The technologies' level of acceptance will be fostered by its number one producer, Toyota, which has vowed to offer an HEV
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| From what started as just one car from Toyota has grown into a major market, with every automaker now wanting a piece of the HEV action. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada) |
derivative of most of its models in coming years. Already, the brand that started out with a single, stand-alone sedan dubbed the Prius, has already announced a new Lexus RX 330-based RX400h, Toyota Highlander hybrid and Camry hybrid, with most expecting a Sienna minivan hybrid soon. Honda is also a major HEV player, initiating its early adaptor position with the odd but thrifty Insight, followed up by the Civic Hybrid and now the Accord Hybrid. Ford announced its Escape Hybrid years ago, and is expected to follow with a Fusion (Taurus replacement) hybrid in coming years, with more to follow. GM is already to market with its Silverado and Sierra pickup truck hybrids, and only recently announced a new Malibu hybrid. Nissan will bring an Altima hybrid to market too, powered with Toyota components.
It doesn't take a degree in alternative fuel systems development to see why Volkswagen has changed its mind, showed the Golf ECO.Power and made the announcement that it plans to follow suit. The only question that remains is which European automaker will make a similar announcement next.
