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Lexus RX 400h

2334 messages,  Last post on Oct 11, 2009 at 10:42 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 400h, Hybrid Cars

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#1 of 2334 Luxury/SUV hybrids by dlrecords Nov 06, 2003 (10:26 am)
Since luxury cars and SUVs have bigger profit margins, why don’t the automakers get started with these segments? They can charge a premium on top of the premiums they are already charging for a hybrid system. Even an increase of 20% in fuel economy would make a huge difference, and in cars which only are getting city/hwy average of 18MPG this would mean making the milage around 22mpg, only an increase of 4 MPG. This can easily be done in suvs/luxury cars, while improving performance for an added cost of $4000, probably much less done on a large scale. Better performance, better fuel economy, and better image, people are willing to pay a premium for, especially those who purchase premium products.   A 10 % overall increase in fuel economy would make a dramatic difference in our dependence of foreign oil, I believe it would also make a big difference in air quality and in the environment overall.   Why are automakers focusing on squeezing expensive systems into economy cars when the profit margins on economy cars is already low, and the people who purchase economy cars are on a tight budget? Why? Because they can, because people still buy underperforming, overpolluting cars, and they must leave room for improvement in the future, without new products and constant slight innovation, people won’t buy new cars. When people stop buying new cars they will realize that people are waiting for something new, and they will slowly leak new products. That IS what is happening NOW. Although "they" are ignoring the pleas for some reason. The population has heard that these new cars are on the horizon, so people are waiting, if not consciously, then unconsciously waiting, just a little bit longer to make a new car purchase to see what is around the corner. People aren’t stupid and that’s what is going on, that is why sales are down and the automakers have to give crazy incentives (GM averaging $4000+ per car.) HMMMM why not make hybrid systems and sell cars without the incentives, because people will buy them if they are a better product.   The automakers say higher fuel regulations will make cars too expensive, that is because they are being paid off by oil companies.   OK well that’s way more than enough. What do you think? Replies to this message: boatfloyd (Apr 05, 2005 9:00 pm)
#2 of 2334 next hybrids... by mrvadeboncoeur Nov 07, 2003 (9:54 am)
The Lexus RX330 SUV will have an AWD hybrid version (with the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive) coming out next year (2004). Toyota is supposed to come out with the Highlander cousin shortly afterwards.   Ford has been pushing back the release date on the hybrid Ford Escape SUV, but they're claiming summer of 2004 also.   Hey, the automakers have to start somewhere...
#3 of 2334 yeah finnaly by dlrecords Nov 11, 2003 (3:42 pm)
I think I spelled that word wrong but u know what I mean. U must admit (if u've been paying attention to this technology) that some invisible force has been slowing the release of the technology. ..from my viewpoint this should be an undenyable fact....and it's not consumer choice, because hybrid is better for economy and performance
#4 of 2334 GM is listening? by dlrecords Nov 13, 2003 (11:06 am)
Looks like GM is taking the logical approach I just read an article that thier first hybrids are going to be the biggest heavy trucks/suvs because that will be the most economical and best for the environment and dependence on foreign oil. WELL thanks for throwing us that bone GM, but WHY do we have to wait til 2007? Are American manufactures that behind? I'd like to believe not and instead believe that ur taking payoffs
#5 of 2334 well by jchan2 Dec 25, 2003 (5:12 am)
Detroit is lazy. Tokyo is not. The second generation Prius is out and on the road, and GM is still having to make excuses about why there hasn't even been a 1st generation Hybrid from them.
#6 of 2334 by kirstie_h HOST Dec 25, 2003 (8:35 am)
That's a bit of an unfair comment, jchan. Conversely, one could claim that Tokyo is lazy because Japan hasn't produced real competitors in the big truck market.
#7 of 2334 well by jchan2 Dec 25, 2003 (9:20 am)
I guess we could agree that Detroit, Tokyo and Seoul have different priorities when it comes to which cars to sell.
#8 of 2334 No they are lazy and paid off by dlrecords Jan 27, 2004 (11:34 am)
Its obvious that Detroit companies have oil interests, why are they so against the CAFE standards, fuel cells promise for the future is all about downplaying the importance of currently available technology.
#9 of 2334 oil interests?? by kirstie_h HOST Jan 28, 2004 (5:24 am)
That's a pretty big claim. Couldn't it be that innovation and re-tooling are expensive, and they won't/can't spend the money it takes?
#10 of 2334 by kirstie_h HOST Jan 28, 2004 (6:16 am)
Lexus 400h on display at the auto show. They wouldn't let us get any closer! Replies to this message: vauvrille (Apr 19, 2005 6:29 am)

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