Toyota Hybrid Models In US To Expand To Six In Early 2007 - AFP

[hatrack]

apanese automaker Toyota plans to expand its hybrid offerings in the United States as it struggles to meet demand for its popular Prius car, its top US executive said Tuesday. Toyota Motor North America President Jim Press said the automaker was planning to start selling a sixth hybrid model in the United States from early next year.

"Early next year, we'll offer a sixth one, the world's first V-8 (engine) hybrid in our flagship Lexus LS sedan," Press said during a speech at the National Press Club. "And more will follow."

Press' signalled that Toyota, which has also started selling a hybrid sports utility vehicle (SUV) in the US market, is now firmly targetting the luxury end of the market with its dual-powered technology.

He claimed that Toyota has sold more hybrid vehicles in the US so far this year than Cadillac, Buick, or Mercedes Benz has sold cars. "Toyota is not backing off its strong commitment to hybrids. We know they are absolutely essential to the future success of this industry," Press said.

EDIT

http://www.spacemart.com/reports/Toyota_To_Expand_Hybrid_Car_Range_In_US_999.html

[phantom power]

1. A V8 hybrid? The Phantom fails to see the point.

(and he is speaking in 3rd person, for no reason)

[n2doc]

2. yep, even with the Prius they fail to get it completely

Toyota's hybrids fall into two categories, the ones where fuel milage is optimized and the ones where performance is optimized. The v-8 Lexus will fall under the latter. So rich folks can buy a "hybrid" and feel good without doing anything really meaningful. We need more high mpg cars, not more "hybrids", per se.

[Javaman]

3. Well, sadly, they still have to sell to the stupid people as well

as the smart people.

[Beaverhausen]

5. Are the emissions very low in the higher MPG models?

If so, then they are still doing good for the environment. It isn't always all about money.

If not then...nevermind.

[n2doc]

6. milage is slightly better

don't know about smog and other emmissions, though. I would guess that they would be slightly better as well. The point is that Toyota seems to not understand the implications of the success of the Prius. People are buying it because of the milage and environmental benefits, not just because it has the word "hybrid" on it.
I think that if they came out with a line of hybrid cars all with MPG above 50 they wouldn't be able to keep up with demand. And if they made them all plug in they could dominate the industry.

[LeftyMom]

4. Still no f'n minivan

They've sold a hybrid van in Japan for years now. Would it be that hard to bring it over here? They'd sell a ton of them- larger families, delivery businesses, taxi services, daycares... There are a ton of applications where a fuel efficient vehicle with a ton of cargo room or seating for 7 or 8 would be an absolute dream come true. What the heck are they waiting on?