You know, even if you buy a Hybrid you lose money as well. Generally depending on which, but I assume the Prius/Civic 'brids being the most popular.. I have worked with the automotive industry in terms of their computer software, their experts and self-proclaimed fanatics have said to me that after you buy that 'brid, expect to not save any money on gas until the 8-10th year. That's the hidden agenda with it, and would you really own a car for 10 years? Some people may, a lot probably don't, especially in auto powered states.
Reason why is because, the Prius is just the more expensive version of the Corolla, except slapped on with that extra $15-18k price tag for better mpg. In the end, you'll have drive that Prius for 10 years avg to earn that money back.
Mockingbird: I see your view and can respect that, you see that these guys put in their fair share of work to get where they are today. However Americans and definitely many sister countries will not share the same view, whilst the majority of the population is the middle (+/-) and lower/poverty class.
You simply cannot rise against an angry mob who do their fair share of work everyday to earn enough for a meager living, and say, "ha-ha, that's too bad". That's their life, and you've gotta respect that they can share an opinion, and it's worth something. Because without them, you would never have made profit in the first place.
Gotta keep up with their desires no matter how big or small if you care about the future of your company.