RE: The "hybred" auto industry Guys,
If consumers in the US and Canada really cared two hoots about saving money on gas, they wouldn't be buy 15mpg SUV's when 50mpg compacts have been on the market for years! What difference does an extra 10mpg make to these people. They don't care about economy, they probably will not like cars that don't roar and grunt when you put your foot down but instead whir.
The is an ecological minded minority that recycle, and buy efficient cars, for them Hybrid is the latest trendy cool toy, along with Minis, and SMART cards, but mainstream, particularly when tax breaks are persuading peole to buy these huge, dangerous gas guzzling dinosaurs..., thruth is, people find them attractive, they feel safe in them (even though statistics show they are not). Thi si as much psychology and marketing, nothing to do with fuel efficency.
Even if Hybrids come down in price, how many people will care about saving a few few bucks a year on gas?
SUV's aren't cheap to buy and run compared to the competition, but people buy them and run them.
A hybrid SUV!!!!! I have no doubt they will appear on gagrage forecourts, but what idiot would drive such an oxymoron?
There are other uses for cobalt, demand is rising no doubt, but beleif that Americans will buy them becuase they are more economical just defies a reality check.
jmo
Idle