Despite the Asahi Shimbun
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| There is little doubt as to whether Toyota would give up its leadership in the HEV market segment to any up and coming rival. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
report, a Toyota spokeswoman was reported to have said that no decision had been made on next year's specific production plans for hybrid vehicles. Whether the Japanese newspaper was right in forecasting sales of 500,000 units for next year, or not, there is little doubt as to whether Toyota would give up its leadership in the HEV market segment to any up and coming rival. Only Honda has proven to be a serious threat, and one that is gaining momentum with the recent introduction of the Accord Hybrid and soon to be launched all-new 2006 Civic Hybrid, while Ford's new Escape Hybrid is climbing the sales charts quickly.
