As automakers blitz Washington with their answers to the U.S. dependency on increasingly expensive foreign oil, it was Toyota's turn to step up to the plate Wednesday. Speaking to the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, Toyota's advanced technology manager, William Reinert, focused on his company's hybrid solution, saying its annual production of hybrids could pass the one million mark within the next decade.While Toyota is far from alone in its development of hybrid vehicle technology, according to Reuters, it would appear to be far ahead of its U.S. competitors, who are instead focusing on alternative fuels (notably ethanol) as their near-term 'silver bullet,' while they play catch-up with hybrid technologies.
Of course, Reuters points out, the problem with the flex-fuel alternative is the necessary, massive build-out of an ethanol infrastructure before the fuel can have a significant impact on America's energy situation. Building flex-fuel-capable vehicles is not the problem - growing, refining and distributing the fuel is, and in the mean time, Toyota continues to refine its hybrids, focusing on improving production efficiency and lowering costs.
[Source: Reuters]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael Karesh @ May 26th 2006 4:41PM
The GM/DCX/BMW system appears more advanced at the system level than Toyota's most advanced system, but Toyota likely still leads at the component level and in getting costs down. It will be interesting to see how much the GM et al system costs.
I've taken a swing at discussing the differences between the systems here:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31539
GIGO @ May 26th 2006 4:50PM
Do you come with a delete button Karesh?
Church Lady @ May 26th 2006 4:59PM
Well isn't that special.
caffee @ May 26th 2006 5:06PM
Karesh,
Read your link, thanks, and it does sound like a better application. I knew that GM was working with BMW on a hybrid but I hadn't seen much about it recently. Hopefully it won't be as expensive as the current Toyota hybrids. The cost difference is hurting the hybrid market today, and if gas prices should come down a bit, they would not sale at all.
Lithous @ May 26th 2006 6:26PM
Toyota stated that they would be at 10 million production but 2010, right? 1 million hybrids is 10% of their production. Hmmm, does it take that long for other supposed great technology to get into a majority/all their engines? Why is it such a slow process hybridizing ALL their vehicles if 1) they are the king of hybrids and 2) it IS (supposed) to be a long term, viable, awesome thing? Sounds like if hydrogen can be in use by 2015 or even maybe 2020 (which I think is possible) that hybrids will be considered just a low fad.
naggs @ May 27th 2006 2:55AM
hybrids are the flavor of the month, they will die out. it will never be cost efficient for the average person to buy a hybrid, the extra hardware just weighs too much and is too heavy.
JcB @ May 27th 2006 3:57AM
#2-
Mr. Karesh has been one of the most perspicacious and reasonable posters on this blog and many of the forums that I read as well. Thanks Mr. Karesh- and I will be joining your site as soon as I buy a new automobile.
You should really read his piece on the GM-BMW-DCX hybrid.
The hybrid system can work with a wide range of engines, from different manufacturers, which allows for application across multiple platforms and drivetrains. From BMW's I-6, to a 1.9 litre Turbo Diesel or a 5.3 Litre V-8 with AFM,this system fits squarely in the already designated automatic transmission location of most currently produced autos. It also grants the benefits of a CVT, effectively eliminating the need for developing both technologies.
Patrick Irelan @ May 30th 2006 5:56AM
My Toyota Corolla is the only car I've ever owned that actually works. When I slide the key in its housing and engage the ignition, the car always starts. The rest of you may take that for granted, but it's a new experience for me, and I want to continue to enjoy it as this aging baby boomer slides into retirement. Ladies, Gents, tell me. Do I have to throw it away and buy a hybrid? Isn't there something I can plug into that angelic white beauty that will let me drive on an alcohol blend, whatever it's called? Talk to me. Be gentle. I'm almost officially old, according to the Social Security Administration. Tell me it's gonna be all right.
Patrick Irelan @ May 30th 2006 6:09AM
What about the old geezers like me? Can I adapt my Toyota to an alternative fuel? Forgive my ignorance, but I'll slide into the grave before a hybrid slides into my garage.