Toyota plans eight new hybrids

Toyota Motor Corp. said it will launch eight hybrid models in the next couple of years among its most popular brands and will produce a new family of Prius vehicles. The Prius family could also include a smaller hybrid concept tentatively named the FT-CH that Toyota unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new hybrid would be smaller and cheaper than the standard Prius and would be aimed at attracting younger buyers who make fuel efficiency their top priority in buying a new vehicle, but may lack the funds for some hybrids now on the market. Stephen Beatty, Toyota Canada Inc.’s managing director, said he estimates the new hybrid could cost about US$20,000 versus the existing Prius at US$28,000 for the basic model. Toyota plans to have a new plug-in hybrid and an all-electric vehicle on the road by 2012 and a new hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle by 2015. (January 11, 2010)