There's a story on MonstersandCritics, which is quoting Germany's Auto Bild newspaper, claiming VW wants to offer a hybrid version for every model in as little as two years. Considering they don't have any hybrids today, that would be a tall order.
According to this article, VW is considering both mild and full hybrids. In past reports, VW was promising a small hybrid (Golf and/or Jetta) which would be a mild hybrid. A full hybrid version of the Tourag was scheduled for 2010.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
VW to Go Completely Hybrid?
There's a story on MonstersandCritics, which is quoting Germany's Auto Bild newspaper, claiming VW wants to offer a hybrid version for every model in as little as two years. Considering they don't have any hybrids today, that would be a tall order.
According to this article, VW is considering both mild and full hybrids. In past reports, VW was promising a small hybrid (Golf and/or Jetta) which would be a mild hybrid. A full hybrid version of the Tourag was scheduled for 2010.
According to this article, VW is considering both mild and full hybrids. In past reports, VW was promising a small hybrid (Golf and/or Jetta) which would be a mild hybrid. A full hybrid version of the Tourag was scheduled for 2010.
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
Gas Price Plus Sticker Price Means Hybrid?
Cars.com just released a list of the top 10 cars for different car segments that deliver the best 'bang for the buck,' or in this case, the best lifetime cost when you add the sticker price and the gas price together.
I was perusing the list (see the press release below) and I noticed for midsize cars, the Prius was right at number 6 despite being surrounded by vehicles which cost $6,000 less. Then I looked at the SUVS list and I noticed the Saturn Vue listed at number 5, while the Saturn Vue Hybrid was listed at number 10.
No other hybrid made the list. That's because the base sticker price for most hybrids is much higher than the top 10 vehicles listed. But at the same time, hybrids tend to get all the high-tech gadgets, so keep that in mind when you do look at the sticker price.
Another thing to keep in mind is this is a very simplistic calculation on the lifetime cost of a car. Sticker price and gas price (calculated over an eight year period), are just the basics. Off the top of my head, there's also dealership rebates, sales, insurance and maintenance costs. For hybrids, you should also look at the federal tax credit (how much you can get depends on your financial situation, which make it is and which model), local and state tax breaks, free parking, access to the HOV, etc... All of these things should go into your decision-making process, not just the gas price.
Press Release Follows:
I was perusing the list (see the press release below) and I noticed for midsize cars, the Prius was right at number 6 despite being surrounded by vehicles which cost $6,000 less. Then I looked at the SUVS list and I noticed the Saturn Vue listed at number 5, while the Saturn Vue Hybrid was listed at number 10.
No other hybrid made the list. That's because the base sticker price for most hybrids is much higher than the top 10 vehicles listed. But at the same time, hybrids tend to get all the high-tech gadgets, so keep that in mind when you do look at the sticker price.
Another thing to keep in mind is this is a very simplistic calculation on the lifetime cost of a car. Sticker price and gas price (calculated over an eight year period), are just the basics. Off the top of my head, there's also dealership rebates, sales, insurance and maintenance costs. For hybrids, you should also look at the federal tax credit (how much you can get depends on your financial situation, which make it is and which model), local and state tax breaks, free parking, access to the HOV, etc... All of these things should go into your decision-making process, not just the gas price.
Press Release Follows:
CHICAGO, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- As the price of gas continues to reach
record highs, more car shoppers are making fuel efficiency a top priority.
While gas mileage typically takes center stage, combining the sticker price
of a car with its predicted lifetime fuel cost can offer consumers a guide
to their overall savings during the lifetime of a car.
"Hybrid cars get a lot of attention when gas prices start to rise. They
certainly can save money at the pump and are typically better for the
environment," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com managing editor. "However, not
everyone can afford to own a hybrid, and some consumers have needs that are
not met by hybrids. If your primary goal is to save money, there may be
better options."
Cars.com (http://www.cars.com) looks at the top 10 cars in various
vehicle segments that deliver the best bang for the buck based on vehicle
price and average lifetime fuel costs. The Toyota Yaris tops the list with
a base price slightly more than $11,000 for a two-door hatchback and
average fuel economy of 34 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
The list was compiled by combining the base sticker price with a fuel
cost estimate based on the car's estimated gas mileage. Fuel cost estimates
assume the car will be driven 15,000 miles per year, with 45 percent of
those miles on the highway and 55 percent on city streets. The cost of
regular unleaded gasoline in the estimate is $3.13 per gallon, and it
assumes the car is owned for eight years. Premium fuel costs are estimated
at $3.44 per gallon.
Top Compact Cars City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Toyota Yaris 34/40 $11,150 $10,301 $21,451
2. Hyundai Accent 32/35 $10,415 $11,285 $21,700
3. Kia Rio 32/35 $10,770 $11,285 $22,055
4. Chevrolet Aveo5 27/37 $9,995 $12,219 $22,214
5. Chevrolet Aveo 27/37 $12,010 $12,219 $24,229
6. Nissan Versa 30/34 $12,550 $11,857 $24,407
7. Honda Fit 33/38 $13,850 $10,708 $24,558
8. Toyota Corolla 32/41 $14,305 $10,578 $24,883
9. Saturn Ion 26/35 $12,300 $12,775 $25,075
10. Kia Spectra 27/33 $12,895 $12,773 $25,668
Top Midsize Cars City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Hyundai Elantra 28/36 $13,395 $12,073 $25,468
2. Dodge Caliber 28/32 $13,725 $12,660 $26,385
3. Toyota Matrix 30/36 $15,410 $11,581 $26,991
4. Suzuki Aerio 25/31 $14,299 $13,715 $28,014
5. Pontiac Vibe 30/36 $16,760 $11,581 $28,341
6. Toyota Prius 60/51 $22,175 $6,757 $28,932
7. Kia Optima 24/34 $16,355 $13,579 $29,934
8. Nissan Altima 26/35 $17,950 $12,775 $30,725
9. Chevrolet Malibu 24/34 $17,215 $13,579 $30,794
10. Hyundai Sonata 24/34 $17,345 $13,579 $30,924
Top Full-Size Cars City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Chevrolet Impala 21/31 $21,015 $15,289 $36,304
2. Dodge Charger 21/28 $22,100 $15,874 $37,974
3. Ford Five Hundred 21/29 $23,035 $15,665 $38,700
4. Dodge Magnum 21/28 $23,245 $15,874 $39,119
5. Mercury Montego 21/29 $23,835 $15,665 $39,500
6. Toyota Avalon 22/31 $24,320 $15,874 $40,194
7. Buick Lucerne 19/28 $26,875 $14,842 $41,717
8. Kia Amanti 19//26 $25,745 $16,909 $42,654
9. Chrysler 300 21/28 $25,495 $17,373 $42,868
10. Ford Crown Victoria 17/25 $24,620 $18,913 $43,533
Top Luxury Cars City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Volvo S40* 22/29 $24,240 $16,726 $40,966
2. Hyundai Azera 19/28 $24,235 $16,909 $41,144
3. Chrysler Pacifica 18/25 $24,460 $18,237 $42,697
4. Volvo V50* 22/29 $26,690 $16,726 $43,416
5. Lexus IS 250* 24/32 $30,255 $15,265 $45,520
7. Lincoln MKZ 19/27 $29,305 $17,133 $46,438
6. Volvo V70* 22/29 $30,045 $16,726 $46,771
8. Cadillac CTS 18/27 $29,925 $17,737 $47,662
9. Volvo S60* 21/30 $30,885 $17,003 $47,888
10. Mercedes-Benz C230* 19/25 $29,650 $19,380 $49,030
* Premium fuel is recommended by the manufacturer for these cars. Premium
fuel costs of $3.44 a gallon were used in these calculations.
Top Minivans City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Mazda5 22/27 $17,735 $15,650 $33,385
2. Dodge Caravan 20/26 $19,055 $16,830 $35,885
3. Chevrolet Uplander 18/25 $20,205 $18,237 $38,442
4. Kia Sedona 18/25 $20,695 $18,237 $38,932
5. Chrysler Town & Country19/26 $21,695 $17,373 $39,068
6. Saturn Relay 18/25 $21,570 $18,237 $39,807
7. Toyota Sienna 19/26 $24,155 $17,373 $41,528
8. Hyundai Entourage 18/25 $23,895 $18,237 $42,132
9. Ford Freestar 17/23 $23,705 $19,500 $43,205
10. Honda Odyssey 18/25 $25,645 $18,237 $43,882
Top SUVs City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Jeep Patriot 26/30 $14,425 $13,579 $28,004
2. Jeep Compass 26/30 $15,425 $13,579 $29,004
3. Kia Sportage 23/28 $15,900 $15,018 $30,918
4. Hyundai Tucson 23/28 $16,995 $15,018 $32,013
5. Saturn Vue 23/29 $17,475 $14,810 $32,285
6. Ford Escape 24/29 $19,320 $14,436 $33,756
7. Toyota RAV4 24/30 $20,950 $14,242 $35,192
8. Honda CR-V 23/30 $20,600 $14,616 $35,216
9. Honda Element 21/25 $18,900 $16,598 $35,498
10. Saturn Vue Hybrid 27/32 $22,870 $12,933 $35,803
Top Pickup Trucks City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Ford Ranger 24/29 $13,860 $14,436 $28,296
2. Toyota Tacoma 23/28 $14,180 $15,018 $29,198
3. Mazda B2300 24/29 $15,535 $14,436 $29,971
4. Chevrolet Colorado 20/26 $14,085 $16,830 $30,915
5. GMC Canyon 20/26 $14,235 $16,830 $31,065
6. Nissan Frontier 22/25 $16,050 $16,151 $32,201
7. Isuzu i-290 20/26 $16,989 $16,830 $33,819
8. Chevrolet Silverado Classic17/21 $15,840 $20,260 $36,100
9. GMC Sierra Classic 17/21 $15,840 $20,260 $36,100
10. Mazda B3000 18/23 $19,040 $18,825 $37,865
For a more complete guide to fuel economy, including cars that get the
best gas mileage, information on alternative fuel technology and
fuel-savings tips, visit Cars.com.
Gas Price Plus Sticker Price Means Hybrid?
Cars.com just released a list of the top 10 cars for different car segments that deliver the best 'bang for the buck,' or in this case, the best lifetime cost when you add the sticker price and the gas price together.
I was perusing the list (see the press release below) and I noticed for midsize cars, the Prius was right at number 6 despite being surrounded by vehicles which cost $6,000 less. Then I looked at the SUVS list and I noticed the Saturn Vue listed at number 5, while the Saturn Vue Hybrid was listed at number 10.
No other hybrid made the list. That's because the base sticker price for most hybrids is much higher than the top 10 vehicles listed. But at the same time, hybrids tend to get all the high-tech gadgets, so keep that in mind when you do look at the sticker price.
Another thing to keep in mind is this is a very simplistic calculation on the lifetime cost of a car. Sticker price and gas price (calculated over an eight year period), are just the basics. Off the top of my head, there's also dealership rebates, sales, insurance and maintenance costs. For hybrids, you should also look at the federal tax credit (how much you can get depends on your financial situation, which make it is and which model), local and state tax breaks, free parking, access to the HOV, etc... All of these things should go into your decision-making process, not just the gas price.
Press Release Follows:
I was perusing the list (see the press release below) and I noticed for midsize cars, the Prius was right at number 6 despite being surrounded by vehicles which cost $6,000 less. Then I looked at the SUVS list and I noticed the Saturn Vue listed at number 5, while the Saturn Vue Hybrid was listed at number 10.
No other hybrid made the list. That's because the base sticker price for most hybrids is much higher than the top 10 vehicles listed. But at the same time, hybrids tend to get all the high-tech gadgets, so keep that in mind when you do look at the sticker price.
Another thing to keep in mind is this is a very simplistic calculation on the lifetime cost of a car. Sticker price and gas price (calculated over an eight year period), are just the basics. Off the top of my head, there's also dealership rebates, sales, insurance and maintenance costs. For hybrids, you should also look at the federal tax credit (how much you can get depends on your financial situation, which make it is and which model), local and state tax breaks, free parking, access to the HOV, etc... All of these things should go into your decision-making process, not just the gas price.
Press Release Follows:
CHICAGO, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- As the price of gas continues to reach
record highs, more car shoppers are making fuel efficiency a top priority.
While gas mileage typically takes center stage, combining the sticker price
of a car with its predicted lifetime fuel cost can offer consumers a guide
to their overall savings during the lifetime of a car.
"Hybrid cars get a lot of attention when gas prices start to rise. They
certainly can save money at the pump and are typically better for the
environment," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com managing editor. "However, not
everyone can afford to own a hybrid, and some consumers have needs that are
not met by hybrids. If your primary goal is to save money, there may be
better options."
Cars.com (http://www.cars.com) looks at the top 10 cars in various
vehicle segments that deliver the best bang for the buck based on vehicle
price and average lifetime fuel costs. The Toyota Yaris tops the list with
a base price slightly more than $11,000 for a two-door hatchback and
average fuel economy of 34 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
The list was compiled by combining the base sticker price with a fuel
cost estimate based on the car's estimated gas mileage. Fuel cost estimates
assume the car will be driven 15,000 miles per year, with 45 percent of
those miles on the highway and 55 percent on city streets. The cost of
regular unleaded gasoline in the estimate is $3.13 per gallon, and it
assumes the car is owned for eight years. Premium fuel costs are estimated
at $3.44 per gallon.
Top Compact Cars City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Toyota Yaris 34/40 $11,150 $10,301 $21,451
2. Hyundai Accent 32/35 $10,415 $11,285 $21,700
3. Kia Rio 32/35 $10,770 $11,285 $22,055
4. Chevrolet Aveo5 27/37 $9,995 $12,219 $22,214
5. Chevrolet Aveo 27/37 $12,010 $12,219 $24,229
6. Nissan Versa 30/34 $12,550 $11,857 $24,407
7. Honda Fit 33/38 $13,850 $10,708 $24,558
8. Toyota Corolla 32/41 $14,305 $10,578 $24,883
9. Saturn Ion 26/35 $12,300 $12,775 $25,075
10. Kia Spectra 27/33 $12,895 $12,773 $25,668
Top Midsize Cars City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Hyundai Elantra 28/36 $13,395 $12,073 $25,468
2. Dodge Caliber 28/32 $13,725 $12,660 $26,385
3. Toyota Matrix 30/36 $15,410 $11,581 $26,991
4. Suzuki Aerio 25/31 $14,299 $13,715 $28,014
5. Pontiac Vibe 30/36 $16,760 $11,581 $28,341
6. Toyota Prius 60/51 $22,175 $6,757 $28,932
7. Kia Optima 24/34 $16,355 $13,579 $29,934
8. Nissan Altima 26/35 $17,950 $12,775 $30,725
9. Chevrolet Malibu 24/34 $17,215 $13,579 $30,794
10. Hyundai Sonata 24/34 $17,345 $13,579 $30,924
Top Full-Size Cars City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Chevrolet Impala 21/31 $21,015 $15,289 $36,304
2. Dodge Charger 21/28 $22,100 $15,874 $37,974
3. Ford Five Hundred 21/29 $23,035 $15,665 $38,700
4. Dodge Magnum 21/28 $23,245 $15,874 $39,119
5. Mercury Montego 21/29 $23,835 $15,665 $39,500
6. Toyota Avalon 22/31 $24,320 $15,874 $40,194
7. Buick Lucerne 19/28 $26,875 $14,842 $41,717
8. Kia Amanti 19//26 $25,745 $16,909 $42,654
9. Chrysler 300 21/28 $25,495 $17,373 $42,868
10. Ford Crown Victoria 17/25 $24,620 $18,913 $43,533
Top Luxury Cars City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Volvo S40* 22/29 $24,240 $16,726 $40,966
2. Hyundai Azera 19/28 $24,235 $16,909 $41,144
3. Chrysler Pacifica 18/25 $24,460 $18,237 $42,697
4. Volvo V50* 22/29 $26,690 $16,726 $43,416
5. Lexus IS 250* 24/32 $30,255 $15,265 $45,520
7. Lincoln MKZ 19/27 $29,305 $17,133 $46,438
6. Volvo V70* 22/29 $30,045 $16,726 $46,771
8. Cadillac CTS 18/27 $29,925 $17,737 $47,662
9. Volvo S60* 21/30 $30,885 $17,003 $47,888
10. Mercedes-Benz C230* 19/25 $29,650 $19,380 $49,030
* Premium fuel is recommended by the manufacturer for these cars. Premium
fuel costs of $3.44 a gallon were used in these calculations.
Top Minivans City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Mazda5 22/27 $17,735 $15,650 $33,385
2. Dodge Caravan 20/26 $19,055 $16,830 $35,885
3. Chevrolet Uplander 18/25 $20,205 $18,237 $38,442
4. Kia Sedona 18/25 $20,695 $18,237 $38,932
5. Chrysler Town & Country19/26 $21,695 $17,373 $39,068
6. Saturn Relay 18/25 $21,570 $18,237 $39,807
7. Toyota Sienna 19/26 $24,155 $17,373 $41,528
8. Hyundai Entourage 18/25 $23,895 $18,237 $42,132
9. Ford Freestar 17/23 $23,705 $19,500 $43,205
10. Honda Odyssey 18/25 $25,645 $18,237 $43,882
Top SUVs City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Jeep Patriot 26/30 $14,425 $13,579 $28,004
2. Jeep Compass 26/30 $15,425 $13,579 $29,004
3. Kia Sportage 23/28 $15,900 $15,018 $30,918
4. Hyundai Tucson 23/28 $16,995 $15,018 $32,013
5. Saturn Vue 23/29 $17,475 $14,810 $32,285
6. Ford Escape 24/29 $19,320 $14,436 $33,756
7. Toyota RAV4 24/30 $20,950 $14,242 $35,192
8. Honda CR-V 23/30 $20,600 $14,616 $35,216
9. Honda Element 21/25 $18,900 $16,598 $35,498
10. Saturn Vue Hybrid 27/32 $22,870 $12,933 $35,803
Top Pickup Trucks City/Hwy Base Lifetime Sticker &
mpg Sticker Fuel Cost Lifetime Fuel
1. Ford Ranger 24/29 $13,860 $14,436 $28,296
2. Toyota Tacoma 23/28 $14,180 $15,018 $29,198
3. Mazda B2300 24/29 $15,535 $14,436 $29,971
4. Chevrolet Colorado 20/26 $14,085 $16,830 $30,915
5. GMC Canyon 20/26 $14,235 $16,830 $31,065
6. Nissan Frontier 22/25 $16,050 $16,151 $32,201
7. Isuzu i-290 20/26 $16,989 $16,830 $33,819
8. Chevrolet Silverado Classic17/21 $15,840 $20,260 $36,100
9. GMC Sierra Classic 17/21 $15,840 $20,260 $36,100
10. Mazda B3000 18/23 $19,040 $18,825 $37,865
For a more complete guide to fuel economy, including cars that get the
best gas mileage, information on alternative fuel technology and
fuel-savings tips, visit Cars.com.
New York Taxis Are Going Hybrid
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is setting new standards for taxis in New York that call fro very strict emissions and mileage standards by next year. By October of 2005, 1,000 taxis will be required to be hybrid. After 5 years, the whole taxi fleet of 13,000 vehicles will be hybrid.In October 2008, taxis will be required to achieve a minimum of 25 miles per gallon (which means the Crown Vic is out). A year later, all new vehicles must get 30 miles per gallon and be hybrid
New York has been a testbed for hybrid taxis for the past couple of years. There are currently 375 hybrid taxis on the road in New York today.
Ford reported that the 18 Escape Hybrids used as taxis that were part of the original test fleet passed the 175,000 mile mark back in April. Back in June of 2006, over 250 medallions were put up for sale for taxis that were also hybrids.
According to all the reports I've seen, hybrid taxis have been doing well in NY, San Francisco and elsewhere. The drivers like spending so much less on gas each day, while the fleet owners appreciate spending less on brakes and oil changes. Local politicians like to talk about the green aspects such as low emissions.
"There's an awful lot of taxicabs on the streets of New York City," Bloomberg said. "These cars just sit there in traffic sometimes, belching fumes.
"This does a lot less. It's a lot better for all of us," he said of the hybrid plan.
Update: Ford released a press release following the announcement by the Mayor on things they would like you to know about the Ford Escape Hybrid Taxis
Ford Escape Hybrid Taxi Facts
-- Most fuel-Efficient SUV on Earth: EPA rated at 34 miles per gallon in
city driving, the front-wheel drive Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-
efficient SUV on earth, and can provide drivers 500 miles to a tank.
-- Taxi Drivers Save $30 Per Shift: According to San Francisco cab driver
Paul Gillespie, driving an Escape Hybrid saves him up to $30 per shift.
Working four shifts a week for a year could equal more than $6,000.
-- Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) Certified: The Escape Hybrid
dramatically reduces smog-forming emissions, as it meets the cleanest
emissions standard available for a vehicle that uses fossil fuels --
California's AT-PZEV standard. Over 100,000 miles the Escape Hybrid
will conserve approximately 1,666 gallons of gas over a traditional
cab, effectively preventing 32,000 pounds of carbon emissions.
-- Reliability and Durability is Key for Taxi Use: The Escape Hybrid is
proving to be remarkably durable, capable of surviving around-the-clock
use in one of the most severe driving conditions any vehicle will face.
This durability is backed by a standard 8-year / 100,000-mile limited
warranty for unique hybrid components, including the battery pack.
-- Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner Hybrid Have Highest Tax Credits: Because
the real world fuel economy of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner
Hybrids increased for the 2008 model year, the Federal income tax
credits available now are $3,000 for FWD models (up $400) and $2,200 on
4WD models (up $250). The Ford and Mercury Hybrids now have the
highest tax credit of any hybrid -- up to $900 more than the closest
competitor. For both vehicles, the new EPA-certified fuel economy for
FWD models is 34 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, and 29 mpg city and 27
mpg highway for AWD models.
-- Insurance Discounts for Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner Hybrids:
Travelers, one of the largest providers of personal insurance products
in the United States, offers hybrid drivers in the states of
California, New Jersey, Texas, New York, Maryland, Florida, Kentucky,
Georgia and Washington discounts of up to 10 percent on certain
coverages. The company estimates their hybrid policy business grew by
200 percent in 2006.
New York Taxis Are Going Hybrid
Mayor Michael Bloomberg is setting new standards for taxis in New York that call fro very strict emissions and mileage standards by next year. By October of 2005, 1,000 taxis will be required to be hybrid. After 5 years, the whole taxi fleet of 13,000 vehicles will be hybrid.In October 2008, taxis will be required to achieve a minimum of 25 miles per gallon (which means the Crown Vic is out). A year later, all new vehicles must get 30 miles per gallon and be hybrid
New York has been a testbed for hybrid taxis for the past couple of years. There are currently 375 hybrid taxis on the road in New York today.
Ford reported that the 18 Escape Hybrids used as taxis that were part of the original test fleet passed the 175,000 mile mark back in April. Back in June of 2006, over 250 medallions were put up for sale for taxis that were also hybrids.
According to all the reports I've seen, hybrid taxis have been doing well in NY, San Francisco and elsewhere. The drivers like spending so much less on gas each day, while the fleet owners appreciate spending less on brakes and oil changes. Local politicians like to talk about the green aspects such as low emissions.
"There's an awful lot of taxicabs on the streets of New York City," Bloomberg said. "These cars just sit there in traffic sometimes, belching fumes.
"This does a lot less. It's a lot better for all of us," he said of the hybrid plan.
Update: Ford released a press release following the announcement by the Mayor on things they would like you to know about the Ford Escape Hybrid Taxis
Ford Escape Hybrid Taxi Facts
-- Most fuel-Efficient SUV on Earth: EPA rated at 34 miles per gallon in
city driving, the front-wheel drive Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-
efficient SUV on earth, and can provide drivers 500 miles to a tank.
-- Taxi Drivers Save $30 Per Shift: According to San Francisco cab driver
Paul Gillespie, driving an Escape Hybrid saves him up to $30 per shift.
Working four shifts a week for a year could equal more than $6,000.
-- Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) Certified: The Escape Hybrid
dramatically reduces smog-forming emissions, as it meets the cleanest
emissions standard available for a vehicle that uses fossil fuels --
California's AT-PZEV standard. Over 100,000 miles the Escape Hybrid
will conserve approximately 1,666 gallons of gas over a traditional
cab, effectively preventing 32,000 pounds of carbon emissions.
-- Reliability and Durability is Key for Taxi Use: The Escape Hybrid is
proving to be remarkably durable, capable of surviving around-the-clock
use in one of the most severe driving conditions any vehicle will face.
This durability is backed by a standard 8-year / 100,000-mile limited
warranty for unique hybrid components, including the battery pack.
-- Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner Hybrid Have Highest Tax Credits: Because
the real world fuel economy of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner
Hybrids increased for the 2008 model year, the Federal income tax
credits available now are $3,000 for FWD models (up $400) and $2,200 on
4WD models (up $250). The Ford and Mercury Hybrids now have the
highest tax credit of any hybrid -- up to $900 more than the closest
competitor. For both vehicles, the new EPA-certified fuel economy for
FWD models is 34 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, and 29 mpg city and 27
mpg highway for AWD models.
-- Insurance Discounts for Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner Hybrids:
Travelers, one of the largest providers of personal insurance products
in the United States, offers hybrid drivers in the states of
California, New Jersey, Texas, New York, Maryland, Florida, Kentucky,
Georgia and Washington discounts of up to 10 percent on certain
coverages. The company estimates their hybrid policy business grew by
200 percent in 2006.
Friday, 18 May 2007
How to Buy a Used Hybrid
When it comes to buying used cars, you probably know the smart things to do.
The Biggest Question Mark?
The biggest question on everyone's minds when buying a used hybrid: How long does the battery pack last? Everyone has heard it would be very expensive to replace the battery and, not surprisingly, they don't want to spend thousands of dollars to maintain a used vehicle.
The truth is the battery pack is expensive, very expensive. It can cost several thousand dollars to buy a new one. But, don't despair. There are a few simple things you can do to alleviate those worries.
Check the Miles and the Warranty
First, it's even more important to know how many miles there are on a used hybrid car. If the used hybrid has a transferable warranty , and it should, then you need to know how many miles it covers. It can vary from 80,000 to 100,000 to 150,000 miles. (Note: the 80 or 100K mile warranty is more likely.) That way, you know you're covered if the battery pack fails.
Your Local Mechanic
Second, having your trusted mechanic look it over may not be good enough. You may need to take it to a dealership. Almost all the engine parts are the same and should be treated as such. But the electric motor and battery pack may be foreign territory for your local mechanic. If you have a trusted mechanic, ask him/her if they are comfortable looking at a hybrid. If they start talking about getting electrocuted, they haven't worked with hybrids before. Instead, take it to a dealership that sells hybrids. They may charge you for it, but it will be worth the money.
Reliability Issues
Hybrids tend to be highly reliable from all reports, and that includes the battery pack. Hybrid owners tend to be highly satisfied consumers. But don't just assume that to be true for this hybrid. Have the history checked. You don't want to find out it was totaled and then repaired last year. Car reports aren't necessarily reliable, so again, make sure a mechanic looks it over.
Ask about the Mileage
If you buy from a private owner, ask them about their fuel economy. Most likely, given gas prices today, that's what you're interested in. So don't be afraid to ask about gas receipts or any other records they may have. They may be proud of what they've been getting and may present you with a report. Also, don't rely solely on the fuel gauge most hybrids come with. That can be reset at any time.
Tax Credits and Other Benefits
When you buy used, you are not eligible for the federal tax credits. If you live in California or another state where solo access to the HOV lane is possible, check for a sticker. The sticker goes with the vehicle, not the owner.
Last Piece of Advice
Don't be afraid to walk away. Hybrids were scarce a few years ago, but that's no longer the case. You still may not find one at your local dealer, and even if you do, they still won't stay there for very long. But don't panic into rushing into buying something. You can always look online or wait until the next one comes along. They may still be rare, but they aren't that rare.
- Get a lifetime report.
- Check the price at Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or Edmunds.com
- Know who you're dealing with.
- Don't be afraid to bargain.
- Don't be afraid to walk away.
- Make sure you test drive it.
- Get a mechanic to look over the engine.
The Biggest Question Mark?
The biggest question on everyone's minds when buying a used hybrid: How long does the battery pack last? Everyone has heard it would be very expensive to replace the battery and, not surprisingly, they don't want to spend thousands of dollars to maintain a used vehicle.
The truth is the battery pack is expensive, very expensive. It can cost several thousand dollars to buy a new one. But, don't despair. There are a few simple things you can do to alleviate those worries.
Check the Miles and the Warranty
First, it's even more important to know how many miles there are on a used hybrid car. If the used hybrid has a transferable warranty , and it should, then you need to know how many miles it covers. It can vary from 80,000 to 100,000 to 150,000 miles. (Note: the 80 or 100K mile warranty is more likely.) That way, you know you're covered if the battery pack fails.
Your Local Mechanic
Second, having your trusted mechanic look it over may not be good enough. You may need to take it to a dealership. Almost all the engine parts are the same and should be treated as such. But the electric motor and battery pack may be foreign territory for your local mechanic. If you have a trusted mechanic, ask him/her if they are comfortable looking at a hybrid. If they start talking about getting electrocuted, they haven't worked with hybrids before. Instead, take it to a dealership that sells hybrids. They may charge you for it, but it will be worth the money.
Reliability Issues
Hybrids tend to be highly reliable from all reports, and that includes the battery pack. Hybrid owners tend to be highly satisfied consumers. But don't just assume that to be true for this hybrid. Have the history checked. You don't want to find out it was totaled and then repaired last year. Car reports aren't necessarily reliable, so again, make sure a mechanic looks it over.
Ask about the Mileage
If you buy from a private owner, ask them about their fuel economy. Most likely, given gas prices today, that's what you're interested in. So don't be afraid to ask about gas receipts or any other records they may have. They may be proud of what they've been getting and may present you with a report. Also, don't rely solely on the fuel gauge most hybrids come with. That can be reset at any time.
Tax Credits and Other Benefits
When you buy used, you are not eligible for the federal tax credits. If you live in California or another state where solo access to the HOV lane is possible, check for a sticker. The sticker goes with the vehicle, not the owner.
Last Piece of Advice
Don't be afraid to walk away. Hybrids were scarce a few years ago, but that's no longer the case. You still may not find one at your local dealer, and even if you do, they still won't stay there for very long. But don't panic into rushing into buying something. You can always look online or wait until the next one comes along. They may still be rare, but they aren't that rare.
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