Chevy's Jolly Green Giant

[Geotpf]

Originally Posted by geozinger

My problem with that statement is that it TOTALLY negates Ford Motor Co.'s contribution to these systems today. Toyota did not do ALL of the development all by themselves.

Several years back, both Ford and Toyota were working on their systems independently of one another but along the same lines. Both companies wanted to avoid patent infringement lawsuits.

They decided to cooperate and share knowledge, which is partly how Ford ended up with the HSD in the Escapes. Toyota apparently got some diesel technology from Ford.

Not that I'm such a huge fan of Ford these days, but let's give credit where it's due and more importantly, keep the history accurate.

Well, that's wrong too. Toyota developed their first hybrid system years before Ford. There was a cross-patent licensing deal with Ford later on, but Toyota was clearly first (and Honda, although Honda's system is signficantly different).

[member12]

How long before a premium mid size car from GM, such as the redesigned Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, or Pontiac G8 outsells the Chevy Tahoe?

I think it's a fair suggestion that smaller, but better quality cars that get good mileage will gain in popularity in the states as gas prices increase but household income remains the same? People are still going to spend $35,000 on a vehicle that can fit America's family of 4.5 people.

Entry level luxury segment is going to grow (Lincoln MKZ, Lexus ES, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, Saab 9-3 and 9-5, Volvo)...esp ones that get decent mileage.

Fuel economy mandates are going to turn American cars into european style vehicles, where small and efficient cannot always mean cheap. Cars like the Cobalt, Focus, and even the Colorado/Canyon are going to slowly steal sales away from their larger siblings, but those people will still be willing to spend big dollars on a smaller vehicle IF it is of higher quality.

[TriShield]

Originally Posted by stevecmh

yes the almighty toyota.. you can never forget them

Well they are known for hybrid systems and founded the entire niche, unlike GM.

[Dademac22]

Originally Posted by 56 Starchief

"this is a Toyota-style, two-mode system"

No, it's not! Toyota is a single-mode, morons. Way to turn something positive into a thinly-veiled praise of Toyota.

Gotta love it. I wonder what they'll do when the Volt comes out:

"prompted by the hybrid craze Toyota started over 10 years ago, Chevrolet has finally released the Volt"

I was thinking the same thing when i read that lol

[AndrewGS]

The media. Gotta love 'em.

[Ambalanche]

Originally Posted by bobojay

Yeah 2 big inaccuracies! One the FWD on a Tahoe. Second, 2-mode hybrid.
How wrong can you get it! Almost sounds like a Motor Trend article........

The media especially when it comes to a non-automotive source typically don't know what they're talking about!

[FenwickHockey65]

The FWD Tahoe reference and the belief that Two Mode is the same as HSD completely ruins the credibility of this author.

[Joevette]

its seems that a lot of authors have been saying that the 2-mode is just like the hsd lately

[PhishPhood]

I have little or no respect for automotive writers/analysts because they almost always skim over the key issues or just plain get them wrong. FWD Tahoe? Pulleeezzze.

The other point that's always brought up is the phony idea of 'payback'. It started with the Prius and the others and it's skewed the public's perception about the economics because frankly the reading public is mostly unaware and definitely 'very average' at best when it comes to math and business.

There is no such thing as a payback period, unless by chance you happen to be using the vehicle for business and it's generating income.

The correct concept is 'Total Cost of Ownership'. That's an Edmunds term but the idea is accurate. Vehicles are depreciating assets that only cost you money from the time you drive them across the curb. The only real analysis is one that compares the Total Costs of two or more vehicles.

..Length of Ownership Period.
..Miles driven during Ownership Period
..Price less Resale ( all analyses fail in this concept - due mainly to laziness )
..Fuel ( most analyses fail in this regard as well - lack of real world knowledge )
..Maintenance/Repairs
..Insurance
..Taxes less tax credits, if any

Add up all the costs, compare the two vehicles then choose the one that costs the least.

SHOCKER COMING: All hybrids on the road today cost less to own and operate than their equivalent non-hybrid model.

[DuSpinnst]

Originally Posted by geozinger

My problem with that statement is that it TOTALLY negates Ford Motor Co.'s contribution to these systems today. Toyota did not do ALL of the development all by themselves.

Several years back, both Ford and Toyota were working on their systems independently of one another but along the same lines. Both companies wanted to avoid patent infringement lawsuits.

They decided to cooperate and share knowledge, which is partly how Ford ended up with the HSD in the Escapes. Toyota apparently got some diesel technology from Ford.

Not that I'm such a huge fan of Ford these days, but let's give credit where it's due and more importantly, keep the history accurate.

Didn't you know Toyota is Jesus.

[cincygoblue]

Also not true . . . . .

And carbon-dioxide emissions—the main source of greenhouse gases

Does he mean Tailpipe Emissions? or does he mean Carbon Dioxide?

Water Vapor is the main "greenhouse gas". And can you even call "emissions" a "source".

[Hitman1970]

Let's not forget he basically said the Tahoe is overpriced by comparing it to a crossover Toyota for $42,000 ( I am sure with less towing capacity) and a Mercedes which he provided zero pricing information.

Isn't Business week also published by the makers of Leftweek..... err Newsweek magazine?