Seeds of Early Enthusiasm
First, a thanks to all of you who have shared thoughtful, provocative, and constructive comments -- pro or con -- directly to me via e-mail or on this blog. There's an incredible amount of "passion" around this subject, and despite the tough questions being raised (mine included), I just sense that EVERYONE wants this hybrid-technology to work and succeed. Second, I do want to reiterate that when I first bought my hybrid, my enthusiasm and excitement was so off the charts that I made my own iMovie about my experience, which my wife Erika filmed. (Blame Steve Jobs for making iMovie so "Add-Water-And-Stir.")Key message: there's no one on Planet Earth that wants to be bigger advocate of hybrid technology that this author. That said, to ensure this technology takes off and finds a mass audience, the advertising, promotion, and dealer messaging must set proper expectations, especially with "early" buyers who other consumers (and even the media) look to for early insight. Thanks again for all the feedback, and keep it coming.
posted by Pete Blackshaw @ 4:47 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Mr. Hybrid.
You should have bought a Prius. Honda doesn't get it yet. I've had a Prius for two years and get 48 - 52 mpg consistantly. My first year I filled up a mere 13 times.
Hybrid technology works, not all car manufacturer's will get the tech right the first time. Honda is laging, ther finailly changed the battery system to the smaller, lighter 300 volt system similar to the Prius.
I for one will never buy another 100% gas engine vehicle. Having said that, I do prefer the original Prius sedan to the ugly hatchback design of the new model. I suspect the new model may not perform as well as the original Prius.
Sounds like you bought a lemon, keep the faith Hybrids work when they are designed well.
Dan
Sir,
This is a really interesting experience that you describe and I think highlights a critical principle for environmentalists: never exaggerate. In the short term, people will get on board. In the long term, people will be angry, disillusioned, and unwilling to believe what ever the big picture is. Unfortunately, advertising is often about exaggeration and hype. The result could be that people will fail to support emerging technologies after they realize that they have been burnt and that realistically, the first generation machines will nt be a huge advantage over other machines. such innovations will, however, lead the way. In fifteen years, the technology will be that much better.
So thanks for sharing your experience. I'll be interested to follow the thread as it continues
- care about the air
Two brief items.
First, I am way behind the times because this the first blog I have ever read! I've had a blast reading every entry, going to the hyperlinks, etc. Thanks for the info.
Second, during lunch today, I decided to do some prelim searching of hybrid options. Little did I think I would stumble on to this wealth of info. Certainly gives me another realm in which to consider all options.
No advice on your car. But, as a marketing professional myself, I do applaud your efforts with the ad agency, etc. Just so sorry that no one has responded.
good luck.
Pete,
I too have been interested in the Hybrid cars and find your comments also interesting. I've chosen to comment to this because it partically answered a question I had while reading your story - What are other users getting for mileage.
I agree the EPA ratings are meaningless, although I generally get better results then they do, but I haven't bought a Hybrid to compare it. But then even my wife complains because I drive "softly" with trying to race away from the lights, etc.
Good luck, I also want to see Hybrids succeed.
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