Why aren't automanufacturers creating more hybrid cars?

Question

Seems like automanufacturers are way behind on developing hybrid cars, ethanol (e-85), and electric cars. For years and years they've been talking about how much they're developing. Just to appease the US public. What's the hold up? I speculate that oil companies and the fact that automakers realize that everyone will eventually have to buy a new technology car, so why allow them to switch now, wait till later when you can make a larger profit and finish milking the gas powered car market. Where are you US government when we need you?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

See the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car" when it comes to your town, or comes out on DVD. But the short answer is that auto manufacturers have tens of BILLIONS invested in the gas burning infrastructure. Many of the people who are on the Boards of Directors of Oil Companies are on the Boards of Auto companies (and vice versa).

So, short sighted greed has once again carried the day.

As to the government, Big Oil is the lifeblood of the Bush family, and his administration. One quick example Condi Rice was on the board of directors of the Chevron Corporation, and had an oil tanker named after her.

Source(s):

Leaving a wave of controversy in its wake, one of the most visible reminders of the Bush administration's ties to big oil - the 129,000-ton Chevron tanker Condoleezza Rice - has quietly been renamed, Chevron officials acknowledged yesterday.
/www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?fi…

Answer 2

It costs a lot of money to research technology and many companies have to sell hybrids at a loss meaning that they actually lose money on each one sold because they cost more to produce than how much they sell them for.

Answer 3

hmm let me see....... because they are gay!

Answer 4

Because the oil companies and the 'futurists' trading on the NYSE hold the cards. The technology is here! I hope all those SOB Futurists lost their @$$e$ and have to dumpster dive to find their next meal.

Answer 5

It is very expensive and it is only profitable because of tax breaks. There are a lot of different techologies, but nobody knows if they will be ok for mass production, if they are going to work in the long run, no possibilities of refueling., if they are reliable...

By the way hybrids cars are good in the city, like cabs or similar, but in the highway, gas car can get better mileage.

Eventually, a new car? Eventually it may mean at least 20 years,