Toyota to double up on hybrids

Soon after 2010, carmaker says, it'll multiply hybrid lineup, renewing endorsement of cleaner technology.

The story "Toyota to double up on hybrids" published June 13, 2006 at 6:18 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

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[lingsun]

Hybrids make no ecomonic sense.

Hybrids make no economic sense. The extra cost for the batteries means you have to drive the car 200,000 miles before you see any savings. I assume by then the batteries will be long dead. But hey, facts don't matter to a lot of environmentalists. They'll just FEEL GOOD, knowing they are SAVING THE PLANET.

[Callbird]

The picture is bigger than economics

Really, lingsun, do you always make decisions on the cheapest economics? Walking is free, taking the bus costs less than owning a car. Why drive at all? If you do own a car, is it something modest that still runs just fine, or did you waste money on a new, flashy one that just makes you feel good to look at it?

If you can buy a hybrid car now while the government tax credits are available, the end price can be competitive to a similar non-hybrid model. The fuel savings go over and above that. After then, those who want to spend more upfront for a car that gets better mileage and uses less of a non-replaceable resource should be free to do so without the critique of someone who only assumes he knows what he's saying.