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The Toyota Hybrid Timeline; 4 New Toyota Hybrids coming in 2009 & 2010

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Danny, Jun 11, 2008.

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  1. miscrms

    miscrms Plug Envious Member

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    Thats very true. I think there is a cross over area there though. Something the size of the Mazda 5 with 3 rows & seating for 6 but with mileage in the low to mid 30s would be a pretty nice fit for a lot of 2-4 child families. Maybe not as good as cramming everyone into one Prius, but better mileage than the HiHy for similar space, and more space/seats than the Camry Hybrid with similar mileage.

    For us with two small kids the Prius works fine. Could get crowded as they get bigger or if we have another one though.

    Rob
     
    #21 miscrms, Jun 12, 2008
  2. miscrms

    miscrms Plug Envious Member

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    I think you've hit the nail on the head there. A lot of manufacturers are starting to make noise about their "Prius killers" coming out in the 2009-2010 time frame. Of course, the Prius is 6 years old in its current form, and much of its design is 10-15 years old at this point. To assume that Toyota has been sitting on its thumbs for the past 6-15 years is probably a huge mistake. They have no reason to show their hand and go blabbing around about what they have planned, since they are way out in front of everyone. Since GM doesn't have a hand, they are bluffing as loud as they can in hopes they draw a winner.

    Also not a slam on GM or anybody else, just the reality that a 10 year head start is a huge advantage for Toyota. If they fail to capitalize on that I will be shocked.

    Rob
     
    #22 miscrms, Jun 12, 2008
  3. hiremichaelreid

    hiremichaelreid New Member

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    If they are smart, "They" don't assume that; they just want the public to assume that.

    In some other thread here Toyota is working on battery technology they expect to sell sometime around 2030. (or 2020 ? 2030 seems almost unreal.)


    IMO, all the talk of "Prius killers mean they are very afraid the Prius is killing or will kill them. Just like all the "iPhone killers" and "MS Windows killers"...
     
    #23 hiremichaelreid, Jun 12, 2008
  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    wow... a dilemma eh? Get the new Prius or wait for the Li-Ion one.
     
    #24 Tideland Prius, Jun 12, 2008
  5. AndyMartin826

    AndyMartin826 New Member

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    You've hit the nail right on the head. I was actually looking at the Mazda5, and if that had a HSD in it we'd be on it like white on rice. Especially since I get a discount on Ford/Mercury/Mazda family through a program at work, I can get a fully loaded Mazda5 for about $25k. Nav, leather, entertainment, reverse camera, you name it. And three rows, seating for 6. Not enough benefit on it to justify trading in right now, though, but throw in an HSD and it's a no-brainer.

    In response to the other comments, yes, we do need the space. We have kids with developmental disabilities and need the space for them and the occasional hab worker that we bring with us when we go out. Summertime is tough with everyone out of school, going to this camp, that camp, doctor appts, during the summer my wife has all three to work with during the day, and since you're not supposed to have small kids in the front seat they all have to go in the back, and with our kids we need two rows.
     
    #25 AndyMartin826, Jun 13, 2008
  6. AndyMartin826

    AndyMartin826 New Member

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    Danny,

    Regarding your mention of the Prius' "big brother". Do you know anything more about it, other than it will be kind of like a larger Prius? Are you implying a possible van, or just still a 5-seater more along the size of a Camry? :) If it's going to be a van, we might be waiting until next year instead of looking seriously at a HiHy right now...
     
    #26 AndyMartin826, Jun 13, 2008
  7. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    LOL!!

    Danny, you just started another internet rumor...The Prius stationwagon!@!
     
    #27 DaveinOlyWA, Jun 13, 2008
  8. Steeler187

    Steeler187 New Member

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    This isn't a Toyota production car. But it is a cool car. The best MPG of any other limo. We at Danville Toyota 9Danville Va.) wouldn't have them if they were real.
     
    #28 Steeler187, Jun 13, 2008
  9. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    I would assume that the largest we would see would be a Venza-sized car, but I don't even think it'll be shaped like that. I actually see it being more Mazda 5-ish. In my opinion, if Toyota is going to brand it in the Prius family, then the car will have to get at least 40 mpg. Anything below that brings out the Detroit boo-birds who will say that Hybrid technology can't successfully be adapted to a car "sized for the American <fat nice person> family".
     
    #29 Danny, Jun 17, 2008
  10. Danny

    Danny Admin/Founder
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    Just a follow-up to this thread... I spoke with my contacts at Toyota and they will not confirm whether Motortrend has it right saying that the plug-in hybrid will be a completely separate new car, or if other sources like TG Daily are right in saying that it will be a plug-in version of the Prius.

    According to Doug Coleman, Product Manager for the Prius, "At this time, we can't clarify which source "has it right" unfortunately, as we haven't seen the sources, and unfortunately that answer involves future product plans that we can't yet discuss."

    He did make sure to emphasize the fact that the 2010 plug-in would be "geared" toward fleet customers and that they have "no plans to mass produce plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2010."

    So, I'm sure you're out there wondering, how can I be a fleet customer? Here's the info straight off of Toyota's site:

    Toyota : Business Fleet : Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are some common questions your fellow fleet operators are asking along with Toyota's answers. 1. Q: How do I qualify as a Toyota Fleet customer?
    A: We define a fleet customer having 10 or more units in operation in order to qualify for a Toyota Fleet I.D. Number; they don't even need to be Toyota's.

    2. Q: If I have more than 10 vehicles, how do I get a fleet ID? A: Just visit Welcome to Toyota Fleet | Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. via the internet, look up "How to apply for a Fleet ID?" under the resources tab, and complete the 3-step process described in the website.

    3. Q: How do I order fleet vehicles? A: Your dealer can custom-order fleet category vehicles if you have 10 or more vehicles in service and have a Toyota Fleet ID number. See your local Toyota dealer for current Fleet incentives and product availability.

    4. Q: What type of work truck equipment do you provide to satisfy my business needs? A: We have national working relationships with Weather Guard, Adrian Steel, Tommy Gate and A.R.E. Our commercial fleet dealers may have additional fleet equipment relationships that can provide for all your vehicle upfit requirements. For more information relative to our business partners, click here.

    5. Q: If I am a business customer, but do not have 10 or more vehicles, what support is available? A: Business retail customers with less than 10 units in operation qualify for prevailing retail incentives. Consult your local dealer for details.

    6. Q: If my fleet is under 10 units, how do I order vehicles to meet my business needs? A: See your local Toyota dealer. Vehicles can be purchased directly from dealer inventory to meet your business needs.

    7. Q: How do I order vehicles that require distant delivery? A: If you have a fleet of 10 or more vehicles and a Toyota Fleet ID Number, your dealer can order vehicles that can be drop-shipped to Toyota Executive Delivery (TED) dealers throughout the continental United States.

    8. Q: Whom should I contact to arrange Toyota Financial Services Commercial Fleet financing? A: Contact your local Toyota dealer for more information on commercial fleet financing.

    9. Q: What kinds of commercial Fleet financing programs are available? A: Toyota Financial Services offers a variety of retail finance, open- and closed-end leases and balloon financing. Contact your local Toyota dealer for details.

    10. Q: What other financing features are available? A: Toyota Financial Services also offers Vehicle Credit Lines, Consolidated Billing Statements, Master Agreements and Insurance Products. Contact your local Toyota dealer for details.



    And I've attached the official press release from Toyota for anyone who's interested.
     

    Attached Files:

    #30 Danny, Jun 17, 2008
  11. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    I believe Priuschat.com has about 40,000 vehicles in service...we should qualify as a Fleet customer don't you think?
    Why don't you apply for a Fleet number and see if we could purchase, at a discount?, through Troy Danny?
     
    #31 efusco, Jun 17, 2008
  12. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    LOL.... nice twist Evan.
     
    #32 Tideland Prius, Jun 18, 2008
  13. HeyKB

    HeyKB Not so new member

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    I had the same reaction as Evan when I read Danny's summary of fleet info.

    Why not Priuschat as a fleet? Troy becomes our fleet guy and we have PHEV's drop-shipped all over the country.

    Toyota would certainly sell a bunch of them!
     
    #33 HeyKB, Jun 19, 2008
  14. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    great idea :)

    btw.. for those who mentioned a Mazda 5... how about a Nissan Altima? how big are those? they have the HSD...
     
    #34 V8Cobrakid, Jun 19, 2008
  15. miscrms

    miscrms Plug Envious Member

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    I know its kind of confusing. The Mazda 3, 6, and MX-5 are all cars. The 5 is a small mini-van with 3 rows of two seats. Its EPA classified as a mid-sized wagon, but its got sliders so in most peoples eyes its a mini-minivan. Its handling is supposed to be pretty sporty and carlike, as its based on the same platform as the Mazda3, Volvo S40, and the European Ford Focus (one gen ahead of US Focus).

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    This thing is absolutely begging for an HSD IMHO. Its whole point is that its smaller, more efficient, more fun to drive than a full sized minivan. Since Ford is already licensing the HSD for the Escape, why not get it in the 5 too! I think they'd have a real hit on their hands if they could get this into the mid 30s. In its current form its right in there with the Escape and Camry non-hybrids as far as weight and MPGs, so it seems feasible.

    Rob
     
    #35 miscrms, Jun 19, 2008
  16. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The Mazda5 is a blast to drive. We rented the old model with the 4-spd manumatic GT model. It was nicely sprung, firm but not uncomfortable and fairly spacious for its size.
     
    #36 Tideland Prius, Jun 19, 2008
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