Toyota Expects US Hybrid Sales to Grow 30% in 2007

Toyota Motor expects US sales of hybrid vehicles in 2007 to grow 30% over its 2006 estimate to about 300,000 units.

Toyota sees its hybrid sales growing now that local output of the gasoline-electric version of the Camry sedan has been launched, strengthening its supply capabilities.

Toyota Motor Sales USA also is targeting a doubling of its market share target for the redesigned Tundra full-size pickup to 10%.

Toyota Motor Sales USA Chairman Yukitoshi Funo also noted that the importance of diesel engines is growing, so the firm is considering a full-scale entry into the market, mostly with trucks. It expects the capital and business tie-up recently formed with Isuzu to “help move up” this entry, according to Funo.

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BMW530i - 11/15/2006 10:34:34 AM

+3 Boost

Toyota Motor Sales USA Chairman Yukitoshi Funo also noted that the importance of diesel engines is growing, so the firm is considering a full-scale entry into the market, mostly with trucks. It expects the capital and business tie-up recently formed with Isuzu to “help move up” this entry, according to Funo.
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If Toyota recognizes the importance of diesels, why concentrate on the truck market with those engines? Why not offer a diesel Camry? Or a diesel GS?

99gs400 - 11/15/2006 10:47:48 AM

-1 Boost

I think even the gas prices has drop for the last couple months. How can anyone complain about better gas mileage ? So there is always a market for hybrid/diesel. just my .002

audiot - 11/15/2006 11:36:35 AM

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What are the other automakers predicting?

Homer008 - 11/15/2006 11:51:58 AM

-1 Boost

They all predict that this is the future and have a potential. Why do you think Chrysler, BMW and Mercedes<--(not sure) have all joined hands together to create a 2 stage hybrid system? (haven't even been tested yet, already bolstering it's betterthan anything Toyota..Audacity and Ego..wow)

however...

The problem has to be addressed, instead of being brushed under carpet, Germans need to improve reliability and start climbing up the ladder and they will finally be a force to reckoned with..but truth is that: TATA and GEELY might even build more reliable car in a few years is a complete embarrasement. Of course you German troll will deny and dance the O.J. Simpson.

sheepdog

audiot - 11/15/2006 2:02:41 PM

+3 Boost

The question was asked because we expect Toyota to say hybrids are growing. They invested all the money into hybrid technology. Finding out what other car makers predict with hybrid sales would be telling. We are not seeing the bold investment in hybrids from other companies that we saw with Toyota. There is a reason.

Homer008 - 11/15/2006 3:07:54 PM

-3 Boost

of course there is a reason..My guess is it deals with financial standing. If you have money to R&D hydrogen, hybrid, venture into an a fullsize truck and even some like Honda venturing into the plane..go for it.
If your hands are tied w/financial toils..then go figure out yourself.

audiot - 11/15/2006 5:57:07 PM

+5 Boost

I don't see the SOL type situation that you paint for other companies. It hasn't borne out that way so far. Hybrids have not been the runaway sales hit they were supposed to be. The shortages have come from Toyota's conservative production allotment. You can get hybrid models from any of the other car markers if you want them. You can talk about gen.2 hybrids, which is fine, because that's what it's going to take for the average person to spend the extra money. 75mpg.

XYZZ - 11/16/2006 3:50:42 AM

-1 Boost

who really CARES what other makers are PREDICTING?

toyota is actually EXPERIENCING the growth in sales. why would their figures, based on EXPERIENCE trying to meet demand, be believed less than others' PREDICTIONS based on speculation rather than experience???

EL34 - 11/15/2006 12:15:50 PM

+5 Boost

We have come a long way since building the first airplanes and landing man on the moon and getting him back safe.

I have a feeling designing and building a hybrid engine will be no problem.

Homer008 - 11/15/2006 12:33:10 PM

-5 Boost

I completely agree with ya, EL34. As a proud Asian-American (Veteran), I also do belive in my country.
Their are no dispute about our prowees of our great past in the last 100 years.

I will never bash American products and I suspect we, Americans will make a comeback. We must believe..

For now, let the German POS car bashing continue.

sheepdog

BMW530i - 11/15/2006 1:33:54 PM

+2 Boost

You'll never bash American products (or Japanese), but you'll bash German?

I think we call that RACISM.

Homer008 - 11/15/2006 2:59:55 PM

-3 Boost

Incorrect assumption from the biggest moran, I have ever encountered in my entire life.

How is bashing a Car made mostly in Germany, Mexico and U.S. a racism? So, If, I own a Braun shaver and if, I ate dinner plate full of Weinschnitzel, then suddenly, I'm a pro-German person? You my son, is totally lost in the sauce. I'm bashing car not the people. My best friend is a German descendant. I have enjoyed my days in Germany also. I have nothing againest Germans..I do love bashing the crap out of German cars as you do with the Lexus, However.

Let the bashing continue.

watisthat - 11/15/2006 3:31:06 PM

-1 Boost

BMW530i i see u bash more on the japanese people itself more then the japanese car. So what make u different from nicehomer and everyone elses.

BMW530i - 11/15/2006 3:56:48 PM

+2 Boost

Whatisthat, where do I bash Japanese cars and Japanese people? SHOW ME.

BMW530i - 11/15/2006 8:21:10 PM

+1 Boost

Huu,

Why is a diesel engine a waste of space in passenger cars? Your hybrid bias is clearly showing. Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't the hybrid setup WEIGH A LOT? Your typical diesel engine will be heavier than a gasoline counterpart, but it will weigh less than a hybrid setup. I could say the say the same thing and claim that a "hybrid system is a waste of space in a passenger car". ;)

Also, who cares if the test between the GS450h and E420 CDI was "German"? The results would be the same if the Klingons tested these two vehicles.

2JZSoarer - 11/16/2006 12:05:09 AM

0 Boost

If the hybrid system is such a waste of a car,then why is BMW,Mercedes,and GM teaming up to build their own version of hybrid system!!!

Hybrid is the wave of the future,Until they bring down the cost to mass produce a fuel-cell.

Bill - 11/16/2006 5:54:24 AM

+2 Boost

If diesels are a waste of space in passenger cars, then why is Toyota offering an IS220d? Why are they offering diesel engine is various Toyota's in Europe? Why are they considering diesel engines for the future and for the US market?

You Lexus guys are a weird bunch. Diesels are crap according to you, but when Toyota builds them, hey, it's all good.

BMW530i - 11/15/2006 8:59:37 PM

+3 Boost

I don't want to get into these silly hybrid vs diesel arguments. They'll always end in flame wars...

Willis - 11/16/2006 8:41:34 AM

+2 Boost

What an intelligent post. Thank you for enlightening us Lexus Dude.

BMW530i - 11/16/2006 9:10:31 AM

-1 Boost

Someone is still living in the 1970s...

XYZZ - 11/17/2006 6:34:32 AM

+1 Boost

"...slow, stinky and just plain crap..."

NOT to mention, they KILL people with cancer causing exhaust!