Posted on Thursday 6 March 2008
A number of Europe’s major carmakers used this week’s Geneva Motor Show to unveil new concepts combining the frugalness of a compact diesel engine with the fuel-saving capability of a hybrid electric drivetrain. Some of the concepts, such as Volkswagen’s new TDI Hybrid, return fuel-economy of close to 70mpg (3.35L/100km). Despite the staggering results, hybrid technology pioneer Toyota has no plans for the oil-burning hybrid.
Speaking to reports in Geneva, Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe said there were no sell diesel hybrid cars. “Technologically, a passenger car with a diesel hybrid is feasible for us since we already have a truck in Japan with a diesel hybrid. But a diesel hybrid car would cost more than a gasoline hybrid. Today we have no plans to introduce a diesel hybrid,” Watanabe said.
Toyota is instead focusing on battery technology and is reported by Automotive News to be looking past lithium-ion technology in an effort to boost electric-only driving distances. Officials have set a goal of 50mi (80km) using a battery that can be charged from a standard home electricity outlet. This same week, Toyota’s chief also confirmed the carmaker’s entire lineup will be available with a hybrid option by the end of the next decade.
yet again, another stupid decision out of toyota. TWO IN ONE DAY!?!?! wow.
so basically they have pointed out that they already have a diesel electric truck IN PRODUCTION but they wont make a car.
talk about stupid.
makes sense for toyota. They dont want to kill their Prius market with a new diesel hybrid. Its all about money. They need to milk the Prius fad before moving on.
All they need to do is put a diesel in the prius.
Well,I’m a bit confused now.I thought the reason they aquired a stake in Izusu was to get their technological input in developing a diesel-hybrid.
I think their tie-in w/ Isuzu was so they could get better diesel technology & keep up w/ Honda & the Europeans … they probably have no plans now but if other diesel-hybrids outshine their tech, I am sure that it is coming.
i dont think you’ll be able to sell a hybrid in europe unless its a diesel.