Toyota defines its future Hybrid plans for Australia

[mikmak]

Toyota to set for hybrid explosion

New Prius to lead a wave of eight new Toyota hybrid models in the next eight years

GOAUTO.Com
By MARTON PETTENDY 7 July 2009

TOYOTA has promised to release at least eight new hybrid models in Australia over the next four years, starting with the all-new Prius.

The commitment – made at this week’s media launch of the third-generation Prius in Sydney – includes next year’s Australian-made Camry Hybrid and eventual replacements for the current-generation GS450h and LS600hL sedans.

Beyond that, Toyota refuses to divulge which petrol-electric models it plans to introduce here by mid-2013. However, we understand they could include anything from hybrid versions of the Corolla and RAV4 to, perhaps, a hybrid version of Lexus’ new entry-level model and even a home-grown Kluger Hybrid.

Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said it was safe to assume Toyota would replace the Lexus GS and LS hybrids, just as it had done a couple of weeks ago with the RX, “although I’m not including that recent launch as part of the eight”. “At least half of the eight vehicles will be new hybrids,” he said. “Some will be hybrid versions of existing vehicles; others will be new models entirely.

“That’s about as much as we’re prepared to say. No specific timings; no specific hints about what’s coming – just an assurance that Toyota’s commitment to hybrid is absolute – and that future definitely includes Australia.”

Apart from confirming Australia is now firmly locked in to Toyota Motor Corporation’s headlong drive towards hybrid motoring, TMCA used the Prius launch, a guest at which was environmentalist and global warming activist professor Tim Flannery, to highlight the advantages of its Hybrid Synergy Drive umbrella brand.

Toyota last year committed to producing a hybrid version of every model in its range by 2020, including its full-size LandCruiser and Prado SUVs.

An all-new replacement for the latter will emerge at the Tokyo motor show in October in both three-door and five-door wagon body styles, which could spell the availability of a (petrol-only) short-wheelbase Prado model in Australia for the first time.

Mr Buttner said Toyota would produce its two-millionth hybrid vehicle globally this year – 70 per cent of which are Prius, which emerged at the 1995 Tokyo motor show.

He said Toyota would start leasing a plug-in version of the Prius with a lithium-ion battery in Japan, Europe and the US this year.

Much more at the LINK

[96_impala_ss]

Hmm
How would this affect Holden though?

[Rocket 88]

Toyota is a one trick pony.

[Myke]

Imo Toyota is one of the most un-green car companies in Aus. They don't offer any diesels for their passenger vehicles and they justify themselves as green because of one hybrid car. Pathetic.

[flobeelicious]

i'm just amazed they found a way to make a camry look even less attractive in the nosal area.

[mattyman1010]

not as threating as I first thought it would be when I first started reading. About half-ish of them will go to Lexus. Does anyone know if Toyota has plans to bring the yaris hybrid downunder? I imagine that would sell very well as it is much more cost effective.

[BBDOS CV8]

I don't think - apart from the Prius - Toyota is going to sell many other models in any great proportions. Diesel's already got good penetration here - both the middle age, middle class women co-workers in my team have near-new diesel family cars - a Saab and a Skoda.

LPG also has good penetration. LPG Commodore would be cheaper to buy than a Prius, have more load capability, more comfort and be cheaper to own for the average ownership period, and probably less-destructive of the environment to create Penetration and utilisation of diesel and LPG is already strong in Oz - to the point where you can get both anywhere, just about. Most new cars being introduced have diesel models. And many test s have repeatedly shown a small diesel or mediuml LPG vehicle will outperform and out-economise the Prius. Even around town. Once the Prius fires it's petrol motor on the highway, it's game over.

For the same reason, I think the Volt will be a halo vehicle for Holden - just don't expect big sales.

Hybrid looks like being more expensive than a diesel option on most cars, for questionable gains on things like the Camry. Then there's the reduction in space and load from the batteries and motors, drives etc.

[mikmak]

Originally Posted by 96_impala_ss

Hmm
How would this affect Holden though?

That all depends on Holdens (and GMs of course) long term vision of what will be the preferred choice for consumers. The biggest (and not the only) problem with Hybrids is the masses failure to see the value of investing more money then they have to.

They are also scared of technology. Current technology in cars is actually quite advanced, but the trick is to make the consumer still think they are buying a simple automobile. Hybrids scare technophobes.

Holden has a range of technologies about to be released, such as diesel passenger vehicles, E85 capability and LPG.
Ethanol is a fast developing industry and also will have the benefit of producing fuel from refuse. Hybrids create additional waste, and also consume considerable resources to manufacture.
LPG is becoming a very strong alternative in Oz, though it's not quite a Global stanza at the moment.

Once the automotive industry gets the Hybrid manufacturing infrastructure in place, costs will reduce meaning consumers wont have to pay such a premium for the privilege. It is a long term goal, but in the immediate future, it is cost prohibitive.

GM obviously has their own product nearing release, but they haven't put all their eggs in one basket. I would tend to prefer GMs method, because they haven't turned their backs on other options. As many have said before, there is no silver bullet when it comes to environmental solutions. Holden has a full clip, with GMs Voltec as a back up, which can be slotted into the Delta II platform.

[Butz]

Originally Posted by mattyman1010

not as threating as I first thought it would be when I first started reading. About half-ish of them will go to Lexus. Does anyone know if Toyota has plans to bring the yaris hybrid downunder? I imagine that would sell very well as it is much more cost effective.

There's a Yaris hybrid?

[Col Klink]

Originally Posted by Myke

Imo Toyota is one of the most un-green car companies in Aus. They don't offer any diesels for their passenger vehicles and they justify themselves as green because of one hybrid car. Pathetic.

Shame is Joe public believe hybrids are green (esp the prius)

[BlekherBob]

Is it just me, or is Kluger a horrible name for a car?

[mattyman1010]

Originally Posted by Butz

There's a Yaris hybrid?

Its currently being developed should be ready 2011 ish.

[RedVee8]

What I would like for my Captiva is just a engine start/stop system for heavy traffic. That is where the FE really suffers.
A 3.0 DI V6 with the start/stop (is that BASII?) would not add much extra weight or take up much space (I'm assuming) but help the around town economy significantly. The batteries would be charged by the the alternator belt and by brake regen, the batteries then keep the electrics running while the engine is off.

[Myke]

Originally Posted by BlekherBob

Is it just me, or is Kluger a horrible name for a car?

No, it's a horrible name, Highlander sounds much better. However when Toyota launched the Kluuuuger here, Hyundai had rights to the Highlander name and when the second-gen model was launched, Toyota didn't want to change the name suggesting there were too many cars already that ended in 'lander' (Freelander, Outlander...).