CARazed

I’m becoming more and more amazed at the stuff being posted at AutoblogGreen. For example this recent article questioning the deal between Tesla and Daimler.

My take is that Daimler can see the writing on the wall, there are big opportunities in electric vehicles (EV) in the next 10 years and the companies that own the biggest stake in that will be the ones to succeed.

Tesla has a good start in the EV market and while times are tough all over the auto industry this won’t be true in the next two or three years, so say the economists I read. So buying a 10% stake in Tesla now is money well spent in long-term investment terms. It also blocks other big automakers from beating them to it. Continue Reading »

Daimler has announced that they will bring both Smart and Mercedes branded electric cars to the market by 2010, joining a growing number of major auto makers quickly developing all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars similar to the Fisker Karma and Tesla Roadster. GM, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, BMW, and Volkswagen have already announced their plans to target 2010 with releases of these super efficient cars. A test fleet of 100 electric Smart cars are already on the road gathering much needed research data and working out the bugs.

Also announced is the plan to join Honda, Chevrolet, and possibly Volkswagen in their advanced fuel-cell testing by 2010. But most automotive experts are now saying that electric cars and plug-in hybrids will be the technology to watch. Hydrogen fuel cells, while promising, would require a complex refuleing infrastructure. The electric power grid is already in place.

I know I sound like a broken record but holding off to buy your next new car until at least 2010 just seems like the best idea. If you need a more economical car buy a used car, save your money for a new electric car or plug-in hybrid in 2010. Read this Motor Trend article for more information. Photo credit smartUSA.com.