Weak dollar kills fuel efficient models once bound for US market

[SVOboy]

Well, that's pretty sad news: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/04...es-in-the-u-s/

Finally some automakers are convinced to give us better cars but we've tanked our economy too bad for them to want to send them overseas to us.

It was recently learned that Audi has killed plans to bring the Q7 hybrid model to the U.S. market in 2009 because of the plummeting value of the dollar. It looks like the new A4 hybrid will get the same fate.

Audi USA communications director Jeff Kuhlman explained that the cost of homologating the hybrid system on both vehicles would likely not be offset by anticipated sales of the hybrids. As a result of low volumes and the unfavorable exchange rate, the prices would be too high to make business sense. Instead Audi is planning to offer the A4 with the same 3.0l diesel V6 that is to be used in the Q7 and VW Touareg. That engine is already being certified and has economies of scale so that it makes business sense. At the same time it will provide a significant boost in fuel efficiency compared to the gas V6 that is also available.

[tjts1]

One fewer hybrid and one extra diesel on the market. Its a win win. Mercedes is bringing a 1.4 liter C class to America.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/m...or-us-c-class/
Seems like a more common sense approach instead of another money losing hybrid.

[Arminius]

This is both a problem and an opportunity. Right now the tiny electric City or Th!nK cars would cost an American $30,000, if you could even get one. In the past, it would have been at least 30% - 50% less. Japanese auto makers realized long ago that they would have to manufacture in the US to avoid this problem.

On the other hand, this has given companies like Aptera the opportunity to make a cars for 27 - 29k that are twice as good as their competition and make a profit, right from the start. Any foreigner looking to buy an electric car will most certainly be tempted to buy that car, especially once the 4-seat car comes out.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007...uture_is_h.php

The foreigner looking to buy that car will get at least a 30% discount.

[LostCause]

I see it as a good thing. Rather than creating "performance" hybrids that do very little for fuel economy, they'll hopefully focus on true efficiency.

What does a cash strapped American desire? Performance or utility? I think utility...and that's what car companies will hopefully start to deliver.

- LostCause

[trebuchet03]

Originally Posted by LostCause

I see it as a good thing. Rather than creating "performance" hybrids that do very little for fuel economy, they'll hopefully focus on true efficiency.

- LostCause

I don't mind performance driven hybrids.... It's a cash crop - plus it introduces the tech into the culture. Anytime someone says EV's are slow, I send them to watch the wrightspeed X1 toast every car it meets.... We can't expect everyone to willing switch off of fossil sludge immediatly, there must be a transition. Are hybrids that transition? Perhaps - but I don't see anything better at the moment...

Diesels are great - but it's a case of the grass is greener... Sure, 60mpg... But it's still fossil based and we can't afford to switch everyone over to diesel - you can't convert a whole barrel of oil into diesel.... Diesels, in my opinion, are mostly a lateral step in the grand scheme of things...


And all that said... wooo! Getting ready for the depression of the 2000's! It's one big domino effect :/

[Gone4]

A weak dollar will encourage people to pay attention to fuel consumption - that makes it a more viable market - and not importing it means we could actually try our hand at producing again. I think our lack of production is our greatest weakness as a society. No good can come from being a nation that produces only "intellectual property" and management.

[diesel_john]

i am amazed at the diversity in this group. everytime i think i see an answer, i find an another twist to the question.

300 Hp hybrids getting a tax credit does kind of burn my but though. No publicity is bad publicity withstanding.

[trebuchet03]

Originally Posted by diesel_john

i am amazed at the diversity in this group. everytime i think i see an answer, i find an another twist to the question.

300 Hp hybrids getting a tax credit does kind of burn my but though. No publicity is bad publicity withstanding.

I do grit my teeth a bit It's rare to see successful technology come up from the low end market though. Fashion is a perfect corollary example (because it changes so quickly) - knock offs and low cost/high volume supply come after the super duper high cost red carpet "in style" crap It doesn't always work - but it started at the top...

google result for ugly dress....