Toyota to Unveil New Hybrid in Detroit, 2009
Toyota came forward with a list of new, fairly exciting plans at a news conference Wednesday (well, okay, I guess you could say today). The question is whether they’ll really pull them off.
Batteries Beyond Lithium Ion
After developing nickel hydride batteries, and then lithium-ion batteries (to be used in plug-in hybrids in 2010) the automaker looks to their old partner Matsushita Electric Industrial to create a “next generation” battery. Details were sparse, but they’re setting up shop by the end of the summer.
When it comes to works in progress, I try to stay very neutral. You never know if a plan is going to lose footing or hold, but these companies have a history of success working together.
Every Toyota a Hybrid, New Hybrid-Only Model
Katsuaki Watanabe made several other claims during his news conference. Two exciting announcements were the decision to take the entire Toyota line hybrid (which we all know could change at any time between now and intended completion date, 2029).
More importantly, Toyota has plans to unveil a new hybrid-only model at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. So far, the only cars currently fitting this mold are the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. If Toyota is successful in making a functional auto with a unique design, they could be launching their second major win.
Ethanol from Yard Waste
Last, but certainly not least, Toyota is investing in research for making ethanol from cellulose (grass clippings, wood chips, etc). It’s not as exciting as ethanol from garbage, but better than using up topsoil to grow crops to convert into fuel.
Source: Forbes
[Image: Newscom]
Honda looks to Fit and new 5-seater hybrid to boost US sales
Honda’s doing a lot of dishing lately, specifically on how the company plans on boosting sales now that their top two markets are turning downward. A loss of interest from Japanese consumers tanked sales by 12%, while the housing market in the U.S. was expected to dampen sales.
However, Honda says they’re offering what American consumers will be after - cute, quick cars with better gas mileage than their counterparts. Along with the Fit, and popular Civic sedan, the company intends on releasing a new 5-seater hybrid in 2009 that should drum up interest.
On one hand, I think Honda’s performance in the hybrid market has a tinge of tragedy. They were the first major car company to streamline the technology with the release of their hybrid Civic and two-seater insight, but those efforts were quickly overshadowed by the Toyota Prius.
On the other hand, the company’s plans seem somewhat unrealistic. Toyota held 79% of hybrid sales in the US in the last quarter, and they’re anticipating no rise in sales for next year. Honda’s President, Takeo Fukui, hails interest in “gas-sippers” like the popular Honda Fit, Civic, and newly redesigned Accord to boost their numbers.
A romantic could hope the best for Honda, and drivers looking for more ecologically friendly options will certainly appreciate the push. We’re also waiting to see the outcome of the FCX Clarity lease program later this year running in California.
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