Given the market potential, even Toyota’s rival counterparts like Honda and Ford have hit the ground running. Ford sold more than 3,000 hybrids in the same time period, reaping benefits from the popular Escape (Ford’s hybrid), while Honda accepted payment checks for close to 5,000 hybrid units. 
GM, which may not have a significant proportion in these figures, is a major pioneer as well. The company is responsible for spearheading hybrid truck sales in America.
GM, which may not have a significant proportion in these figures, is a major pioneer as well. The company is responsible for spearheading hybrid truck sales in America.Even though hybrids are now becoming increasingly popular, analysts believe that a majority of consumers still prefer old fashioned technology under their bonnets. The main reason sighted for this anomaly has been the lower penetration of hybrid technology. Apart from select areas in a couple of developed markets, hybrids are virtually non-existent in most of the world. Despite the fact that developing markets like India and China are beginning to be visible on the hybrid map, there still are uncertainties.
So where lies the answer to this hybrid’dle? Despite clearly having efficiency advantages, the hybrid concept stands a chance of succeeding in the world’s fastest growing developing markets if and only if further price reductions are brought about, as these markets have very high price elasticities. Until then, a lot more has to be achieved than simply merging two engines.
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Source: IIPM Editorial, 2008
An IIPM and Management Guru Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri's Initiative
Source: IIPM Editorial, 2008
An IIPM and Management Guru Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri's Initiative
