2 comments ↓

#1 |

Felicia @ about 1 year ago Small Investor at Self Employed

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I heard some arguments that manufacturers were saying they will go into this space to win public approval - while continuing to focus on non-hybrid vehicles. It remains to be seen how this market will pick up. Toyota for example, has the CX430 Hybrid SUV. Looking at that from the least perspective: it will cost another hundred a month because this model is Hybrid and new. Calculate that with one year and the cost of pumping gas - you're pretty much equal if not higher on total cost. So does it make sense to buy a Toyota Hybrid SUV? I'm not so sure... The Prius is a nice alternative - however it's damn ugly. I think we have yet to see the innovation in this market.

#2 |

Davester @ about 1 year ago

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Very interesting point about companies "greenwashing" for public approval. I agree! At this point hybrids don't make economic sense for the individual -- especially on a 2 yr lease. If peopel really do the math, they will realize they aren't going to save enough on gas to make up for the price of a hybrid -- consumers are doing it more because they want people to know they are environmentally conscious. A noble thing to do. If people really are committed to the environment, they are going to have to put their money where their mouth is and pay the extra $$ for a hybrid.