Industry Report: Toyota Canada Shows Exciting New Models and Concepts at CIAS

That real-life cutout would help to understand the basic technology behind the upcoming Highlander Hybrid, although the 2006

The upcoming Toyota Highlander Hybrid will share configurations with the new Lexus RX 400h (shown). (Photo: Lexus)

model will share configurations with the new Lexus RX 400h, due to arrive in dealers soon. The Highlander makes a total of 268-horsepower from its twinned electric motor setup, the rear motor powering the rear wheels for all-wheel drive when called upon, and the slightly detuned V6 delivering force to the wheels in front, that combines with an electric motor up front.

With regards to the drivetrain's overall effectiveness Beatty sums it up best by saying, "In other words, it combines V8 performance with the fuel efficiency of an average compact car, plus the lowest emissions in the world."

The Highlander Hybrid goes on sale later this year, making Toyota the only

Toyota is the only nameplate to offer a lineup of both passenger cars and SUVs equipped with hybrid power. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

nameplate to offer a lineup of both passenger cars and SUVs equipped with hybrid power.

"These vehicles are more than just hybrids," Beatty added, "they are the platforms that Toyota needs for future generations of eco-sensitive cars and trucks, such as fuel cell electric vehicles and intelligent transportation systems."

Beatty also spoke of a record 170,000 plus total Toyota and Lexus car and truck sales throughout 2004, allowing the automaker to capture 11.1 percent of Canada's market share. Echo Hatchback sales were up 25 percent over 2003 figures, while Matrix achieved 15 percent growth.