexus opted for a gas/electric hybrid powertrain and invented the world's first full-hybrid V8." Rounding out Forbes hybrid picks was the Toyota Camry hybrid, which Forbes said, "All together the system makes 192 hp and up to 203 pound-feet of torque and runs through a continuously variable transmission to provide performance that beats a standard four-cylinder Camry."

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.

Highlander hybrid interest surges in Q3

Overall interest in hybrid vehicles was down 10% in the 3rd quarter according to Autobytel. Still, interest in the Toyota Prius and the Camry hybrid remained relatively strong, while interest in the Highlander hybrid surged 32%. On the other hand, interest in the Ford Escape hybrid dropped a whopping 49%.

(Source: Autobytel)

Be in Toyota's next hybrid vehicle commercial

Are you so proud of your Toyota hybrid vehicle that you want to tell the world about it? If you own a Prius, Highlander hybrid or Camry hybrid then you can apply to be in one of Toyota's next hybrid commercials.

"We want to know who you are and what your reasons are for owning a hybrid vehicle. Participants will not only get the chance to be part of an important national campaign that supports a good cause but may also receive financial compensation for participation! You must own or have a Toyota hybrid vehicle in your immediate family to apply."

HOW TO APPLY:

Send an email to telluswhy@nvbb.net including:

Your name
Age
City/state of residence
A photo of yourself and anyone in your household who uses the car (ideally posed in front of your Toyota hybrid)
Your reason for purchasing a Toyota hybrid vehicle

Deadline:All applications must received no later than OCTOBER 30TH, 2006

For further questions please contact: epoteet@nvbb.net

Hybrids Top Ten Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles List

The government has released its Top Ten Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles for 2007. According to the government's report, the Toyota Prius hybrid is the most fuel efficient vehicle for 2007, followed by the Honda Civic hybrid. The Toyota Camry hybrid was third.

A total of four hybrid vehicles were in the Top Ten. The two-wheel drive Ford Escape hybrid was the most fuel efficient SUV.

(EPA)

Kentucky production of Camry hybrid begins today

The Toyota Camry hybrid is now being produced in Georgetown, KY as of today. Consequently, this morning SquawkBox ran a feature about hybrid cars going mainstream focusing on the Camry hybrid. And what's not to like? 0-60 in less than 9 seconds with 187 hp while achieving a combined City/Highway 39 mpg. Not too bad for $26,000.

View the video.

Full hybrid tax credits end tomorrow for Toyota

Tomorrow is the last day to buy a Toyota Prius, Highlander hybrid, Camry hybrid, or Lexus RX400h if you want to receive the full hybrid vehicle tax credit.

If you are going to buy any other hybrid, no worries - not this year.

The End? Prius sales drop 3%

"Through August, Prius sales were down 3.3 percent to 70,447, vs. 72,849 in the first eight months of 2005." Additionally, the AutoWeek article notes that getting a fair deal on a used Toyota Prius is a bit easier. Whereas in the past, a used Prius with low miles would often sell above sticker price - obviously that couldn't last forever.

No word on whether the reduction in Prius sales had anything to do with the reduction in Prius production. Earlier this year Toyota reduced production of the Prius to make room for the Toyota Camry hybrid. Consequently, much of this sales decline might be attributed to lack of availability.

Still, as far as hybrid cars are concerned, the Prius is still the undisputed king of sales.

Camry hybrid ready for American production

According to AutoWeek, Toyota is almost ready to begin building the Camry hybrid at its Georgetown, KY plant. The plant will produce around 48,000 hybrid Camry's per year, which should boost availability of Toyota's newest hybrid. Moreover, it will also increase the production of the Toyota Prius hybrid, which has seen a drop in production due to the release of the Camry hybrid. For more information on the new Camry in general, click here.

Some hybrid vehicles break even in just 3 years!

According to a study by Edmunds.com, many hybrid cars now pay for themselves over time. For example, both the Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape hybrid can pay for themselves in just 3 years when gas is $3.00 and you drive at least 15,000 miles per year. Additionally, the Saturn Vue, Camry hybrid and Civic hybrid will pay for themselves in 6 years.

Of course, good things never last. Because tax credits for hybrid cars are capped at 60,000 vehicles per manufacturer, the full tax credit for the Prius and other Toyota hybrids, will only be available until Sept. 30. After that time, Toyota hybrid buyers will only qualify for half the tax credit.

As for the other hybrid vehicles, you still have plenty of time.

John McCormick's hybrid analysis

I love hybrid vehicle critics - they are usually so easy to ridicule. One such critic, John McCormick of the Detroit News, is nothing but a mudslinger when it comes to hybrid cars. Recently, he noted that the wrong hybrids are selling. For example, he cites rising sales of the Lexus RX400h and a 12% decline in Toyota Prius sales as evidence (more). Of course, he forgets to mention the facts that a fire hampered Prius production earlier this year and that Toyota reduced Prius production so that the Camry hybrid could be added to the Toyota lineup of hybrid cars.

Anyway, I sent these comments to the Detroit News.

Wow! Toyota Prius sales are down by 12% and now hybrids are dead? Let's forget about the fact that Toyota decreased Prius production to build the Camry hybrid - why don't we?

Hybrids are a just an emerging technology. Even if millions wanted to buy them, the industry couldn't make that many at this point in time - it just isn't technologically feasible, yet.

Let's get real Mr. McCormick, you've consistently written negatively about hybrids, and it seems you somehow believe that hybrids are the anti-Detroit.

Well, this fear of technology and change will mean the end of Detroit if Detroit doesn't change.
Like them or not, the hybrids are coming. Yes it will probably take another couple of years before the technology starts to become cheap enough and available enough for mass consumption, but it WILL happen.

Toyota has vision - something too many automotive experts in Detroit lack - and is simply laying the groundwork for where the market will be in 3 to 5 years; when technology for hybrids is significantly more powerful and cheaper.

Technology is like chess, you have to be many moves ahead if you want to win. Current hybrid production puts Toyota many moves ahead of those only thinking about today and dreaming about a fuel cell future.

Is 2010 the year of the hybrid?

Today, critics often question the value of hybrid cars. Only a few can save money over the long term at today's gas prices they state and reliability is still an issue.

Yet, hybrid technology is only just emerging and the future of hybrid vehicles won't really be understood until at least 2010. By then Toyota will offer 14 different hybrid models. Even Detroit will offer numerous hybrid vehicles. Plus, Nissan, Hyundai, Porsche - even Suzuki - will be in the hybrid game.

Then it won't just be the Toyota Camry hybrid that challenges the Prius for total sales, but many new hybrid models.

More important, there will be several different types of hybrid technology on the market and many more hybrid parts suppliers. This competition will give consumers real choices. Should I get the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid or Toyota Highlander hybrid? That will really begin to depend on your needs, such as towing, and that is just the beginning.

Moreover, Toyota has indicated that its hybrids in 2010 will not only be significantly more fuel efficient, but the cost differential between hybrid cars and conventional cars could be cut in half. Other automakers will have to do the same if they want to compete.

Competition, better technology, cheaper costs - by 2010 the question won't be why would you want a hybrid, it will be why would you want anything less than a hybrid.

Toyota's hybrid plans for 2010

"We believe that hybrids will be the core technology in the 21st century," said Masatami Takimoto, executive vice president in charge of technology development, at a news conference. Thus, around 2010 Toyota will like to double its hybrid vehicle lineup from today's 7 to around 14 - leading to total sales of around 1 million hybrid cars. Moreover, Toyota wants to cut hybrid costs in half and further develop hybrid batteries - something the automaker indicated it was close to doing. Toyota also acknowledged that it was working on a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

So, are hybrid car sales hot or cold?

I was just reading Newsweek's Green Gap which asks, "Hybrids might be hip, but are they saving consumers enough at the pump to compensate for their high sticker price?" Over and over auto writers have noted that the Honda Accord hybrid and the Toyota Highlander hybrid are not selling well because of their sticker price. So hybrid cars are dead, right? Well, not exactly, the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid are hot, the Honda Civic hybrid is also hot. Ultimately, hybrid sales keep going up, and the hybrid market is only just emerging, only just being understood. It seems today's media loves to talk about hybrids. Recently, I questioned whether there was a media bias against hybrids. When Toyota announced a recall that includes the Prius, but wasn't limited to hybrids, nor was it related to hybrid technology, yet most of the media focused only on the Prius, not the fact that the majority of the affected cars were NOT hybrids.

No U.S. production plans for Prius hybrid

Jim Press, the new boss of Toyota's North American operations, confirmed that Toyota will not produce the popular Toyota Prius in the U.S. anytime soon. For now, the company is content to produce the Camry hybrid in the U.S. as it develops its North American hybrid supply chain. Still, Mr. Press did note that hybrid cars are a fundamental piece of Toyota's future (more). Considering that Press, who drives a truck, was a big force behind the Prius, perhaps he can solidify Toyota's plans to produce a hybrid truck.

Prius production will pick up later this year

A couple of weeks ago Toyota announced that the production of the Toyota Prius had been reduced. This reduction of the world's most popular hybrid car wasn't caused by a lack of demand, mind you, it was caused by limited hybrid production capabilities. As it turns out, Prius production had to be reduced in order for Toyota to produce its news hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Camry hybrid. Nonetheless, the Prius production reduction - say that 3 times - has produced long waiting list in many of the Nation's hottest Prii markets. Fortunately, sources indicate that production of the Prius hybrid should be back to normal levels later this year when the Camry hybrid starts its American production in Kentucky. So, if you are disappointed in your Prius quests, just try to hold on a few more months.

Testimonials for the Toyota Camry hybrid

I wanted to share with you that I just purchased a 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid. I took it on the hwy, driving about 200 miles round trip. Without using the cruise control and Using the AC, I achieved an average of 37 mpg. That's extremely close to what was estimated for hwy driving of 38 mpg. I love the car, and am very glad I bought it. I traded in a 2003 Toyota Matrix 4X4. The Camry gets almost double what the Matrix achieved.

Sincerely,
C. P.

Are you the owner of a Toyota Camry hybrid? Tell us about your experiences with the Camry hybrid. What kind of gas mileage do you get in your hybrid Camry and in what kind of driving?

Add your Toyota Camry hybrid testimonial below.

More on the Camry hybrid.

More hybrid car testimonials.

Toyota and its hybrids: The Calm Before the Storm?

When I first heard that Toyota was going to cut Prius production in order to produce the Camry hybrid, I was very disappointed. Let's face it, hybrid cars wouldn't even be on America's radar if not for Toyota, but cutting Prius production? How could they?

Now I know that many hybrid parts, particularly batteries, are in short supply and every automaker can only produce so many hybrids. Nonetheless, the hybrid supply chain is growing and no automaker is more knowledgeable about that subject than Toyota. They have essentially built the hybrid supply chain. Therefore, when I read that Toyota believes hybrids will become an important part of their profits by 2008, my disappointment turned to elation.

While there are numerous hybrid skeptics out there, I cannot help but feel that they remind of people that predicted computers were silly back in the early 80's, or that e-mail and the Internet were silly in the early 90's - and these were smart, successful people. I fully believe that the potential of hybrid technology has barely been tapped, the best is still yet to come. Ultimately, you can never judge an emerging technology only by the capabilities of the present - something done habitually by many hybrid critics.

GM might be building hybrids for P.R. and Nissan might think that hybrid technology isn't yet ready, but Toyota is now just sitting back quietly as the entire automotive world argues about the future of hybrids. But Toyota isn't just sitting, they are using their huge profits to take their hybrid technology to the next level.

Every other automaker better beware - this could just be the calm before the storm.

Why isn't Toyota Producing More Hybrids?

According to Toyota, its hybrid cars are selling as fast as they can be made. Contrary to recent articles, even the Highlander hybrid and the Lexus RX400h, are also selling well, notes a recent AutoWeek story.

Nonetheless, Toyota isn't necessarily selling many more hybrids this year compared to last year. In fact, with the release of the Camry hybrid, for example, Toyota has had to reduce its production of the popular Prius, in order to have the capacity to build the hybrid Camry. Thus, overall sales of Toyota hybrids are not accelerating as fast as in the past, even though interest is growing.

So, why isn't Toyota producing more hybrids?

"Expanding hybrid volume requires increasing the number of vehicles that have the hybrid option available," stated Jim Press, President of Toyota U.S.A. "That's driven by engineering resources, and it's difficult to accelerate that."

One can only speculate that "engineering resources" also includes technical parts from suppliers, such as batteries. Why don't suppliers rush to this demand? Maybe the better question is, why should they? NiMH batteries appear to already be a dead technology soon to be replaced by lithium-ion technology. Yet, unfortunately, this whole transition will take years, maybe even a decade.

Whatever the causes for this lack of "engineering resources", it appears that Toyota is either willing, or has no choice, to just coast for a few years, producing only a few hundred thousand hybrids annually.

Hopefully, soon-to-be-released hybrid technology from GM and Chrysler, or a new hybrid Fit from Honda, will accelerate Toyota's hybrid production.

Lists building for Camry hybrid

Waiting lists for hybrid cars are not anything new, many people still have their name down on a Toyota Prius. Well, Toyota might have found another winner in the Camry hybrid. According to CNBC, there is now a 1 month waiting list for the Camry hybrid, nationwide. Some markets, such as Chicago, have a 2 month waiting list.

Hybrid sales in 2005: All about the Prius

You've come a long way baby!

In 2005, sales of hybrid cars more than doubled, significantly led by the Toyota Prius (AP). Still, hybrids only account for around 1% of total U.S. auto sales. While gas prices make hybrid vehicles more appealing, the price of hybrids will still have to come down in order to make hybrids desirable to a significant percentage of American consumers. Inevitably, most potential hybrid buyers cannot help but notice the price of a standard Camry compared to a hybrid Camry or a standard Civic compared to a Civic hybrid. If it takes five years or more to recover this investment, you've already lost most Americans. Nonetheless, as the Prius clearly demonstrates, unique hybrids can be hot sellers.

The 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid: My Test Drive

On Friday morning my local Toyota dealer called me to tell me that they had just received their first 2007 Camry hybrid. An hour later, I was at the dealership, but there wasn't any Camry hybrid in sight.

After a few calls around the lot, we learned that it was already on a test drive, and that another customer was also waiting to take Toyota's newest hybrid for a test drive as well.

Finally, it was my turn in this hot, red hybrid.

This was my first up close look at the newly designed Camry. What an improvement! The Camry has never been a visually stunning vehicle, but it is now. I would almost call the new Camry, sporty, but one thing is certain, this is the best looking Camry ever.

As I sat in the Camry, it was immediately obvious how much roomier this new hybrid is compared to the Prius. Much like most other hybrids, sitting in the Camry hybrid feels very much like sitting in a conventional vehicle. Almost everything about the Prius, on the other hand, seems different.

As I looked around the cabin, I quickly noticed the sunroof, something which isn't available on the Prius. This Camry also came with leather and a few other amenities which pushed the price to about $29,000, versus about $25,000 for a base level Camry hybrid.

The 2006 Prius that I checked out in the lot while waiting for my test drive actually cost a few hundred more than this Camry. While both hybrid cars offered leather and top electronics, the Prius also offered a navigation system and rear back up camera. Still, it goes to show how difficult it is to understand the pricing of hybrids.

As we pulled out of the dealer lot, it was immediately obvious that the hybrid Camry offers more horsepower than the Prius, of course that also means that the Camry isn't as fuel efficient as the Prius. Additionally, I feel that the Prius drives a little stiff, whereas the Camry offers a bit of a smoother drive.

Unfortunately, my test drive did not last long. Just as we were about to pull onto the freeway, my salesman's phone rang and we were directed back to the lot. This Camry hybrid was no longer available for sale.

While I was disappointed that I didn't get to hit the freeway, I'm sure the Camry hybrid would have offered more power there as well, compared to the Prius.

The Prius Versus the Camry Hybrid

Some people hate the design of the futuristic Prius. I find the Prius to be one of the most efficiently designed vehicles ever made, and I don't just mean regarding fuel efficiency. For such a small vehicle, the Prius offers an incredible amount of storage and space. Additionally, one of my favorite Prius amenities is the hatchback, which is just incredibly useful.

For those whom hate the design of the Prius, the Camry hybrid is a very nice alternative. Unlike most hybrid vehicles that are compared to their conventional cousins, many hybrid Camry buyers might only compare the Camry hybrid to the Prius, rather than to a conventional Camry. This could really help the Camry hybrid sell, even though it is more expensive than a standard Camry.

Ultimately, these two Toyota hybrids feel and look very different. The Prius is a unique, sensible, very fuel efficient vehicle. The Camry hybrid is sensibly elegant, offering a little more luxury, a little more refinement, but a little less fuel economy for a few thousand more than the Prius.

Nonetheless, with gas prices above $3.00, I think both cars will be hot sellers.

Altima hybrid will only be sold in 8 states

Are you interested in the Nissan Altima hybrid? Well, your ability to buy one might be dependent upon the state in which you live.

"Nissan's first hybrid, the forthcoming 2007 Altima HEV will only be sold in eight states. To put a geographical point on it, the Japanese automaker will sell the eco-friendly sedan in the Northeast and California: New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Rhode Island, Maine and New Jersey will join the Golden State. All of the states in question have adopted versions of the latter's zero-emissions vehicle program, which in effect will force manufacturers to sell hybrids." (LeftLaneNews)

In the past Carlos Ghosn has stated that it isn't the right time for hybrid cars yet due to pricing, and I think he still feels that way. Inevitably, the Altima hybrid is not a major hybrid play by Nissan, it is purely a PR move.

While I think the Altima hybrid could be a hot car, its success will be completely dependent upon price. Since the Altima hybrid is being built upon leased Toyota hybrid technology, it will be hard for Nissan to make money off of the Altima hybrid.

Thus, I don't expect Nissan to sell more than 20,000 hybrids simply because the price comparison between an Altima hybrid and a conventional hybrid will be too wide, much wider than it would be if Nissan had proprietary hybrid technology. For this reason I don't think Nissan even wants to sell more than 20,000 hybrid Altimas.

With today's technology, only unique hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, will achieve great sales. Converting conventional vehicles into hybrids probably won't rock the auto world until the next generation of hybrid batteries. Of course, now the Toyota Camry hybrid will probably make me eat my words on that prediction.

Hybrids: Camry versus Accord, Part II

Last week I wrote about the upcoming battle among hybrid cars between the Honda Accord hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid (more). This week, the New York Times has done the same. "RELIABLE, practical and popular, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are as mainstream as white bread and as exciting as mom's meatloaf. But hybrid technology has transformed versions of these family cars from conservative appliances into cutting-edge green machines."

(Read the New York Times Story)

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.

2007 Camry hybrid price

The 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid will be available for sale starting in May for $25,900.00.

Soon, Toyota might have the two hottest hybrid cars on the market.

Sales Incentives for Ford Hybrids?

Ford's hybrid slump isn't a surprise

So far this year Ford has sold about 1000 hybrid vehicles, as sales for both the Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid have slowed. Ironically, as Ford has increased hybrid marketing, sales have simply not kept pace and this has resulted in incentives as high as $1000.00 for Ford's hybrids (more).

Why?

I remember my first Escape hybrid test drive, which left me very unimpressed. It wasn't that I didn't appreciate the vehicle - I did - I just thought the cost was simply far too expensive.

I felt the same away about the Toyota Highlander hybrid, which I also love, but the price difference between the Highlander hybrid and a conventional Highlander, is the definition of sticker shock.

That doesn't mean I wouldn't buy either of these vehicles, I would, if I had to drive SUVs, but I'm not an SUV driver. This highlights the main problem of hybrid SUVs: Who are the customers?

Fans of hybrids are driven mostly by two factors: the environment and foreign oil dependency. Most, but not all, of this customer segment is not interested in hybrid SUVs (I'm not saying hybrid SUV drivers aren't just as committed!!). While there are many others that are concerned about these same issues, they are not driven by these causes, and these people are inevitably going to be driven by cost when it comes to buying a hybrid versus a conventional vehicle.

Many of these hybrid buyers will buy a Prius without thinking about it because there isn't a conventional comparison -I don't buy the Corolla comparison. Every other hybrid, other than the Honda Insight, forces this compare and contrast mentality.

Consequently, until hybrid vehicle costs are more competitive, only unique hybrids such as the Toyota Prius will be hot sellers. There could be exceptions, such as the Toyota Camry hybrid, but that won't be the norm until hybrid battery technology advances.

Of course, all of this could change if the 3 ton SUV small business tax deduction were applied to hybrid vehicles. Let's hope the momentum for this in Congress keeps rolling.

Hybrid Camry optimized for fuel efficiency?

The Toyota Camry hybrid will be built for optimal fuel efficiency according to Consumer Reports. While this is great news, I don't fully understand what that really means. Toyota has admitted in the past that the Highlander hybrid was built for a mixture of performance and fuel efficiency. Yet, the Camry hybrid is still going to offer 192 hp. EPA estimates for this vehicle are 40 mpg, of course in the real world that will probably mean low 30's. Ultimately, I'd expect the Camry hybrid to achieve the best fuel efficiency of any Camry, while offering performance similar to the 6 cylinder Camry.

Camry hybrid versus the Prius

Could the Camry hybrid challenge the Prius?

The Toyota Camry hybrid is months away from going on sale and the price still hasn't been officially released. Yet, dealers are already taking orders on Toyota's newest hybrid.

Now, this isn't that unusual in the world of hybrid cars. Preorders were also common on the Highlander hybrid and the Lexus RX400h before they were officially launched. Yet, the sales hype behind both the Highlander and the RX400h hybrids eventually waned a bit, especially compared to the Prius hybrid.

So, how will the Camry hybrid compare?

The Toyota Camry already owns a very loyal following. Will this core customer group drive Camry hybrid sales? Ultimately, that will probably depend on pricing, but current owners offer a huge, potential customer base.

Additionally, many potential hybrid buyers have complained that the Prius is just too small, otherwise they would have purchased the vehicle. Many of these potential customers have expressed strong interest in the Camry hybrid. Will this segment outnumber current Camry owners seeking an upgrade?

It's also possible that those putting down-payments on the first hybrid Camrys are simply hoping to lock in tax credits. As I blogged yesterday, Toyota hybrid tax credits will expire before the end of the year, so placing a down payment as quickly as possible isn't a bad idea.

One can be sure; however, that the entire auto industry will be nervously watching the launch of the Camry hybrid. If the hybrid Camry is as popular as the Prius hybrid, the hybrid revolution will reach critical mass much sooner than anyone is expecting. If this happens, competitors beware, for only Honda is positioned to face this challenge.

Even Toyota might not be ready for such acceptance, so I wouldn't be surprised if Toyota prices the Camry hybrid fairly high simply so that it can adequately supply demand - at least in the short term. Until the hybrid supply chain is a little more robust, Toyota just might not have much choice, although I'd love be wrong.

Is now the best time to buy a hybrid?

So, you're thinking about buying a hybrid vehicle, but you just aren't ready? Well, now might be your best opportunity.

In the last several weeks gas prices have dropped, yet last week's suicide attack on a Saudi oil refinery could have pushed the price of gasoline up far more than Katrina. Almost certainly, we are in the calm before the oil price storm and gas prices will eventually spike this year. When that happens, as it did after Katrina, interest in hybrid cars will also spike.

Even without a spike, tax credits for Toyota hybrids will expire before the end of the year. So, if you are interested in a Prius or Highlander hybrid you should act now, if the credit is important. Interest in the Prius is always high, but if gas prices skyrocket again, finding a Prius could prove almost impossible.

While tax credits for the Honda Civic hybrid or the Ford Escape hybrid, for example, will probably last through the year, finding one of these vehicles might also prove nearly impossible following another surge in energy prices.

So, if you want to buy a hybrid this year, now could be the best time. Of course, if you are waiting for the Camry hybrid, there isn't much you can do until at least May.