Toyota Motor Company is looking to broaden its alternative fuel capabilities, says Jim Press, who indicated that the company is strongly considering launching E85-capable vehicles and plug-in hybrids. The North American president of the Japanese automaker’s announcement marked a turn in events for Toyota, who so far hasn’t really put much stock in plug-ins nor E85-capable vehicles, instead putting its effort towards beefing up its traditional hybrid vehicle offerings.
The most likely reason for the about-face is pressure coming from the Bush administration (and other automakers’ quick reaction to that pressure), which has touted both E85-capable and plug-in hybrid vehicles as important technologies in mitigating the country’s energy problems.
[Source: Automotive News]