Not only does Toyota's 2006 HEV sales goal represent a sharp increase in
production over one year, but its 400,000 prospective annual unit sales would almost equal its total hybrid sales to date - approximately 425,000 since its first-generation Prius was launched in 1997 - if its targets are realized.
And how will Toyota achieve such a dramatic rise in HEV fortunes? Well, factoring in high consumer demand - the automaker could sell every hybrid it produces twice over with a waiting list remaining - and a reduction in production costs since integrating the alternative technology into its traditional assembly line process - all Toyota hybrids are now built alongside conventionally-powered models instead of the dedicated plant that previously built Prius; and then taking in consideration that increased volumes will reduce component costs and therefore increase the potential for HEV profitability - prices will inevitably come down making the technology's value proposition more attractive to mainstream (read lightweight environmentalists) consumers.
Watanabe is planning to reduce production costs and in the process halve
the $5,000 USD price premium average HEV buyers get charged over a conventionally powered model with the same features, or so the Detroit News reports.
But in the case of Toyota's new Highlander and Lexus RX 400h, which along with Honda's new Accord Hybrid buck HEV convention in order to deliver strong performance benefits along with fuel savings and significant emissions reductions, there are no gasoline-only-powered equivalents to compare them to. Rather, the Lexus, for instance, would need to be tested side-by-side with a V8-powered luxury SUV to equal its luxurious appointments and acceleration off the line and during passing. It matches BMW's 4.4-litre X5, for instance, and prior to this year completely outclassed Mercedes-Benz's ML430 for straight-line performance at 6.8 seconds to 100 km/h.
 |
| Toyota's 400,000 prospective annual unit sales would almost equal its total hybrid sales to date. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
And how will Toyota achieve such a dramatic rise in HEV fortunes? Well, factoring in high consumer demand - the automaker could sell every hybrid it produces twice over with a waiting list remaining - and a reduction in production costs since integrating the alternative technology into its traditional assembly line process - all Toyota hybrids are now built alongside conventionally-powered models instead of the dedicated plant that previously built Prius; and then taking in consideration that increased volumes will reduce component costs and therefore increase the potential for HEV profitability - prices will inevitably come down making the technology's value proposition more attractive to mainstream (read lightweight environmentalists) consumers.
Watanabe is planning to reduce production costs and in the process halve
 |
| The Lexus RX 400h matches BMW's 4.4-litre X5 and prior to this year completely outclassed Mercedes-Benz's ML430 for straight-line performance. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
But in the case of Toyota's new Highlander and Lexus RX 400h, which along with Honda's new Accord Hybrid buck HEV convention in order to deliver strong performance benefits along with fuel savings and significant emissions reductions, there are no gasoline-only-powered equivalents to compare them to. Rather, the Lexus, for instance, would need to be tested side-by-side with a V8-powered luxury SUV to equal its luxurious appointments and acceleration off the line and during passing. It matches BMW's 4.4-litre X5, for instance, and prior to this year completely outclassed Mercedes-Benz's ML430 for straight-line performance at 6.8 seconds to 100 km/h.