Marty Padgett's Inside Scoop on Auto News and Escalade Hybrid

VW, Mercedes, Honda Models—And Porsche—Top APEAL Study

By Bengt HalvorsonBengt Halvorson, July 16th, 2009

Porsche ranks as most appealing nameplate for the fifth consecutive year. That's according to J.D. Power and Associates' 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which was just released.

Yet Porsche only had one top-placing model in Power's study, the Cayenne. Across all models, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class receives the highest APEAL score for 2009, for a third consecutive year.

The study measures how satisfied new owners are with their vehicles after the first three months of ownership, with questions regarding more than 90 attributes. It covers more than 80,000 purchasers and lessees of 2009 model-year vehicles,...

Porsche ranks as most appealing nameplate for the fifth consecutive year. That's according to J.D. Power and Associates' 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, which was just released. Yet Porsche only had one top-placing model in Power's study, the Cayenne. Across all models, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class receives the highest APEAL score for 2009, for a third consecutive year. The study measures how satisfied new owners are with their vehicles after the first three months of ownership, with questions regarding more than 90 attributes. It covers more than 80,000 purchasers and lessees of 2009 model-year vehicles,... Read More

Tags: J.D. Power

Posted in: 2009, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Cadillac, Honda, Porsche, Dodge, S Class, Jetta, Escalade Hybrid, Odyssey, Passport, Cayenne, Challenger

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Priced

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, August 8th, 2008

The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is wearing something today aside from a big, snazzy grille and lots of "hybrid" graphics. Cadillac's sticker price for the new large luxury SUV hybrid has been affixed to the big green machine--and it's $71,685, according to the GM luxe brand. GM points out that the $3,600 premium over the gas-only Escalade makes it a deal, since it improves fuel economy by 50 percent in city driving. The Escalade Hybrid sports the GM version of the two-mode hybrid system it developed with BMW and Daimler and Chrysler. In the Escalade Hybrid, the two-mode system produces fuel economy of 20/21 mpg. Cadillac will offer only... The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is wearing something today aside from a big, snazzy grille and lots of "hybrid" graphics. Cadillac's sticker price for the new large luxury SUV hybrid has been affixed to the big green machine--and it's $71,685, according to the GM luxe brand. GM points out that the $3,600 premium over the gas-only Escalade makes it a deal, since it improves fuel economy by 50 percent in city driving. The Escalade Hybrid sports the GM version of the two-mode hybrid system it developed with BMW and Daimler and Chrysler. In the Escalade Hybrid, the two-mode system produces fuel economy of 20/21 mpg. Cadillac will offer only... Read More

Posted in: 2009, Cadillac, Sports Cars, Hybrid, Escalade Hybrid

Should You Buy a Hybrid - Or Wait?

By TCC TeamTCC Team, July 1st, 2008

When is the right time to buy a hybrid? Should you be heading for the showroom now or waiting for the next generation of this technically complex but fuel-efficient alternatives? A piece in USA Today raises those questions and is worth touching on in this blog, as regular readers know my cautious appreciation of hybrid-electric powertrain technology. And you know that while I recognize the somewhat intangible value of doing your bit for Mother Earth, I also recommend you consider carefully the real-world economics of going to an HEV. In surprisingly few instances will the often-modest fuel savings actually pay off in terms of lower ownership... When is the right time to buy a hybrid? Should you be heading for the showroom now or waiting for the next generation of this technically complex but fuel-efficient alternatives? A piece in USA Today raises those questions and is worth touching on in this blog, as regular readers know my cautious appreciation of hybrid-electric powertrain technology. And you know that while I recognize the somewhat intangible value of doing your bit for Mother Earth, I also recommend you consider carefully the real-world economics of going to an HEV. In surprisingly few instances will the often-modest fuel savings actually pay off in terms of lower ownership... Read More

Tags: Industry

Posted in: 2009, Cadillac, Green, Escalade, Prius, Escalade Hybrid, Escape Hybrid