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Of course most people know a Toyota Prius when they see one since it is the most awkward looking car on the road and because it is the world’s best-selling hybrid. But it is the other top-rated Toyota green cars that passer-bys wouldn’t notice until they saw the little blue hybrid logo in the back.

Toyota believes that one reason the Prius has sold almost 140,000 units in the U.S. this year is because of its distinctive looks. The Camry Hybrid on the other hand, which looks exactly like its gasoline counterpart sold just below 40,000 units.

Toyota is now working on a new look for all its hybrids that will turn heads like the Prius yet still offer the “I own a Toyota” look. The push to keep a unified design for all future hybrids is in its final stages of development.

Cars like the Camry and Highlander Hybrid, while still looking exactly like their gasoline counterparts, will get a different style grille, bumpers or headlights.

“People like to buy it because they like to advertise ‘I am interested in the environment.’ So currently the Camry doesn’t appeal very much,” Toyota’s chief designer, Wahei Hirai, told Automotive News. “They prefer Prius because, while they are driving in town, people can understand that the driver has more social awareness.”

Toyota will show a sneak peek at a future Prius with the 1/X hybrid concept car we saw last week. The concept car will make its official debut at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

[tags]Cars, Car, Auto, Automobile, Vehicles, Technology, Auto News, News, Automotive, Toyota[/tags]

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