Ford says hybrids not worth the money in Europe

Sure, Europe is one of the most forward-looking markets in terms of automotive effects on the environment. It’s also one of the most affluent sectors of the car market. But Ford doesn’t think Europeans will care enough about the benefits of hybrids to justify the extra costs.

The price differential in bringing a hybrid petrol/electric Escape to market in Europe is about €1,940 (US$2,500) - which according to Ford is more than the European market will bear. It seems Europeans are interested in greener cars, but not at a higher price - they want ‘cost-neutral’ solutions.
Read Article

rok_altima - 11/7/2007 5:20:47 AM

+2 Boost

Europeans really won't care. The cars they have already get better mileage than this thing with smaller engines and diesels..it would be a flop.

AlexTx - 11/7/2007 10:19:24 AM

+2 Boost

Hybrids don't make any sense in Europe because of the cost of it. Diesel gets better mileage and cost a whole lot less.
You'd think that Hybrid would make more sense in Europe because of the price of gas, but the problem with Hybrid is that they get horrible gas mileage on the highway and most Europeans take their car with them when they go on vacation. Diesel will get you over 45 mpg, which hybrids don't even get close to that number.

Czelinski - 11/7/2007 12:50:52 PM

+2 Boost

"How European, more green in your pocket at a cost of less green in the environment is perfectly OK."

Huu76, cars over here to begin with are far more expensive than over in the states anyway.