Hidden
hybrid potential: The crossover hybrid vehicle?
Friday,
September 21, 2007
An
Edge hybrid - Now that would have been bold
For far too long, American automakers put far too many
eggs in the SUV basket. At the same time, the Big 3 also
missed the boat on hybrid
cars, although they are swiftly paddling up river.
Thus, wouldn't a unique hybrid crossover have been a
perfect way for U.S. automakers to morph away from large
SUVs while also developing winning hybrid vehicle designs?
For example, had the Ford Edge debuted as a hybrid
vehicle, I bet it could have challenged the Toyota
Camry hybrid in sales. Since the Camry hybrid is on
track to move about 60,000 units, I think Ford would have
considered the Edge hybrid as a huge success - that would
have been a bold move.
Detroit, it seems, has so far been afraid to challenge the
Toyota
Prius. A unique hybrid crossover, however, could have
challenged Toyota, without any comparison to the Prius,
while providing a unique offering to I-only-buy-American,
SUV-loving consumers.
Sometimes a flanking maneuver is just better than a
frontal assault.
Obviously, the profit margins on a hybrid crossover would
be less than a conventional crossover, however, the buzz
that can be created by a successful hybrid is almost
impossible to buy - exactly the kind of buzz that Ford
desperately needs.
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