Toyota could build Prius with GM

The world’s best-selling hybrid is currently built in Japan and China, but with demand for the efficient cars in the U.S. remaining high, Toyota is reportedly considering adding Prius production to its joint-venture facility operated with General Motors.

The two companies already use the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) factory in California to produce the Toyota Tacoma and Corolla and the Pontiac Vibe.
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Agent63 - 6/1/2008 8:32:38 AM

+1 Boost

That's a smart idea. Linking with another automotive giant.

Please none of that "Toyota don't need GM" crap.

sector - 6/1/2008 2:26:29 PM

0 Boost

Looks like they both can benefit from this. Toyota will be able to meet the demands more quickly (i.e., sell more vehicles), and GM will be able to learn a thing or two about the most advanced production methodologies producing the most reliable vehicles on this planet while creating jobs and profits.

91z4me - 6/1/2008 2:34:00 PM

-1 Boost

GM's 2 mode system is more advanced than Toyota's Synerdrive. Also GM's forthcoming Ecoflex system (Volt) will provide another alternative for hybrid systems. If you throw in the BAS (mild hybrid systems) GM has much more flexibility in hybrid systems than any other automaker.

flozel1 - 6/1/2008 2:49:15 PM

-1 Boost

Actually my invention I call DreamFlex is better than GMs. But just like GMs, this technology is non-existent.

91z4me - 6/1/2008 5:27:31 PM

+4 Boost

flozel1,

I guess the systems already being tested on the roads in the US (disguised as last generation Malibus) don't mean anything. Is having an actual system and testing it on public roads your definition of vaporware?

flozel1 - 6/1/2008 7:07:49 PM

-2 Boost

"I guess the systems already being tested on the roads in the US (disguised as last generation Malibus) don't mean anything."

That's correct. I go to a Toyota dealer, I see vehicles with a "Hybrid Synergy Drive" badge I can purchase now (well actually the last 10 years or so).

I go to a GM dealer, I found out they don't exist yet. Quite the contrary to what you see on their commercials.

flozel1 - 6/1/2008 7:10:36 PM

+2 Boost

Don't get me wrong, I really hope GM can build the Volt but I hope they do it right in that they can build enough and make a profit out of it to get them out of their slump.

91z4me - 6/2/2008 10:50:58 AM

+1 Boost

flozel1,

So by your definition the Li-ion and plug in Synerdrive systems don't exist either.

S30GTR - 6/1/2008 4:19:59 PM

+1 Boost

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

DieselRules - 6/2/2008 2:30:15 AM

+2 Boost

GM is the perfect partner to help sustain the flagging hybrid sales, as I believe they have the most dealers in the US (the only market that appears to be under Toyota's spell :)

Toyotas shareholders will want them to extract every bit of profit before hybrids become as popular as steam engines.

Htay7500 - 6/2/2008 3:52:49 PM

+1 Boost

"we need to destroy them."
so you can prove your ignorance?

91z4me - 6/2/2008 7:55:30 PM

+1 Boost

I think he just did.

dumpsty - 6/2/2008 10:34:44 PM

0 Boost

Until GM can build a hybrid vehicle at the same (or similar) cost of the Prius, Toyota will remain the leader in the segment. Unless GM has been working on a 2-mode hybrid SRX (BRX) and it'll be released next year, then GM is still far behind in the auto industry foot-race. Toyota has a refined Prius and a few other hybrid vehicles (Camry, Highlander, RX) that they still sell.

91z4me - 6/3/2008 9:59:38 AM

+1 Boost

GM already has the 2 mode Vue due out later this year and the BRX should be able to use the same system (3.6 HF V6, 4 speed auto, 2 electric motors). This system delivers both city AND highway mileage improvements vs the Synerdrive which is a plus for the city and little to no gain for the highway.

ChicaneShooter - 6/3/2008 2:29:07 AM

+1 Boost

the BIG question no one else has considered, is will gm get a re-badged prius out of this?

since the NUMMI plant is owned 50/50, gm has benefited with a re-badged corolla or matrix ever since the plant has been in operation.

gm has FAR MORE to gain than toyota. corollary big question: why would toyota do this, and what will they get out of it?