Study Says More Hybrids and Diesels on the Way

"We anticipate this will lead to dramatic growth, particularly with

The price premium "continued to be a prohibiting factor that will limit the potential for both hybrid- and diesel-powered vehicles." (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

diesels over the next several years," commented Pratt.

Pratt added that sport utility vehicles and midsize cars will most likely take top priority for hybrid conversions, while SUVs, pickups and luxury vehicles will experience the most growth in the diesel segment.

Pratt sees the higher initial cost of hybrid and diesel drivetrains as the greatest limiting factor in becoming more popular or seeing them in different market segments. The price premium "continued to be a prohibiting factor that will limit the potential for both hybrid- and diesel-powered vehicles," said the J. D. Power senior manager.

Pratt said it's up to automakers to find ways to reduce

Diesel engines will also need to meet the EPA's more stringent emissions standards come 2007. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

the price of entry to hybrid or diesel-powered vehicles so that fuel-saving powertrains can become more readily accessible.

Diesel engines will also need to meet the EPA's more stringent emissions standards come 2007, a regulation that will affect the quality of diesel fuel more than the engines themselves. In actual fact, this regulation, that will enforce cleaner diesel fuel quality, should allow many diesel powered vehicles to be sold in North America that currently would face reliability issues if powered by dirtier North American diesel.