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Behind The Wheel
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CNBC.com |
And once again I'm curious if this challenge will truly be a challenge to Toyota Motor [TM
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Yes, I know those of you who call me "Toyota Phil" think I will defend the Japanese automaker to the end of time. But in this case, I am not ready to easily dismiss Honda [HMC
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Why?
- Honda is, at its core, an engine company. It knows how to make a hybrid that can stand toe-to-toe with the Toyota hybrid engine.
- Honda learned from its failure with past hybrids. Remember a few years ago, when its hybrid lineup fizzled? The company won't make the same mistake of sticking a hybrid engine in an existing model and expecting that to sell.
- Honda can parlay its image as the automaker with a fuel efficient lineup of cars. Look at which automakers are doing the best handling the current fall-off in sales, and only one stands out: Honda.
This doesn't mean I'm writing off Toyota. Let's be honest: the Prius practically created the hybrid segment. And for many people it's still the gold standard. That built-in advantage will make it tough for Honda, or any other automaker, to steal the Prius' crown.
The hybrid wars are about to heat up; and for once, I think there could be a true fight.
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Left behind in hybrid race?
- Ford Motor [F
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- General Motors [GM
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- Chrysler (privately owned)
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Questions? Comments?
Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes