Toyota researching way to lower hybrids cost

Deuce · 09-12-2005, 11:03 PM

Quote:

The president of Toyota Motor says he has told his engineering chief to find a way to cut in half the price difference between fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrids and similar gasoline models.

Bernd · 09-15-2005, 11:03 AM

Nice to see efforts to reduce the sticker price. Always welcome. I suggest:

Tell sales to find a way to sell 10 times as many hybrids and the price difference will come down.

How about caluclating total cost of ownership over estimated years of keeping? Add prices of new car plus isurance, tax etc., plus fuel cost plus maintenance.

For those who drive "enough", the total cost difference is already nil or favorable for the hybrid, especially in Japan what with gas prices being around $5 per gal.

I have ordered a new Noah Minivan, no hybrid because we need the space and do not drive enough to recover the price difference even to a Prius (around 20% in Japan) . But I would certainly welcome a small hydrogen booster for the engine .

peterk9 · 09-15-2005, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce

USA Today[/The president of Toyota Motor says he has told his engineering chief to find a way to cut in half the price difference between fuel-efficient gas-electric hybrids and similar gasoline models.

I think that is a good start. I currently drive a 2002 Highlander Limited and have just put a downpayment on a 2006 Highlander Limited, gas version. I considered the Hybird but it just doesn't make sense financially for me. I only drive about 7,500 miles per year and figured that a Hybrid would cost me roughly $10,000 more than the gas version over a 4 year lease. The interest rate is higher and the dealer said that he could not offer me the same discount on the Hybrid. Maybe next time.

Jaggrey · 09-15-2005, 02:48 PM

If diesel's burn cleaner and get better gas mileage why not go to that?

drunken_panda · 09-15-2005, 03:10 PM

Because we don't have low sulfer diesel in the US yet.

Tideland Prius · 09-15-2005, 08:19 PM

peterk9,

yeah, the price difference on the Highlander Hybrid and RX400h is ridiculous. I mean yes, they're based on higher equipped models but it's nuts. I hope they won't go price happy and price the Camry hybrid like they did with the SUVs otherwise I'd be disappointed. My dad is looking to replace his 02 Camry XLE with a Camry hybrid 4 cylinder.