Enfoque comercial incorrecto de automóviles híbridos
Escrito: 01 marzo 2006 | Categoría: Ahorro energético, Transporte
EurotaxGlasss: Automakers are Approaching the European Hybrids Market from the Wrong Direction
Fuente: www.greencarcongress.com - EurotaxGlass's afirma que los fabricantes deberían desarrollar híbridos para los segmentos más vendidos del sector del automóvil. De momento los híbridos se desarrollan preferentemente sobre automóviles de lujo.
EurotaxGlass’s, a leading supplier of automotive business intelligence in Europe, asserts that the market for gasoline-electric hybrids in Europe will only flourish if vehicle manufacturers launch greater numbers of vehicles into volume-selling segments where buyers are more concerned about fuel efficiency.
The company says the prospect of lower fuel consumption will be vital in boosting sales of hybrids, helping to repay manufacturer investment in the technology.
However, a significant proportion of the hybrid vehicles currently scheduled for production are large luxury cars or SUVs— niche models where sales volumes are limited or in decline, and where concerns about fuel efficiency and emissions are less paramount for the typical buyer.
At the Geneva auto show, for example, Toyota highlighted its new Lexus GS 450h luxury hybrid sedan. (Earlier post.) The company will introduce its flagship LS 460h hybrid at the upcoming New York auto show.
Although diesels now command a sizeable proportion of sales in the large luxury and SUV sectors, owners of such cars know their fuel consumption lags well behind that of many vehicles in most other segments.
EurotaxGlass’s argues that carmakers must take full account of the differences in the US and European marketplaces to maximize all opportunities for hybrid.
There is clearly now some real momentum behind hybrid product development, with new manufacturer partnerships being forged and a host of new concept vehicles being unveiled over the past six months. However, the hybrid models being prepared for production indicate a heavy bias towards the tastes of the US market, with large SUVs and luxury cars often being favored. This may make sense in a market where diesel isn’t a viable alternative, but in Europe these vehicles will not sell in significant numbers.
—Jeff Paterson, Senior Car Editor at EurotaxGlass’s>
EurotaxGlass’s suggests prestige, volume and budget-brand carmakers alike should target the higher-selling lower-medium and upper-medium segments in particular, where competitively priced hybrid power would present a tempting alternative to diesel for significant numbers of both fleet and retail buyers.
Those purchasing cars in these segments are amongst the most sensitive to vehicle fuel economy and purchase price. The selling price of an upper-medium car may be less than with a large SUV or luxury saloon, but the carmaker would almost certainly have the opportunity to sell them in far greater numbers.