Look out Toyota, diesels to decimate hybrids in US

Now that the US market is finally beginning to realize the benefits of diesel engines, one of the largest suppliers of diesel fuel injection systems, Siemens VDO, is predicting that sales of the oil-burners in the US will reach 867,000 units by 2012. This is up from an estimated 653,000 diesels this year. By contrast, hybrid sales are only expected to top 510,000 by 2012 and are only estimated to reach 193,000 units this year.
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Dave - 7/16/2007 9:06:53 AM

-4 Boost

Toyota is already prepared for anything diesel that may come their way. They purchased Isuzu from GM a little while back. Isuzu has extensive experience with diesel engines which will greatly benefit Toyota. There are talks about a possible hybrid-diesel engine. So don't look for Toyota's hybrid technology going out anytime soon.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/16/2007 9:11:05 AM

0 Boost

I wouldn't be surprised if Toyota started offering diesels in the USA. It sort of destroys their credibility considering hybrids but hey ..

M53R - 7/16/2007 9:25:04 AM

+5 Boost

Isnt this abit.... spoiling their image for being 'the perfect car maker for tree huggers'?

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/16/2007 2:36:16 PM

+3 Boost

Yeah, exactly.

dannyboy2 - 7/16/2007 9:31:05 AM

+3 Boost

Yeh i dunno wtf the delay is with diesel hybrids.. i mean both technologies have proven to save substantial fuel, why not put it together already

Rupert - 7/16/2007 10:49:51 AM

+3 Boost

Money.

Diesel + hybrid = larger cost over petrol models.
They'll put them on bigger vehicles first

david989 - 7/16/2007 9:45:58 AM

-6 Boost

Hybrids are the future not diesels. And Toyota has some of the best diesels in the world. Look at the Lexus IS220d which is selling like hotcakes in Europe and is better than the Audi or BMW diesels.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/16/2007 2:37:18 PM

+3 Boost

In what world do you live?

maff23uk - 7/16/2007 10:10:50 AM

0 Boost

The Lexus is selling "like hotcakes" in Europe because diesel is the fuel of choice for executive/luxury cars in Europe due to fuel prices and CO2 limiting legislation. The fact that the IS200d is selling well does in no way indicate that it has a great diesel engine. Where you get the idea that it's better than Audi and BMW diesels I don't know.

Czelinski - 7/16/2007 10:12:16 AM

+5 Boost

Haha, are you actually from Europe? Because i don't actually see many IS anyway, and not the diesel version if i do. And both Audi and BMW make superior diesel engines to Toyota, ohh...and i'm glad you appreciate that Toyota cannot touch MB.

Will_ - 7/16/2007 11:46:07 AM

-2 Boost

The one review I've seen of the IS220d said the engine was quite refined, and had bragging rights over its competition because of more torque.

Toyota will undoubtedly put out a diesel if other manufacturers jump on it first, that's a little thing called business. You know, sort of like how Mercedes and BMW are entering hybrids here too.

The hybrid estimate is probably low-balling it, of course. Specially considering the third-generation Prius is right around the corner.

Rupert - 7/16/2007 2:05:41 PM

+3 Boost

The IS220d uses a diesel from the Rav-4, and while it may be more powerful than rivals, the IS is a lot heavier, it has higher emissions (higher tax) and worse mpg than any of its diesel rivals.

It is quiet inside, but outside, it's like spanners in a washing machine.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 7/16/2007 2:39:17 PM

+3 Boost

Will, take my word for it, the IS220d is rubbish. It's a lifeless and slow car. In EVERY comparo it gets slammed bigtime by the Germans and Italians.

Kinger - 7/19/2007 6:07:19 AM

+1 Boost

Yes, plus it's not exactly living up to Lexus's quality reputation either, owners have had 5th injector problems and poor fuel consumption.

paul3230 - 7/16/2007 12:11:27 PM

-2 Boost

GM's eFLEX system is pretty cool cause it will be able to combine any generator (ICE-E85,diesel,gas) with an electric car.