What
would it take for a Honda hybrid vehicle to challenge the
Prius hybrid?
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The
2009 Toyota Prius?
In 2009 Honda is going to launch a new hybrid vehicle, one
that Honda hopes will sell 200,000 units. That's a huge
improvement compared to Honda's top selling hybrid, the Honda
Civic hybrid. Additionally, it would make the new
Honda hybrid as popular as the Toyota
Prius.
So, how might Honda accomplish such a monumental task?
At this point in time, Honda has only alluded to cost. So,
would being cheaper than the Prius be enough to match the
success of the Prius?
Probably not, however, a smartly unique Honda hybrid,
offering fuel economy as efficient as the Prius at a
cheaper cost would probably do the trick. In fact, I think
there are many out there whom would love a unique hybrid
option to the Prius, aside from those that just prefer the
Honda brand or Honda styling. Besides, it's a way for the
kids to be different, and sometimes the kids just have to
be different.
Still, it won't be that easy. We don't quite yet know what
to make of Toyota's Third Generation Hybrid Synergy Drive,
and what effect this new hybrid drive will have on the
Toyota Prius, for example. If the new hybrid drive can
make Toyota's hybrid
cars more fuel efficient and cheaper, Honda's plans
will not be so easy to achieve.
Additionally, there might be Prius-derivatives available
when the new Honda goes on sale. One such rumored idea is
a smaller Toyota Prius that would be more fuel efficient
and cheaper than today's Prius - another potential kink in
Honda's hybrid dreams.
More important, with Honda seriously ramping up its hybrid
efforts as GM strives for the revolutionary Chevy
Volt, Toyota has to know that its position of hybrid
supremacy is very tenuous. Therefore, despite the rumors
of lithium problems and delays, I still expect great
things from Toyota's Third Generation Hybrid Drive.
And, in the end, that will be great for hybrid fans and
consumers. We'll have real competition, which will lead to
better technology, better prices and more choices.
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