18 June 2001: Toyota has launched another hybrid vehicle, initially for the Japanese market, following on its success with the petrol-electric Prius saloon which has sold more than 60,000 copies in Japan, North America and Europe over three years.
The new Estima hybrid MPV (the normal vehicle is sold as the Previa, right, in Europe) gets over 50mpg, about twice the mileage of the standard MPV. It will sell for between $27,000 and $30,000. Highlighting is electric power feature, the car has electric sockets for hair-driers, laptops or microwave ovens.
The Japanese government is implementing stricter anti-emission regulations and will offer tax breaks and other public support for low-emission vehicles in coming years.
Fujio Cho, president of Toyota, says his company plans to produce at least 300,000 hybrid vehicles a year by 2005. TW
June 2001