Autoblog

Automotive News sat down with Kazuo Okamoto, Toyota's executive vice president of R&D, in Geneva to discuss the Prius and the automaker's future hybrid offerings. While the interview was short on details, when AN asked whether or not the Prius could spawn its own brand based on the popularity of the hybrid sedan, Okamoto responded in the typical parsed words of an exec talking to a reporter. "We are studying that, but I can't say what stage of the study we are in." Okamoto went on to say that utilizing the Prius' platform for other body styles – including a coupe, sedan or wagon – "is possible." Okamoto remained silent on anything of real substance, but his few comments confirmed what's been assumed for some time: Toyota is looking to capitalize on the sales success of the Prius and the green identity it's forged since its introduction.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

Automotive News is reporting that a year or two after the next generation Toyota Prius hybrid debuts in 2009, a wagon variant will be introduced. Parly due to its success as a taxi vehicle, the next Prius is expected to grow in size to comfortably accommodate three adults in the back seat, while a wagon model is hoped to attract more commercial customers looking for a green delivery vehicle that may save on fuel costs. Both the first- and second-gen Priuses have been doing taxi duty for years now and their battery packs have been proven to take the punishment of near constant use. The third gen car will use a new nickel metal hydride battery pack, which is the same type used in the current car. Toyota has laid to rest rumors that it may debut a new lithium-ion battery pack in the third gen Prius, and instead appears to be saving that for a low-volume Lexus hybrid due to its cost. Either way, the third gen Prius is sure to be a hit everywhere its sold, with more room, more power and better fuel economy. Adding a wagon to the lineup will only improve its appeal.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]