Growth in Hybrid Market
Forecasting the future of hybrids is a tricky business. Nobody predicted how fast the sales numbers would grow since hybrids were introduced in 2000. And future predictions conjure up images of crystal balls, divining rods, and fingers held to the wind.
In February 2004, Dave Hermance, Toyota’s hybrid guru, said, “The Japan and U.S. markets are taking orders for the product at a much higher rate than expected”. Fourteen months later, in April 2005, Dieter Zetsche, DaimlerChrysler CEO said, “We underestimated the interest that Toyota and Honda hybrids would generate.” In May 2005, Mary Ann Wright, Ford’s former hybrid chief, said “Frankly, we underestimated the demand for the Escape Hybrid”. As late as October 2005, Kazuo Okamato, Toyota executive vice-president of R&D, was still showing surprise. He declared, “We didn’t think demand would jump like this.”
By the end of 2005, the sentiments of the world’s top auto executives had apparently changed. Responding to a 2005 survey by the global consulting firm KPMG, 88 percent of 140 senior auto executives said they expect gas-electric hybrids to gain market share, up from 74 percent in 2004. Moreover, the car industry bosses believe sales of hybrid cars, as well as other fuel-efficient models, will outpace sales of sport utility vehicles, pickups and luxury models over the next five years.
Toyota Tundra CrewMax Hybrids
Toyota has unveiled the all-new 2007 Tundra CrewMax full-size pickup. CrewMax, arriving at dealers in March, will join the Tundra Regular Cab and Tundra Double Cab models, which arrive in February.
The super-sized four-door CrewMax boasts the segment’s leading rear-seat legroom, according to the automaker. Moreover, it features the segment’s only reclining and sliding rear seat. A 10-inch slide range allows the owner to custom-tailor passenger comfort and room for on board cargo. CrewMax models provide additional storage under the rear seat.
The CrewMax comes with a short bed (66.7-inch). The model offers an optional power tilt/sliding moon roof with an automatic variable-position wind deflector. CrewMax models offer an optional Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system that combines a nine-inch wide-screen LCD monitor, DVD player, two sets of wireless headphones and a remote control.
Nissan Altima Hybrids
Reluctant hybrid-maker Nissan has debuted its first gasoline-electric hybrid, the Altima hybrid 2007. The power train is partly based on licensed Toyota technology (more on the electric than gasoline side, apparently): The Nissan-made QR25 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is coupled with a 30 kW (40 hp) electric motor and an electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT). The Altima Hybrid’s hybrid system is rated at a net power of 198 horsepower (148 kW) with fuel economy estimated at 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway (39 mpg combined) and emissions rated Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV).
Combined with Altima’s standard 20-gallon fuel tank, the Altima Hybrid has a projected driving range of up to 700 miles between fill-ups. the Altima hybrid will be made in Nissan’s Smyrna plant in Tennessee and the company wants to sell 50,000 units a year at first.
