This is something that shouldn’t have surprised me, but did. Why people buy a Prius, the most well-known, visible hybrid in the States:
According to a marketing survey (which the Times ran in a graphic I couldn’t hide from), more buyers bought the Prius this year because it “makes a statement about me” (57 percent) than because of its better gas mileage (36 percent) or lower carbon dioxide emissions (25 percent) or new technology (7 percent).
Stream of conscious upon reading that: “What? The heck does “a statement about me” have to do with anything? I’ll bet the statement is ‘Unlike Joe here, I’m doing my part to help the earth.’ Sigh. OK. I forgot what human nature is. So it makes sense. But 57%?”.
Ms. Bazelon goes on to write a most entertaining article, and manages to throw in a reference to The Lorax. As a kid, I liked seeing that on TV once a year. Although I missed the point, because I liked the factory and seeing the trees getting chopped down. Well, actually, I did get the point, but I still liked the factory anyway.
I remember reading the reviews for the ’06 model of the Accord Hybrid. One of the reviewer’s complaint was that it did not have any marks indicating that it is a hybrid.
Just remember, people don’t have a good understanding of the hybrid cars. Prius drivers mention that people ask them how long they have to plug the car into the wall. And don’t forget people’s shock recently at finding out that the Prius can hit 100 mph. I read an article once where someone complained that hybrids don’t save money at the pumps, his rationale was that he still spends the same amount when he fills up on gas. Apparently he didn’t have the insight(no pun intended) to realize he goes to the pump less often… I don’t know what people expect, do they think the hybrid will make gasoline cheaper magically by the gallon?
Okay lessee here. You liked Goofus more than Gallant and you cheered for the industrial complex to crush the Lorax.
Anybody gettin’ a pattern?
Allen: The only part that’s not depressing about what you said? At least we aren’t that guy who thought hybrids don’t save money gas-wise.
Derek: It was crushing year after year to have to see the Grinch’s small heart grow three sizes that day.