Quote:
Originally Posted by bwilson4web
|
Politics aside, I don't think this piece was an editorial, but rather fact driven so investors (i.e., the bulk of the WSJ readership) can have information to tailor their investment decision making....including, I suppose, those who might plan to "invest" in a hybrid for their garage (regardless of their political leanings). Indeed, to my simple mind, the critical mass discussed in other threads won't occur, unless the auto industry can make fuel efficient and/or alternative energy source vehicles continuously profitable.
Indeed, my TCH purchase is an example of the success of Toyota's strategy. I the introduction of the TCH is what drove my hybrid buy decision. I would likely have bought a Toyota, but for personal preference/vehicle needs, a Prius would not have suited me. (Our other vehicle is a reltatively fuel efficient, but less roomy 1995 BMW 318is). Inserting the hybrid into the popular Camry with with a massively improved Camry body style was enough to make me take the leap in exchange for 4 cubic feet of trunk space. Likewise, having more HP than the Camry 4 cyl, was a smart marketing (read: profitability) move.
Glad that Toyota and earlier adopters paved the way for what is now and for the future. No desire to offend the enthusiasts for other hybrid models that suit their needs, but IMHO the size and or unconventional appearance of many other hybrids automatically nixes them from the shopping list of many among the masses who are more influenced by usable size or vehicle appearance.
Bottom line, however the proliferation occurs, lets keep it up.
Toyota Weighs New Version of Prius Hybrid
