Toyota transitioning to hybrids

[andysocial]

Toyota plans to have no pure-gasoline autos by 2012

I'm waiting to see the MR2 hybrid. Then I wouldn't have to feel guilty about wanting a sporty car while also wanting to be ecologically and economically thoughtful. 40 mpg sports car? Oh, yeah!

Toyota sold nearly 37,000 hybrid cars last year, out of nearly 6 million total sales. And they expect to transition to all-hybrid by 2012? Neat trick. Apparently hybrid cars cost $3000 more to produce than a comparable pure-gasoline driven auto.

Comments

[partywhipple.livejournal.com]

I would assume that, like other technology, the hybrid engine will decrease in price. DVD players now cost as much as VCRs. Demand will up production and lower price. It warms my heart.

[robont.livejournal.com]

they'll get there... Fuel Cell technology is moving along quickly so if they can get those into mass production the rest is easy...

[andysocial]

Toyota expects economies of scale to reduce or eliminate that $3000 penalty, so good luck to them. Hope it moves us closer to zero-emission vehicles with great economy. OH, wait, that would fuel cells. GM?

[andysocial]

Have you seen the GM skateboard fuel cell prototype? Very slick.

Re:

[partywhipple.livejournal.com]

Fuel cells sound good to me, Of course, they would make cars blow up like in a hollywood movie. i'm willing to risk it...

[subbes]

I want a hybrid car. Dave wants one too, but because he's insanely tall (what, two feet tallert than me? then again, I *am* a midget) he can't find any that would fit him. The seats don't go far enough back, and if you have to drive 8 hours in a car with your knees by your chin, apparently it's not fun.

Heigh ho. I hope Saturn do a hybrid soon.

[andysocial]

Well, if Toyota converts their whole line, we'll soon have all kinds of options. Toyota does have the EV4, their all-electric SUV. Must have a range of about a block and a half. :-)