Brialliance from 6 automakers(Including Detroit)

[TXFO]

Originally Posted by GapBoyPCS

It doesn't surprise me. Why push diesels when these automakers have hybrids in their lineups that are supposed to achieve similar fuel economy? It'd be shooting oneself in the foot.

because diesels are sustainable and hybrids are gimick.

I dont know of too many shops other than dealers that will even work on them. Nobody wants to buy the special tools are even learn about them. The reason you see a bunch of hybrids coming out now is because they commited the money to them a few years ago. I'd bet the hybrid stays a small niche market for the duration of its life.

[Jared]

I sell Subarus. There are two scenarios I run into regarding non-traditional-gas-engine cars:

1. "What's up with Subaru's diesel?"

-We hear this question about twice a month, total, out of maybe 200 customers. These people are aware of the TDI's generally, and of the boxer diesel in the Euro Subarus, and want a piece of the action.

2. "Is Subaru coming out with a hybrid?"

- This I hear a few times a week. I then answer this with "there is occasional rumors about borrowing some of Toyota's technology, but the big news is really the diesel engine and if we'll get it soon or not."

About half of these people don't know about diesels. The other half says "oh I don't want a diesel, they're dirty", or "oh I want a hybrid because they're better for the environment."

At this point I then preach the good word of the modern diesel engine, and I'd say like 25% of the hybrid-wanters are possibly enlightened. The rest pooh-pooh me.

That is pretty much how it goes, and Subaru customers, on the whole, generally are rather intelligent individuals, so it's not like I'm talking to Jim Bob or anything, if that matters.

So that is kinda why I lose hope about diesels coming here from more manufacturers, and I have a feeling that's what the manufacturers are seeing. When I leased my Legacy, I got a survey and one of the questions was "Which would you rather see in your next Subaru, a diesel engine or a hybrid?" And I cringed at how many people I guessed checked "hybrid".

[6spd_RS]

I bet they had those questions worded just to prove that there is not any demand for diesels.

They should just give people the numbers and let them decide.