Say ‚Äö√Ñ√≤Hybrid’ and Many People Will Hear ‚Äö√Ñ√≤Prius’
A riddle: Why has the Toyota Prius enjoyed such success, with sales of more than 400,000 in the United States, when most other hybrid models struggle to find buyers? One answer may be that buyers of the Prius want everyone to know they are driving a hybrid. The Prius, after all, was built from the ground up as a hybrid, and is sold only as a hybrid. By contrast, the main way to tell that a Honda Civic, Ford Escape or Saturn Vue is a hybrid version is a small badge on the trunk or side panel. The Prius has become, in a sense, the four-wheel equivalent of those popular rubber “issue bracelets” in yellow and other colors ‚Äö√Ñ√Æ it shows the world that its owner cares. In fact, more than half of the Prius buyers surveyed this spring by CNW Marketing Research of Bandon, Ore., said the main reason they purchased their car was that “it makes a statement about me.”
It’s becoming increasingly de riguer and uber-trendy these days to be “living green”. Unfortunately, as with so many things American, this “green” lifestyle is less about substance and measurable results than it is about appearance and self-satisfaction.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for making a positive difference, and doing something is certainly better than doing nothing. Whether you recycle, buy organic, or drive a hybrid, at least you heading in the right direction. What I cannot STAND, though, are people who do the right thing for the wrong reasons. Driving a hybrid because of the statement it allegedly makes about you is just about the shallowest, most meaningless thing imaginable. Conservatives have a derisive name for hypocrites like this: “Limousine Liberals”, people who talk the talk publicly while they may or may not necessarily walk the walk. If you’re going to preach the good word about lowering your carbon footprint, driving a Tahoe or an Expedition is probably not an effective means of demonstrating your devotion to environmental sensitivity.
Personally, I’m still not yet sold on the concept of hybrids. Yes, the gas mileage is better, which results in lower emissions, but what about the batteries, which are an ecological nightmare just looking for a place to happen? I’m not saying that hybrids are by definition a bad idea, but I would argue that the concept and it’s pros and cons simply haven’t been fully evaluated.
At this point in time, if I were in the market for a new vehicle, I’d approach the idea of buying a hybrid with a good deal of caution. I would probably still buy a truck or a small SUV, though I honestly haven’t done enough research on the subject. There may come a time when hybrid technology may be the answer to our prayers; I’m just not convinced that we’re anywhere close to that place yet.
If I’m going to buy a hybrid, it’ll be because I’m convinced that doing so will provide a net positive environmental impact vis-a-vis a conventional gasoline or diesel engine. It’s sure as Hell not going to be because I want to show off what a good and faithful conservationist I am. I can hug a tree and get roughly the same mileage out of it…and it won’t cost me more than $20,000 to make a statement.
