Toyota has raked in many accolades for its Prius HEV; among them, the revamped 2004 model was named the 2004 "North American Car of the Year" for the Detroit auto show.
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| If the Highlander garners even half the accolades and awards that the Prius has enjoyed, it'll surely be a success. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
While Honda fielded the first HEV to be available to consumers in North America, but it was and still is a "mild hybrid" (vehicles that are only powered by their IC engines but use their battery packs to provide a power boost at critical times). The Insight, followed up by the much more functional Civic Hybrid, now complete the range of Honda HEVs. A hybrid Accord is expected out soon.
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| While Toyota is enjoying what seems almost like a monopoly on hybrid vehicles, strong competition from other automakers is quickly on the way. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
Mitsubishi and Nissan will begin marketing HEVs in North America over the next few years as well, while domestics General Motors, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler have invested hundreds of millions in HEVs, battery EVs, hydrogen fuel cell technologies, and alternative fuel vehicles. GM has been the most bullish with regards to HEVs, having announced that at least twelve of its models will receive HEV powertrains by 2007.
Meanwhile, the European automakers have generally touted advanced clean diesel engines as a less expensive solution that provides nearly the same benefits as hybrids, but without the higher price tag. BMW has focused much of its attention on the unique liquid hydrogen powered IC 745h concept, a technology that hasn't been forgotten by Ford as shown by last year's Model U concept.