Saturday, December 26, 2009

Hybrid are luxury items

Topic: Electric Cars

I read an interesting article today in ENN about Honda's slow sales for their Insight car. The writer argues that for right now, hybrids are still luxury items and the 2 grand difference between the Insight and the Prius hasn't persuaded many buyers to switch. He makes a good point but didn't include the fact that almost all the reviews for the Insight were bad. That's saying quite a bit considering how badly the Prius drives.

Another good argument that hybrid or electric buyers aren't that price sensitive is the Tesla Roadster. When Tesla up the price from $100k to $110k, there were only a hand few who took their deposit back. The real test of price sensitivity will be next November when the Chevy Volt goes on sale. For all the Volt's technological and environmental advantages over the Prius; $40k is still $40k. Granted, the Fisker Karma is supposedly going on sale earlier then the Volt, but the Karma is $80k and truly a luxury car. While the Volt is targeted for the same potential buyers of the Prius.

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An Almost Update

Sorry folks, I haven't really done a Roger Ebert impersonation (i.e. film critique) in a while. I won't say I've been busy (because I haven't) but haven't had much feedback from all of you. So its YOUR fault! Seriously, I'll update soon (before 2011), I promise.

Until then, have a Happy 2010!

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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

A New Christmas Tradition?

Topic: Loneliness

A good article in the Guardian about loneliness and volunteering. It's especially interesting because this Christmas we won't be going over to my grandmother's house. We don't have the greatest family gathering but it is that one time of the year that I see my relatives. I guess this might be the start of a new Christmas tradition. I can live with it but it's going to be definitely a different Christmas.

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Thursday, December 17, 2009

Almost Christmas

It's hard to believe, but it's almost Christmas. The most favorite days I had as a child was Christmas morning and my birthday. Now I just get socks or something else useful on those days. You want to give me something? Give me a all expense paid trip to Baja or Hawaii. That I would find useful.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

at Starbucks listening to Christmas music n wishing

Posted via SMS from Dario Cruz's Posterous

Monday, December 14, 2009

Trauma of Joblessness

Topic: Unemployment

This article in the New York Times pretty much sums up my experience right now. I don't want to be a Gloomy Gus but the Christmas and unemployment blues have gotten me down. Hopefully 2010 is a better year.

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