Japan: Toyota and Isuzu start work on diesel hybrid cars
Wednesday, December 13, 2006, AutomotiveWorld.com
Toyota and Isuzu have announced a new joint diesel development strategy.
Steven Curtis, media and investor relations national manager for Toyota's US operations, says this will be a change in strategy for a company which has led the development of hybrid powertrains.
Jim Press, president of Toyota North America, adds that under the partnership, his company will integrate a diesel engine into its Synergy hybrid powertrain. He states that the partnership will work on developing hybrid vehicles which can run on diesel, biodiesel or ethanol as the modularity of hybrid systems enables its applications in different powertrains and fuel sources.
According to Toyota, a prototype Prius with a diesel engine will incorporate both hybrid and diesel technologies to achieve improved fuel efficiency with existing technologies.
As per a mutual agreement, Isuzu will be responsible for research and development of diesel engine production and emissions-control technologies with Toyota focusing on basic engine and other technologies including alternative fuels.
In November, the Australian Associated Press citing unnamed sources reported that Toyota and Isuzu were planning to begin mass production of a diesel hybrid sub-compact car by 2010. According to Toyota, this plan would help the company launch a diesel hybrid car in Europe, which has traditionally preferred diesel vehicles. The AAP report did not say whether this would be for the Toyota and/or Lexus brand(s).
Published on Wednesday, December 13, 2006
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