Forced Features in Hybrids

There's a report out making the allegation that car makers are 'forcing' customers to accept luxury items in order to buy a hybrid car. The allegations are being made by the Union of Concerned Scientists. To that I say, Ya, so?

Car makers (Toyota, Honda, Ford, GM, Nissan, etc...) invested a lot of money in developing their hybrid cars. They can't sell the public on just the engine, however. Not at the price they need to sell the car at and still hope to make money on it.

So, they have been adding in luxury items to the cars right from the beginning. That allows them to justify the price tag ($20,000 or more... much more for some), and gives people justification for the price they are paying.

"Hybrids don't have to be luxury vehicles," said Don Anair, the senior vehicles analyst with UCS's Clean Vehicles Program. "They should be within the reach of all Americans. Car buyers shouldn't be forced to buy high-end bells and whistles when fuel economy and reducing emissions are their top priority."

The problem with that is hybrid technology just isn't within reach of all Americans. That's just the truth. The second engine (and all the other parts that mate the two together and help them to play nice with each other) costs money to build and create new types of.

Look at the new Honda Insight. There's a car that has the least 'forced features' and as such, is billed as the cheapest hybrid you can buy. According to the advertising, it's the hybrid for all. But all means those who can afford to pay $20K for a new car. And for $20K, you don't get any of the luxury features you would expect in a twenty thousand dollar car.

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2010 Toyota Prius Price Change

The price for the 2010 Toyota Prius is about to be raised.   The base MSRP is being raised by $400 across each of the model types.  Toyota had increased the MSRP on the Prius as recently as October.

The Prius I is being set at $21,400 (but don't expect to find one of those as Toyota only sells them to fleet owners, and I doubt they really sell those at all).  The real basic level (II) is up to $22,800.  The Prius III will run you $23,800 and the Prius IV will cost $26,600.  The Prius V is the most expensive at $28,070.  The prices shown exclude delivery, processing and handling fees.


The 2011 Toyota Camry price is going up by $250.

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2011 Toyota Camry Price

The 2011 Toyota Camry Hybrid price tag will be going up by $250.  The MSRP is being set at $26,400, making it a 1% increase over the 2010 price tag.  The adjustment in price is set for February.

The price change is affecting all Camry models, although all the other models are being raised by $200 instead of $250.

The price tag on the Toyota Prius is being raised too.

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Toyota Prius Tops in Resale Value - KBB 2010 Awards

Once again, the Toyota Prius topped KBB resale value charts for 2010.

For buyers seeking to make a statement about their commitment to saving the world, no car says it louder than the Toyota Prius. Combining EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon with outstanding resale value, the Prius delivers value throughout the ownership cycle.

The Prius topped the hybrid/alternative category, plus it made the top 10 list (overall) in KBB 2010 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards.

Hybrids helped push Toyota and Lexus to the top in the brand and top luxury brand categories.

From the Kbb site:

While most car buyers today consider sticker price the most significant number when choosing a new vehicle, our editors recommend taking a closer look at a number Kelley Blue Book is expert in calculating: its resale value. Depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership, so choosing a vehicle that retains its value better than others is important in keeping your total ownership cost low. The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value. Awards are presented to top vehicles within 15 vehicle categories, for Overall Top 10 vehicles across all categories and the brand with the best projected resale value across its entire line of vehicles.

Models with top resale values in individual segments include:

• Mid-size pickup: Toyota Tacoma
• Full-size pickup: Ford F-Series Super Duty
• Compact utility: Honda CR-V
• Mid-size utility: Toyota Highlander
• Full-size utility: Honda Pilot
• Luxury utility: Lexus RX 350
• Hybrid/alternative-fuel utility: BMW X5 turbo diesel
• Sports car: Nissan 370Z
• Van: Toyota Sienna
• Hybrid/alternative-fuel car: Toyota Prius
• Compact car: MINI Cooper Clubman
• Mid-size car: Honda Accord
• Full-size car: Ford Taurus
• Near-luxury car: Lexus IS
• Luxury car: Audi A5
• High-performance car: Chevrolet Camaro SS

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Now May Be the Time to Buy a Premium Hybrid

With a lower demand for luxury vehicles, plus the 2010 model years starting to show up, Lexus and GM are looking to clear out the old premium hybrids by discounting on the 2009 models.

The Lexus LS 600h l, normally sold for $106,000, is being discounted by about 10 percent, or $10,000 off in dealer cash incentives. (Source: Big Bucks on the Hood of Pricey Hybrids - Auto Observer)

Normally, the Escalade is priced in the $73-$87,000 range. But as long as you don't mind getting last year's model, GM is discounting the 2009 Escalade Hybrid at 'five figures.'

The GS hybrid is being discounted for $3,000 in dealer cash, while the GS 450h now qualifies for a special lease rate.

The incentives did not help move a lot of these premium hybrids last month, so you might even get more from your local dealer.

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