Article: Major Automakers Chicken Out, Won’t Enter Auto X-Prize

[MetroMPG]

From EcoGeek: Automakers Chicken Out, Won’t Enter Auto X-Prize

The goal of the Automotive X Prize is to create cars which are not only fast and stylish, but get at least 100 mpg fuel efficiency and meet strict emissions standards. Oh, one more thing – the vehicles have to be commercially viable.

So far, over 50 teams have signed up to participate.

Yet, despite being personally invited by the event organizers, NONE of the established automakers has stepped up to the plate.

I'm surprised VW, at least, isn't challenging with its 1L car. They've said they plan to put it in limited production as a halo car, haven't they?

I can think of a handful of reasons why the big manufacturers are staying away from AXP. A couple are benign, others less so.

Worth a look: http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1399/

[SVOboy]

I think they're afraid of throwing themselves into a competition with a bunch of nutters and being associated with that. Either that or people will ask them to make they 100MPG cars mesh with the SUVs and expect all the qualities of both.

*shrug*

[MetroMPG]

Well we know the big 3 can make relatively "normal" 70-80 mpg cars, which they already demonstrated that through the PNGV program.

So maybe they don't want to be accused of taking candy from babies.

Though I'm inclined to believe their main concern is about getting people's expectations up, yet again, and then not delivering the goods, yet again.

[trebuchet03]

Maybe other auto mfr's are intimidated by the 1L? VW has a leg up already. Maybe everyone's waiting to see what everyone else does. And VW is sitting back quietly - entering if someone else does. It would think VW doesn't need to prove the 1L.... Maybe in the states, yes - but I'm sure they'll have a great market outside of N. America...

Plus the whole viability thing. VW's 1L is expensive :/

[MetroMPG]

Another point to consider ... the $10M prize (if that's what it is - not certain) is chump change to a major auto maker. Perhaps not worth pursuing.

--

Going OT, but I'm surprised none of the "second tier" auto makers haven't stepped up to the plate to fill the efficiency void in between diesels and hybrids.

EG: in the same way Honda & GM/Suzuki battled it out for the crown of most efficient economy car in the 90's with the comparatively low-tech Civic VX vs. Metro XFi, surely Hyundai or Mistubishi or Daewoo could carve out a niche by recreating that today minus the added cost of diesel/hybrid.

[trebuchet03]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Another point to consider ... the $10M prize (if that's what it is - not certain) is chump change to a major auto maker. Perhaps not worth pursuing.

But the marketing value for winning is far more valuable. Some of the big auto mfr's compete every year in "extreme" downhill gravity races - and it's a really big deal for them.


Volvo


Volvo


Lotus


Nissan


Mazda


Audi


GM (Front)


Bentley


VW


Nissan (A winning team)

So ya, it's a big slap in the face. They know how important aerodynamics are - they're using it on downhill races where top speeds are ~50mph IIRC. Yet, bricks come off the assembly lines... Feel free to split this post off if you want...

[tjts1]

They have nothing to gain and everything to lose from this competition.

[cfg83]

tjts1 -

Originally Posted by tjts1

They have nothing to gain and everything to lose from this competition.

I agree. Competing in the X-Prize undermines their argument that they can't do better. I don't think they want to touch it with a 10 foot pole.

CarloSW2