German carmakers slow in waking-up to hybrid technology

Jun 29, 2005, 11:41 GMT

Frankfurt - German carmakers have been slow in waking up to hybrid technology as an increasing number of American motorists are turning to the fuel-saving technology first introduced by Japanese producers.

"German carmakers are falling behind in the technology while Toyota is already producing the second generation of the vehicles," says car expert Professor Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer.

Dudenhoeffer argues that the major German manufacturers are lagging between three and five years behind the Japanese.

Volkswagen and Mercedes had however finally realised the significance of the technology that combines a combustion or diesel engine with an electric motor, according to Dudenhoeffer.

Both manufacturers have announced they will present hybrid cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September that are scheduled for sale next year. BMW and Porsche are also working hard on similar concepts for their popular SUVs (sports utility vehicles).

Dudenhoeffer says he is convinced that hybrids will have a firm market position in the next ten to 15 years.

"The big breakthrough is happening in the United States," he says. "Our estimates say that 1.2 million hybrids will be sold there by 2010 and 3 million by the year 2015".

Hybrids are expected to capture major portions of the European market at a later stage because of the high 50 per cent of diesel cars on the roads.

In the United States the Toyota Prius has sold 150,000 units since 2000 with the trend having been set by Hollywood stars Larry David, Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz. Toyota introduced the Lexus RX 400 hybrid in the U.S. in April. Honda is also actively pursuing the hybrid market in the U.S.

Hybrid cars are equipped with an electric motor with the batteries being loaded whilst driving. The cars have been shown to be especially frugal during stop-and-go city traffic.

Dudenhoeffer says he is convinced that stricter air quality targets cannot be achieved without hybrid technology.