http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060401/...e/japan_toyota

TOKYO - Toyota plans to introduce energy-efficient hybrid technology across its entire lineup and target global sales of 1 million hybrid vehicles by 2012, a news report said Saturday.

Toyota Motor Corp., global leader in the new market for energy-efficient hybrid cars, initially developed its hybrid system for the Prius compact car. It has said its new luxury-class Lexus GS450h, due out later this year, will also be powered by an electric motor and gasoline engine.

The Japanese automaker now plans to introduce hybrid technology in all classes of vehicles, from luxury cars to compacts, and aims to top annual global sales of 1 million hybrid cars by 2012, according to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun.

Toyota will concentrate on lowering production costs so the technology can be used in cheaper models, and aims to keep the retail price differential between hybrid and conventional cars to under 300,000 yen (US$2,550; euro2,106), according to the report.

Toyota has said it is targeting global sales of 5,700 hybrid vehicles this year — 2,000 vehicles in North America, another 2,000 in Europe, 1,500 in Japan and 200 elsewhere.

 

Great, there goes the quality.

 

i still want diesel

 

Roger that, proven technology.
Can't beat this one: 175hp Diesel

http://www.carpages.co.uk/toyota/toy...1-02-03-05.asp

 

Yeah, no kidding. And where's the savings when ya got to fork out $5,000-$10,000 for new batteries every 6 years?!? No thanks!!

 

well if your worried about shelling out 5000 bux every 6 years sell your truck so you stop putting money into it. and with all of the gas you save it'll be worth it. and the quality is still there, look at the newer prius, its still way better than a chevy! but I agree, Id still like a diesel

 

Bogus unattributed report, Andy. First off, this was announced two years ago. Secondly, Toyota will sell 120,000 Prius, 12,000 Camry, 12,000 Highlander, 18,000 RX, 8,000 GS and 3,000 LS hybrids in the US alone this year = 173,000 for 2006.

Reality check on the modular hybrid synergy drive system for others. Prius battery is warrantied for 8 years or 150,000 miles. Replacement battery cost in decreasing every year, currently ~$2,400 + $250 installation, it's PnP.

 

Diesel FJC pls.

 

Please