The next-gen Prius may be outfitted with solar panels on the roof to help power the air conditioner. It’s new for Toyota as a factory option, but enthusiasts have had solar roof applications for years.
Not much is known about this option yet to say whether or not it’s going to be worth the investment, but I would say this may be an option where third-party options provide a better return on investment. (Though other enthusiasts have been calling that a negligible return.)
My favorite thing about technology is how one idea can lead to another … then another, then another. Solar …read more

The world’s leader in “green” transportation – Toyota Motor Corp – has been accused of serious human rights violations, including the trafficking of foreign workers from China, Vietnam and surrounding countries.
The 65-page report released by the National Labor Committee dishes out such allegations as taking passports of guest workers, forcing them to live  in cramped, over-priced company-owned apartments, working them 16 hr days, 7 days a week for less than half the minimum wage and no overtime pay … and deporting people who complained.
While much of the supposed abuse is committed by support companies, Toyota is under fire for hiring …read more

Waiting lists forcing consumers to seek out alternatives

Ha! Grand Theft Auto IV came out a few days ago, and wouldn’t you know it? Gangsters love driving the Prius in the game world, too. If you hunt around, you’ll be able to catch a little blue bean-shaped car. It’s not technically “the Prius” but the Karin Dilettante. Expensive … but the Earth is worth it. :)
If you’re interested in the game, you might also be interested in these posts around b5media:
Playgirlz gives us a better glimpse at the GTA IV world map … with a little help from Google
At PS Monger it’s GTA 4 vs GTA fans
Cellphone9’s letting …read more

Thanks to Ken, who stopped by to inform me of a problem with this ultra-cool mod for the Toyota Prius.

By installing a 200 lb battery pack (in addition to the Prius battery already installed in the car) they provide up to 30 miles of electric-only cruising, boosting fuel efficiency over 100 mpg.

Apparently the Prius placement in the magazine had no suggested significance on the contest as I’d thought. Call it wishful thinking. :< A blogger who works for HGTV states the giveaway includes Yukon hybrid here.

We were just reading about Chang’an Automotive Group’s hybrid innovations in China, and now Honda, Toyota and GM are bringing their hybrid cars into what may be the world’s fastest growing green market.

Two reps got their panties in a bunch when House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, sent the latest energy bill to President Bush in a Toyota Prius.

Top Five Family Sedans for 2007 & 2008