Toyota Still Not Sold On Plug In Hybrids For The US Market

Toyota Motor Corp, maker of the world's best-selling gasoline-electric car, says extensive US consumer tests are needed before it offers hybrids that can be recharged at household outlets for limited all-electric driving.

``There is a consumer market at some price-point for plug- ins,'' Bill Reinert, national manager for advanced vehicle technology at Toyota's U.S. unit, said in an interview yesterday. ``We just don't yet know the size of that market.''

Toyota's caution reveals a difference in approach between the Japanese automaker, which has sold more than 800,000 Prius hybrids globally since 1997, and General Motors Corp., which wants to build as many of 60,000 Volt plug-in electric cars in the model's first year, people with knowledge of GM's plans said earlier this week.


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EL34 - 8/27/2007 2:54:12 PM

-3 Boost

I would never buy a Toyota in my life.

Monk - 8/27/2007 2:57:35 PM

-1 Boost

I have enough money to buy most Mercs, BMWs, or Audis.

Anthony - 8/27/2007 3:08:37 PM

+5 Boost

Some people feel the same way about Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, and not because they can't afford it...

lenkun - 8/27/2007 3:34:33 PM

0 Boost

I agree, no Toyota or any European brands either(especiall German). Detroit all the way. Gotta love those yankee machines.

EnnNorak - 8/31/2007 9:21:25 AM

+1 Boost

Not even the Avalon? or the fabulous FJ Cruiser?

1970toyotamarc - 8/27/2007 4:02:22 PM

+3 Boost

another set of useful comments. This site never lets me down.

Since this is an eco-article, of which there were precious few today, I'll add something hopefully more relevant.

Anyone notice that the current Bluetecs are not available for sale in 3 more states. According to an article on a competitor's auto blog site, the new "clean" Bluetecs are still a year away, and the current MBZ diesels now are only 42 state compliant due to 3 more states adopting CA's high standards. So while we have to keep waiting for the next advancement in Hybrid tech, I guess diesel lovers are gonna have an even harder time.

jon21 - 8/27/2007 4:03:43 PM

+1 Boost

DAM-i-koco....just go buy your 10 yrs warranty Hyundai and let me knows how you like it. GM is just following Hyundai's swindle.

moto - 8/27/2007 5:57:08 PM

0 Boost

jon21, are you criticizing car companies for offering longer warranties than your favorite brand does? How tacky is that?

I wouldn't buy a Hyundai today, but it's certainly not because of their warranty -- they lead the industry. Don't be so arrogant and irrational - if a company offers a product or a service that is best in the business -- even if the total package they offer is not your cup of tea -- then at least have the maturity to give that company credit for what they did right.

Yes, folks, that's the problem with the world. So much blind brand loyalty!

EnnNorak - 8/28/2007 9:09:31 AM

+1 Boost

jon21, it's only a swindle if they don't honor the terms of the warranty. Have you ever heard of "breach of contract"? Anyone who pulls a brach of contract on me will quickly find themselves taking back the product for a full refund plus penalties if they make it legally dificult.

Yakamoto - 8/31/2007 10:05:48 AM

+1 Boost

staying on point with the article, my concern for plug-in vehicles is the added cost when considering my electric bill. i imagine it will take a considerable amount of energy to recharge the "hundreds of pounds of batteries." add that to the anticipated $5-10k premium. i don't see it being worth it. someone correct me if i'm wrong.