Getting Small with Hybrid Mini Vans

When hybrid gas-electric minivan can be existing? That’s been the most FAQ over the years from hybrid shoppers – hopeful and frustrated. After all, these shoppers say Japan has had hybrid mini vans for about ten years ago. These hybrid mini vans are much smaller than US models – and therefore better suited for Honda and Toyota gas electric drivetrains – give us a little solace. And this type maybe coming to America in the form of pint sized three row family haulers.

Automotive News’ analysis, a growing of compact hybrid mini vans’ segment – in the style of the Kia Rondo and Mazda5 – are in the works. Ford, automaker from US, planning to make compact vehicles with wagon and mini van characteristic: fuel efficient 4-cylinder engines, 3 rows of seats, and sticker prices several thousand dollars lower than those of hybrid mini vans. Ford will supply in the US market, 7-seat Ford C-Max – just little bigger than a Ford Focus – with a sticker price of about $20,000. This vehicle – 2010 C-Max – has promoted at the recent Frankfurt Auto Show. 2010 C-Max will offers us a host of new fuel efficient technologies – include 1.6 l Ford EcoBoost direct injection petrol engine.

General Motors in the same way, the company will offer the similarly small Chevy Orlando. This car also will going on the market in 2011. The Chevy Orlando will be built on the same platform as the forthcoming Chevy Volt and Chevy Cruze. One day, Chevy Orlando could be offered as family friendly plug-in hybrid, according Bob Lutz statement. He said that GM actually analyzing the adaptation of Volt technology to the upcoming Orlando.

In the interview by Automotive News, Klaus Peter Martin believes there is a market for these kinds of vehicles (hybrid mini vans). If that proves true, and then Toyota with its Toyota Wish and Honda with its Honda stream, will be available in the US market. The 1.8 liter Toyota Wish can get a fuel efficient rating of about 38 miles per gallon – Japanese test cycle. A hybrid version could break 40 miles per gallon for US shoppers, while providing seating for 7 passengers.

The main question is if the waiting list for a hybrid van would disappear if it came in the type of a minivan. Hybrid mini vans have been successful in Asia and Europe. But surveys showing to us those hybrid minivans will face a difficult period in US market. Some consumers are critical of the vehicles cargo space, legroom in a tights third row, and lack of power.

Besides Hybrid Mini Vans, there are other articles by Johan Young you may interest in reading: Automobile Gas Mileage, Different Types of Hybrid Cars, and Subaru Hybrid Car.