Sort of. The real issue for GM, Ford, and Chrysler is that they got addicted to the (ridiculous) margins on large SUVs. In reality, a compact hybrid vehicle costs more to produce than a lard-a** SUV, with considerably more advanced technology. In the US market, it's easy to make the case for a $40K Tahoe, even it costs < 15K to produce. For a smallish Hybrid, the the margins of that size aren't there, so it's hard to build a decent business case for the product. The only problem is that your company's survival depends on having vehicles to sell, even when you can't get elephantine margins.

 

Funny GM quote, I've read in several places where Japan's research and production of hybrids were a direct result of GM's electric car project.

I bought my HCH when gas was $1.24/g. I was in the market for the most fuel efficient 5 passenger car I could find. I was concerned gas might reach $2/g.

Being a Dodge patron, and especially loyal to American cars found nothing in any of the big 3 lineup which came close.
So I abandoned my 1st choice, and any American car.

 

You got that right.
And hey! Let's not ever forget the Cadillac "Four, Six, Eight". The flagship of the GM lineup; and EVERY unit had to be recalled for a complete engine swap out.

 

That really was a matter of an idea 'before its time'. The computers of the day couldn't effectively mange the switchover, leading to poor drivabilitiy. Took a while to realize that you had to have the computer running the whole show, including throttle, advance, TCC engagement and trans shift points before a system like that could work; we have an 05 Odyssey that has VCM that works pretty transparently...