subject: Toyota's high-selling Prius to be offered in two new models by 2012 [print this page] Toyota's high-selling Prius to be offered in two new models by 2012
Upon first glance, it could seem to the average eye that Toyota is falling behind in the hybrid and electric vehicle race. Remember, up until now, they have led for years - and with a commanding lead at that. In just a few short weeks, Nissan will release the LEAF and Chevy will release the Volt, both of which will be the world's first electric vehicles to be mass-produced. Toyota has no such plans for this year and even next year as well. Could the world's largest automaker and frontrunner in the green-automobile revolution being loosing its touch? Will Oprah go into seclusion as soon as she goes off the air?
Not a fat chance, for either of them! Toyota is simply taking its time (and Oprah simply planning her next move). In the end, this move could turn out to be gold (Toyota's that is). Toyota has announced plans to release two new Prius models by the end of 2012, one of which is rumored to be an electric vehicle. By waiting, Toyota gains the luxury of nearly two more year's time to perfect its technology, as well as gauge the market's reaction to electric vehicles. Just like they have dominated the hybrid scene, it is a safe bet that in just a few short years they will be dominating the electric vehicle scene too (while dramatically improving the world of hybrids also).
In addition to the two new Prius models, Toyota is currently planning to release six new gasoline-electric hybrid models around the world at the same time the Prius models will be released by the end of 2012. One of these will be a Prius plug-in, which is expected to start popping up on lots in the summer of 2012. What was that about dominance?
Perhaps, however, the more exciting new Prius model is the one rumored to be 50% larger than the model currently on the roads. Thanks to America's taste for big, and its history of driving vehicles that fit this description, in towns across America, such as Wellington, Toyota Prius is an off-limits car for many, simply due to its petite characteristic.
Toyota has set out to change this fact and without abandoning the environmentally friendly features the Prius is known for. This new Prius model, currently referred to by Toyota as the FT-CH, is expected to be about the size of the well-selling vehicle. The new Prius FT-CH is expected to mimic this mid-sized sedan model in size, but take on more of a station-wagon shape. The other model will be similar in size to the current Prius, but offer updated technology. Thanks to this new design by Toyota, by the end of 2012 Americans won't have to sacrifice the environment even if they need to drive a bigger vehicle around Wellington. Toyota Prius models will actually be large enough to be considered!
A key for the future of Toyota will be developing this Prius model that appeals to everyone, like the Americans living in Wellington. Toyota Camry has allowed the company to ride a huge wave of success for some time now thanks to its great design and reliability. However, the future of the auto-industry lies in green technology. As Mike Milliken, the editor of greencarcongress.com said, "If Toyota can expand that brand umbrella, it may stand a much better chance of driving up its hybrid sales, instead of just relying on the introduction of hybrid technology into other brands." Toyota is doing just that.
