Plug-in plans for tomorrow's Toyotas

Jan 12 2010 Maurice Glover

Plug-in plans for tomorrow's Toyotas

TOMORROW'S world motoring is set to take a dramatic step forward with the announcement of eight new super-clean cars from Toyota.

To be released over the next few years, the cars are being released as part of plans for the Japanese firm to achieve annual sales of one million ultra low-emission vehicles early this decade.

In each case, the newcomers will be dedicated hybrids or hybrid replacements for petrol-powered models - and one of the first could be the FT-CH, a cheaper and more fuel-efficient alternative to the Prius.

Revealed in concept form at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Yaris-sized compact has been styled to appeal to younger drivers.

Designed at the company's European design and development centre in France, the concept is significantly lighter than the Prius but is claimed to provide maximum comfort and convenience.

'This is a car that promises nimble, responsive transport. It will be easy to manoeuvre and is sized to suit the inner-city environment while meeting our strategy to offer a wider variety of full hybrid choices,' said a spokesman.

In addition to the eight new models, Toyota also plans to introduce plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles to global markets in 2012 and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in 2015.