Toyota's Hybrid Evolution | Green Energy News

April 13, 2003 – Vol.8 No.3

TOYOTA’S HYBRID EVOLUTION.

No you can’t get one now, it won’t be in Toyota showrooms until fall. No, this editor has not driven, sat in or even seen one in the flesh, as it were.

But like promotions for new movies, this is what others have said about the redesigned 2004 Prius unveiled at the New York International Auto Show:

--- “Toyota takes a giant step with new Prius, Gas-electric hybrid sets new standards - Toyota Motor Corp. unveiled a new Prius gas-electric hybrid sedan at the New York International Auto Show last week. But it was more than just another of the many product debuts.

The Prius established Toyota as the leader in hybrid technology, the alternative form of transportation anointed by environmental groups. And its grasp is expanding.” --- Mark Yost, The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky)

--- (regarding the Auto Show in general) “The loudest buzz so far wasn't over a six-figure fantasy machine or an explosive sports car, but the Little Toyota That Could: an all-new 2004 Prius gas-electric hybrid expected to deliver a combined 55 mpg when it goes on sale this fall.” --- CNN/ Money Magazine

---The new Prius will be the greenest mass market car ever to hit the streets -- says Jason Mark at the Union of Concerned Scientists. He called it an example of gains possible with available technology. --- USA Today

Enough said. Visit the Toyota media website for the press release with details on the car and be sure to browse the full portfolio of photos of the evolutionary Prius at http://pressroom.toyota.com/

And what’s the next Toyota hybrid for the U.S market? Apparently it’s a Lexus RX330 Sport Utility Vehicle - V-8 performance with a four-cylinder under the hood and compact car gas mileage.