Toyota: We’ll crack 35mpg CAFE before 2020, plug-in hybrids in 2010

Toyota: We'll crack 35mpg CAFE before 2020 and plug-in hybrid by 2010

Toyota’s CEO and other executives had a lot of ‘green’ things to say at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, taking a shot at GM’s claim to environmental superiority. Some of the things Toyota said were:

– Put lithium ion plug-in hybrid vehicles in demonstration fleets in 2010. Toyota already has two plug-in prototype vehicles being tested by the University of California, but those use nickel-metal hydride battery packs.

– Unveil Toyota and Lexus hybrid models at the January 2009 Detroit auto show. These vehicles will be offered only with hybrid powertrains. The Toyota-badged hybrid will be in addition to the Prius.

– Increase investment in cellulosic ethanol derived from wood waste, through a Toyota-affiliated company.

– Launch clean-diesel V-8 versions of the Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV within 24 months.

– Sell 1 million hybrid-powered vehicles globally per year by 2011 or 2012. Last year, Toyota sold 277,750 hybrids.

– Meet the new 35-mpg CAFE standard “well in advance” of 2020, when the rule takes effect.

Watanabe said that Toyota will not wait until the deadline to comply with the regulations. He also said that Toyota will have lithium-ion plug-in hybrids in demonstration fleets no later than 2010.

“I have asked my engineers to come up with a plug-in hybrid not at the end of 2010 but earlier than that,” Watanabe said.

 

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

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