Toyota to add solar panels to Prius

Toyota Motor Corp. plans to install a solar power generation system in its Prius gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle when the model goes through a complete makeover as early as next spring. By doing so, it will become the first major automaker to equip a popular model with a system that can harness sunlight. The high-end trim lines of the redesigned Prius will have solar panels on the roof, which will supply part of the 2-5 kilowatt needed to power the air conditioners. Toyota is taking design and other matters into account when placing the panels. Such details as the number of vehicles to be made and the price will be hammered out later. It is planning to procure the panels from Kyocera Corp., which has a solid track record of providing panels for homes and factories. The automaker intends to produce about 450,000 Priuses at home in 2009, up about 60% from 2007. In addition to a new solar power generation system, it aims to boost sales by offering a redesigned version that improves fuel efficiency through reduced vehicle weight and other steps. (July 7, 2008)