Hybridization
Two items of note in recent automotive news: First, Toyota says it will streamline hybrid production such that, by 2010, hybrid cars will be as profitable as those with conventional drivetrains. Furthermore, Toyota (which recently surpassed GM to become the world's largest automaker) envisions all its cars being hybrids by 2020. Second, Honda confirmed plans to introduce an 'entry level' hybrid car in 2009. Pricing is expected to be below the current Civic hybrid and styled along sleeker, more modern lines. In other words, it won't look 'entry level.'
2 Comments:
why hasn't Subaru come out with a hybrid. they seem like a natural for hybrids.
Good question. I once interviewed Yvon Chouinard -- the owner of Patagonia, Inc. -- and asked what he and his wife drove. He said they owned a Prius and a Subaru wagon. Then he said something like, 'if Subaru made a hybrid version, I'd probably just own two of those.' I'm guessing that the Subaru Outback and Forester (what I own) would both be hits in hybrid models -- appealling as they do to the largely eco-conscious outdoor sports crowd.
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