Hybrid News

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota

Even mighty Toyota isn’t immune to the downturn in sales in the United States due to the horrible current economic climate and credit crisis. Revenue is down nearly 70 percent for the Japanese giant, a situation that it is anything but familiar with. So, Toyota has created a team headed by its President Katsuaki Watanabe that will focus on ways to spend less money. Expect the automaker to extend incentives to more of its fuel efficient models, not just full-size pickup trucks and SUVs, and move quickly to bring more fuel-saving models to market as quickly as possible, especially new hybrids.

If Toyota plans to spend less money overall but more on hybrid development, expect to see its larger vehicles be affected the most by the budget cuts. Models that aren’t segment leaders when it comes to fuel efficiency are likely to wait a bit longer for model refreshes as more hybrids are rolled out instead. It should be noted that this is exactly the strategy that General Motors is taking, except that GM is extremely close to running completely out of money while Toyota has got plenty in reserve. GM’s continued life depends on its fuel-savers while Toyota’s motive is continued profitability, making it painfully obvious that The General should have gotten a much earlier start on its hybrids and EVs.

[Source: Inside Line]

Toyota cuts spending, increases hybrid development originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, Green Daily, USA

If your goal is to do nothing more than cutting down your petroleum usage for either political or environmental reasons, a small car or hybrid seems to be the way to go. If your desire is solely to save money, there are many more costs to factor into your decision. One of them is insurance, as a recent study suggests that small cars and hybrids are considerably more expensive to insure on average than their larger and hungrier siblings. For instance, all other things being equal, a Honda CR-V is less expensive to insure than a Honda Civic by an average of $412 per year. Another? The Toyota Camry hybrid will cost you $650 more than its non-hybrid counterpart. Some reasons why the numbers are what they are include higher repair costs and the fact that compact cars are sometimes stolen more often than larger cars and SUVs. We should add that shopping around can prove valuable, as some insurers actually provide discounts for fuel-savers.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Hybrid

According to a recent report by JPMorgan Chase & Co, the average cost surcharge for a hybrid drivetrain will go down by 67 percent in the next decade. This means that using both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine under the same hood will cost both automakers and consumers less money. What will be the big driver of these cost reductions? Demand. According to the same study, in a decade, hybrid sales will account for 10 percent of the overall market, which equals 9.6 million units or an increase of 16 times their current market share. We know for sure that automakers have some pretty big plans for the technology, with such cars as the revised Toyota Prius, new Honda Insight and the first-ever Chevy Volt all expected to hit the market in the next few years. Of course, diesel technology is rapidly accelerating as well and its costs would theoretically go down as more oil-burners are sold. What’s clear, though, is that fuel-saving will be a priority moving forward, regardless of the technology used, and the costs are on their way down.

[Source: Bloomberg]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Biodiesel, Emerging Technologies, Ethanol, Hybrid, Toyota, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Green Daily

As we gathered sleepily in the conference rooms early in the morning, host John Hanson said that Toyota’s hope with this one-day seminar was to present the complexity of the sustainability mobility situation and to highlight the challenges that the world is dealing with. The solution is not just the cleaner-than-they-used-to-be four-wheeled vehicles that Toyota is building, but also its partnerships and transportation alternatives, a reduction in how much energy and resource we use, better regulations, and so on and so on and so on. Seriously. By 3 p.m., our heads were swimming but still, Toyota succeeded in Hanson’s stated goal. The six or so hours of presentations and Q&A sessions provided a lot of answers and raised a few questions about just what we′re going to do in the coming decades. If nothing else, we learned that Toyota is thinking about the problem.

Follow us past the jump for the full story.

Continue reading Toyota Sustainable Mobility Seminar morning sessions: the bad news

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Hybrid

Click above for more high-res shots of the 2007 Toyota Prius Touring

When it comes time to choose their next new vehicle purchase, recent data suggests that hybrid drivers are the most likely to either choose the same model again or, even more likely, the same brand. Experian Automotive reports that Prius drivers, not surprisingly, were the most likely of all to buy another Prius. We’d imagine that this fact may have something to do with those drivers wanting to continue saving gas and lowering their emissions. Forty-seven percent of hybrid owners, regardless of make, return back to the same brand for their next car.

This data shows how important it is for automakers to get in on hybrids while they are still hot. After all, even if little profit is made on that initial purchase, a loyal customer will continue spending their money with the brand in the future. As fully-electric vehicles begin to hit the market, our bet would be that this trend will only continue.

[Source: Experian Automotive]

Continue reading Hybrid drivers most brand-loyal

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Hybrid

A blogger over on the Inside Line blog at Edmunds known only as The Mechanic has published an editorial that expresses supreme disdain for hybrid vehicles such as the Prius and Civic. He/she/it does make some valid points in that the really efficient hybrids (as opposed to Lexus hybrids) are generally not particularly engaging to drive. This is true, compared to conventional counterparts, these cars are clearly optimized for minimal fuel consumption and aspects such as longitudinal and lateral acceleration are given short shrift. What the mechanic seems to ignore is that the appliance-like qualities of such cars are generally not seen as a bad thing to most drivers. Aside from the truck segment, look at the cars that have the highest sales; Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Honda Civic. Not a fun car among them. Most people don’t car about fun to drive.

The mechanic does have a very good point about not necessarily buying a new car. If you already have a car that is running well and getting reasonable fuel efficiency, the gains from switching to a a new hybrid may not be sufficient to offset the impact of building and shipping that new car to a dealership. The other thing to consider is that not all fuel efficient vehicles are devoid of fun. For those that actually enjoy driving, there are non-hybrid alternatives although few are available to American consumers at the moment. While its true that life is short, the overall tone of the Mechanics diatribe does come off as rather selfish. For those that don’t care about the joy of driving, use your hybrid, its not hurting those that do like to drive (at least as long as you aren’t driving way too slow). Thanks to Cory for the tip!

[Source: Inside Line]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, On Two Wheels, Green Daily, Japan

Toshiba is entering the electric vehicle battery market next March with the release of the Super Charge ion Battery, or SCiB. According to the company press release, the battery charges 90 percent full in 5 minutes, can last 10 years and loses less than 10 percent efficiency after 3,000 recharges. The only applications mentioned in the press release are electric bikes, electric motorcycles, construction machinery, and fork lifts with future plans for providing batteries for hybrids and full electric cars. Toshiba vice president Toshiharu Watanabe says;

The excellent performance of the SCiB will assure its successful application in industrial systems and in the electronic vehicles markets as a new energy solution.

Toshiba’s hopes to have 10 percent market share or a global sales target of 100 billion yen (895 million dollars) by 2016. Toshiba’s general manager overseeing the project, Shoshi Kawatsu, won’t comment on if they are in talks with automakers but he did say this;

Toshiba will ride with the trend set by automobile companies. When hybrids and electric cars become prevalent, the SCiB will probably be applied to them.

Watch out Eneѵ, A123 and all the other small EV battery companies, the big boys smell profits in the EV battery market water.

[Source: Toshiba via Engadget]

 

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Lascelles Linton

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, GM, Toyota, LA Auto Show

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In GM’s LA Auto Show press conference, which you can watch above in full, GM Vice Chairman of Global Product Development, Bob Lutz says the same thing we reported GM CEO’s Rick Wagoner said: GM will release sixteen hybrids in the next four years. Here is the exact quote:

If you want to talk hybrids; we are introducing four more hybrids in the US this year. In fact, counting the new Saturn Green Line, we are introducing sixteen hybrids in the next four years. That’s one about every three months.

Bob continues saying that the 16 will include vehicles with GM’s full, two-mode hybrids. Before that, Bob said GM has a goal of making and selling the most fuel efficient car in every available category, and mentioned the company already has the most fuel-efficient pick ups and has sold 2.5 M flex fuel cars. GM announced its “strong intent” to be the “world wide fuel solutions leader and undisputed environmental and technological leader in the industry.” Bob says they are going to do it across their entire line of cars and not just with a single iconic green car, which Bob says they will have anyway. Bob even hinted at a lot more flex fuel cars coming from GM, whic makes me wonder if some big announcement is coming.

Basically, GM is talking to Toyota Muhammad Ali-style: we are the best and we are going to kick your butt!

[Source: Podtech]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Lascelles Linton

Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, GM, Toyota, LA Auto Show

Your browser does not support JavaScript. This media can be viewed at <a href=”http://www.podtech.net/home/4588/la-auto-show-gm-press-conference”>http://www.podtech.net/home/4588/la-auto-show-gm-press-conference</a>

In GM’s LA Auto Show press conference, which you can watch above in full, GM Vice Chairman of Global Product Development, Bob Lutz says the same thing we reported GM CEO’s Rick Wagoner said: GM will release sixteen hybrids in the next four years. Here is the exact quote:

If you want to talk hybrids; we are introducing four more hybrids in the US this year. In fact, counting the new Saturn Green Line, we are introducing sixteen hybrids in the next four years. That’s one about every three months.

Bob continues saying that the 16 will include vehicles with GM’s full, two-mode hybrids. Before that, Bob said GM has a goal of making and selling the most fuel efficient car in every available category, and mentioned the company already has the most fuel-efficient pick ups and has sold 2.5 M flex fuel cars. GM announced its “strong intent” to be the “world wide fuel solutions leader and undisputed environmental and technological leader in the industry.” Bob says they are going to do it across their entire line of cars and not just with a single iconic green car, which Bob says they will have anyway. Bob even hinted at a lot more flex fuel cars coming from GM, whic makes me wonder if some big announcement is coming.

Basically, GM is talking to Toyota Muhammad Ali-style: we are the best and we are going to kick your butt!

[Source: Podtech]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.

Original post by Lascelles Linton

Filed under: Diesel, Honda, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen

Diesel engines have been widely accepted in Europe for decades, mainly because the oil-burners are much more efficient than their gasoline-powered counterparts. Here in the U.S., however, the loud and smelly performance of diesels in the ’70s and ’80s has left a bad taste that obviously hasn′t gone away. Oklahoma City NBC affiliate KFOR quotes a study by a “well respected” market research firm that says car buyers here in the states still aren′t ready for diesel engines.

When given the choice of hybrids, diesels, hydrogen fuel cells, and biofuels, only six percent of those surveyed thought diesel was a viable fuel source for the future. Furthermore, the same people in the study were under the impression that gasoline-powered cars achieved better fuel economy than diesels. Almost half also thought that diesels were still loud and odorous.

The good news is that the American public has yet to see the diesel marketing campaigns from VW, Honda, Mercedes, and others. If that bearded guy can sell 50 million tubs of Oxy Clean, we’re pretty sure our nation’s auto consumers will give diesel another chance, especially if it comes with the promise of 50 mpg.

[Source: KFOR]

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Original post by Chris Shunk

Filed under: Hybrid, Scion, Toyota, New York Auto Show

Click above for high-res gallery of the Scion Hako Concept

First, the quote: “Will we have a truck in our lineup? Does it make sense to have a hybrid powertrain? Is a subcompact roadster the answer? Or will an SUV ever be viable for us. We don’t know the answers but we’re very open-minded.” That quote comes courtesy of Jack Hollis, vice president for Scion. So, Scion is considering a hybrid, huh? That’s an interesting thought, considering the low price-point that Scion operates in. Surely, a hybrid Scion would be pushing into Prius territory price-wise, which might be inconsistent with Scion’s image. Whatever the case, we sure hope that the hybrid wouldn’t be anything like their new Hako concept. Wow, is that sucker ug… eh, interesting looking.

In other related news, Hollis mentioned a Scion pickup. That’s something worth considering, we think, and it’s an idea that’s been thrown around before. Ideally, we’d like to see Scion axe the Hako, make a real coupe to replace the aging tC and consider a hybrid drivetrain for that machine; test the waters for a compact unibody pickup and reduce the weight of the xB, making it more in line with the original model. Alas, nobody asked us.

[Source: The Detroit News]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Filed under: Diesel, Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, Hybrid, AutoblogGreen Exclusive

We last chatted with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers at the New York Auto Show. We heard then about the Alliance’s safety and eco-related stances. On Monday, the Alliance will announce that 1.8 million alternative-fueled autos (diesels, hybrids and flex-fuel) were sold in the U.S. in 2007, up just a bit - 250,000 - from 2006. Both hybrids and flex-fuel vehicle sales climbed while diesels dipped. The Alliance believes that more than 2m alternative vehicles will be sold in America in 2008. The hurdles to wider acceptance are the same as we’ve heard before: high cost of diesels and a lack of E85 fueling stations (to say nothing of hydrogen). Still, 1.8m vehicles is not insignificant. These aren’t perfect green rides - I’m looking at you, Escalade hybrid - but in the uphill battle to green up America’s fleet of vehicles, it’s a start. You can download a PDF that lists all of the Alliance members′ 70+ alternative fuel vehicles here. More details after the jump.

Press Release:

SALES OF ALTERNATIVE FUEL AUTOS INCREASED BY 15 PERCENT IN 2007

Washington, DC– Newly released sales figures from R.L. Polk reveal a record number of alternative fuel automobiles (AFA) rolled off dealer lots in 2007. In total, close to 1.8 million Alternative Fuel Autos were sold last year, roughly 250,000 more than were sold in 2006. Sales of E-85 capable vehicles flexible fuel vehicles were up significantly as were sales of hybrid electric vehicles. Sales of clean diesel vehicles fell slightly.

“Gas prices, consumer incentives, and the increasing number of AFA models available to consumers continue to play a role in the rising popularity of these vehicles,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. “And while we’re pleased these vehicles continue to grow in popularity, refueling infrastructure challenges may prevent the promise of these vehicles from being fully realized. For example, out of more than 170,000 refueling stations in the U.S. less than 1500 offer ethanol.”

In 2008, more than 70 models of AFAs are being offered. This is up from only 11 models in 2001. McCurdy added, “Each year the number of AFAs available to consumers is increasing. We’re hopeful that soon we’ll be able to add a new generation of plug-in hybrids and other promising technologies to this list.”

Currently there are more than 12 million alternative fuel autos registered in the U.S. and automakers are hopeful that this year sales of AFAs may exceed 2 million. With more choices available than ever before automakers are optimistic that the popularity of these vehicles will continue to grow.

McCurdy added, “Automakers recognize that our actions speak louder than our words. Last year we supported an aggressive nationwide increase in fuel economy standards that will increase fuel economy by 40 percent while at the same time reduce carbon dioxide emissions from new autos by 30 percent through 2020. We are hopeful that through the use of alternative fuel autos as well as improvements to the conventional international combustion we can meet the challenge of improving fuel economy, enhancing energy security and reducing carbon dioxide emissions while continuing to provide consumers with the vehicles they demand at an affordable price.”
For more information about Alternative Fuel Automobiles visit http://www.discoveralternatives.com/.

[Source: Auto Alliance]

 

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Original post by Sebastian Blanco

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, USA

We recently told you about hybrid hopeful AFS Trinity taking their show on the road to spend Earth Day (a week from today) in Washington, DC. Now, Toyota has announced that it has its own big blue tractor-trailer billboard with a hybrid theme hitting the road again in time for Earth Day festivities in downtown New York, NY.

This truck isn’t hauling hybrids on it’s trip all over the country though. The 53-foot-long trailer is packed with hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to inform you all about Toyota’s hybrid technology, alternative fuels, and the environment. You can see how regenerative braking works as well as calculate your carbon footprint and, if you have a drivers license, you may be able to take a Prius, hybrid Camry or hybrid Highlander out for a spin. If that isn’t enough to convince you to get out of the apartment, according to the Mobile Hybrid Experience website, you can even earn a free prize.

If you don’t live in New York, you can check out the website for the dates the “Experience″ will be in your area . There are actually three exhibitions simultaneously making their way around the country so if you see one this weekend at the Grand Prix in Longbeach, CA, rest assured Toyota hasn’t developed Star Trek-style transporters. Yet.

Check out the video from Miles Around for a look inside the truck and an interview with a Toyota spokesperson as well as the press release after the jump.

Press Release:

Toyota Brings “Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience” to New York

New York, N.Y. April 10, 2008 Toyota is bringing its nationwide tour called “Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience,” to Earth Day New York April 18-19. The tour is designed to provide consumers with a firsthand opportunity to experience automotive hybrid technology and learn what they can do to make a difference in the environment. Stopping at numerous public events nationwide in 2008, the tour consists of three simultaneously traveling exhibits. Consumers will have an opportunity to learn about hybrid technology through a number of interactive, educational stations. “This tour invites consumers to learn more about the benefits and technology of hybrid vehicles as well as Toyota�s environmental initiatives,” said Keith Dahl, national engagement marketing manager for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. “Two of our key goals are to provide people the opportunity to take an up-close look at how hybrid vehicles operate and encourage lifestyle changes that can help protect the environment.” Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience serves as an interactive mobile exhibit to the environment and alternative fuels. The exhibit will be located at Earth Day New York’s EarthFair 2008 event near Grand Central Terminal on Vanderbilt Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. There are four distinct interactive learning areas within the exhibit: * “Alternative Fuels: Fueling the Future,” identifies the differences in the various types of alternative fuels and how they are produced. * “Environment and Resources: Small Steps, Big Difference,� shows attendees what they can do to make a difference to the environment. * “The Prius Driving Experience” simulates the current Hybrid Synergy Drive technology allowing visitors to interact with system while on-screen instructions offer driving tips. * “Hybrid Technology: Not All Hybrids are Created Equal” exhibit gives visitors a better understanding of the various hybrid technology options on the market and how hybrids benefit the consumer and the environment. The hybrid experience offers more than just interesting educational activities; it also is designed to minimize its own environmental impact. Toyota will plant more than 50,000 trees in honor of those visiting the experience in conjunction with the National Arbor Day Foundation. These trees will help offset the “carbon footprint” of the trucks transporting the tour across the country and will continue to have a positive impact on the environment for years to come. Toyota’s Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience will travel to more than 150 events across the 48 contiguous United States over a total of 18 months. For more information or the schedule of events, please visit www.toyota.com/highway. About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion. Established in 1957, TMS markets products and services through a network of more than 1,400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers. Toyota directly employs over 36,000 people in the U.S. and sold more than 2.6 million vehicles in 2007. For more information about our company, please visit http://www.toyota.com/, http://www.lexus.com/ and http://www.scion.com/. Our Highway to the Future: Mobile Hybrid Experience partners: 3form (www.3-form.com) 3form is the leading manufacturer and provider of award winning, eco-friendly resin-based materials and solutions for the Architecture + Design industry. Established in Salt Lake City in 1991, 3form provides a forward-thinking approach to the use of its materials within various architectural systems - ranging from wall paneling to complex decorative shapes. In challenging both material limits and traditional spatial concepts, 3form Architectural provides breakthrough architectural solutions and services for fabricating architects’ most challenging installations. National Arbor Day Foundation The National Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental education organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at arborday.org. George P. Johnson (www.gpj.com) Established in 1914, GPJ is one of the foremost experience marketing agencies in the world. Named one of Advertising Age’s “�Top 25 Marketing Agencies’ it provides a full suite of relationship-building event, exhibit and live experience solutions through which it helps Fortune 500 and other premier companies bring their brands, services and products to prospects and customers around the globe. GPJ provides integrated event marketing and strategy, creative, data, meeting logistics management and execution services through 24 offices in Detroit, Los Angeles, Stuttgart, Sydney, Boston, San Francisco, London, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul, Bangalore and others. GPJ made history in 1998 when IBM became the first Fortune 10 company to consolidate its global event marketing program into one agency, naming GPJ as its event marketing agency of record. As a result of its work with IBM, GPJ earned the first EX Award for �Best Global Business-to-Business Event Marketing� program.

[Source: Toyota]

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Original post by Domenick Yoney

Filed under: Hybrid

Sales of hybrid vehicles continued to buck the overall trend of sinking car and truck sales in 2007, according to the latest data from research firm R.L. Polk. Polk does an annual survey of new vehicle registrations and their 2008 numbers look very good for Toyota. While overall sales dropped three percent from 2006 to 2007, registrations of new hybrids jumped 38 percent. For the year, hybrid vehicles comprised 2.2 percent of the total market with 350,289 units registered. Even with several new hybrid models now on the market, the Toyota Prius remains the dominant single model with 51 percent of the segment compared to 43 percent in 2006. If GM can manage to light a fire under sales of their hybrid models this year, the segment could grow significantly again this year as gas prices approach and top $4 a gallon in the U.S.

[Source: Detroit News]

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Original post by Sam Abuelsamid

Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, European Union, UK

Click above for a high-resolution gallery of the 2007 Toyota Prius Touring.

Of the one million Prius hybrids that Toyota has sold since its introduction in 1997, one-hundred-thousand of them have been registered in Europe. Toyota introduced the second-generation Prius in Europe and North America in the year 2000. While a hundred thousand units is certainly nothing to sniff at, it pales in comparison to the number of diesel-powered vehicles regularly sold in European lands. While hybrids have been, and will likely continue to be, the fuel-saving flag bearers in the United States, Europe has traditionally favored diesels. This fact hasn’t stopped Toyota and their Lexus luxury brand from offering the gas/electric hybrid vehicles, though. It seems that the Japanese-giants tenacity in the European market is paying off, as more than a third of the total Prius sales in Europe have been made in the past twelve months alone, meaning that European sales of the fuel-efficient hybrids are on the up-swing.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req′d]

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Original post by Jeremy Korzeniewski