Ford doesn't have any interest in maintaining that myth -- they only have one hybrid model. Toyota is the only company currently getting rich off that particular myth.

They couldn't sell it in the US because by US standards it's tiny, underpowered and expensive.

The Honda Fit is tiny, underpowered and sells just fine. I think the article is correct on why it won't sell; size and power don't mean as much as they used to.

In this case, it would destroy that myth by saying that expensive diesel cars are also a way to get fuel efficiency. An imported version of their car would cost slightly more than a Prius (arguably the iconic hybrid) in direct outlays. Plus, with diesel being more expensive than gasoline, you could well have a more expensive car in the long run. If the fuel costs 10-20% more, you need to get 10-20% better fuel efficiency. Assuming Prius mileages around 50 mpg, you can do this, but only barely, and that's assuming the relative price of diesel stays the same.