Financial Times
Toyota embraces ethanol technology for US push
By Bernard Simon in Toronto and James Mackintosh in London
Published: April 18 2006 22:23 | Last updated: April 18 2006 22:23
Toyota is planning to sell ethanol-powered vehicles in the US by 2008 in the latest push by the Japanese carmaker into segments dominated by the Detroit-based manufacturers, a company executive said.
Toyota has resisted the technology amid worries about the impact of highly-corrosive ethanol on rubber seals in the engine. The new vehicle would be fitted with anti-corrosive parts to meet US regulations.
Toyota is known for its fuel-efficient hybrid petrol-electric systems, with its Prius hatchback the market leader by far.
But the Japanese company is eager to show it has not put all its eggs into the hybrid basket. “We’re studying all alternative fuels,” Toyota said. “We will not be outflanked.” Last year’s surge of consumer interest in hybrid vehicles has shown signs of flagging amid questions about whether the extra fuel efficiency justifies the high purchase price.
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May 9, 2006 at May 9, 2006 - 11:14 am
Will Toyota make a hybrid ethanol engine?
June 3, 2006 at June 3, 2006 - 1:40 am
If Toyota want to make a giant leap ahead of the competitiion it will create the following:
Flex fuel (ethanol and gasoline)
plug-in
hybrid
that run up to 70mph in electric mode
that has a range of 30-40 miles in the electric mode
that has an 120v ac outlet in the cargo area
that can be connected to a residence as emergency back up power.
Do this Toyota and you will be blessed.
Cost could be reduced by eliminating all the bells an whisles, like radio and climate controls on the steering wheel, a more simplified LCD panel, use manual windows etc.
In fact they could have the option of two different battery packs, one for 30 to 40 miles another 80 to 100 on pure electric.
Any cars of the future that don’t run on at least two different fuels will be a drug on the market. You won’t be able to give them away. (except pure electric)