Hybrids for hobos

Newswheel staff :: 21 November 2005 :: Filed under Hatchback, Hybrid, Toyota, Europe & UK, US

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Toyota develops cheaper hybrids

Japanese giant Toyota is so far ahead of the Euro and US competition when it comes to hybrid technology it’s frankly embarrassing. It already has several models on the market, with more to follow soon. But one thing Toyota’s hybrids ain’t is cheap. Not for too long, however. 2008 will see the rollout of a new generation of cheaper Toyota hybrids.

According to Japanese newspaper Asahi Daily, the new drivetrain is expected to appear on a next-gen supermini model and will increase Toyota’s hybrid output to 600,000 units annually. Apparently, many of the components will be manufactured in the US, possibly in a joint venture with Subaru, an 8.7 per cent stake in whom Toyota rectnly acquired from GM.

Linkage:
Asahi Daily via Car4