Toyota Said to Build New Compact Hybrid Model at New Northern Japan Plant

Toyota Said to Build New Compact Hybrid Model at New Northern Japan Plant

Toyota Motor Corp. will build a new compact hybrid model at a plant in northern Japan as it reorganizes domestic production, a person familiar with the company’s plans said.
Central Motor Co., an assembly unit of Toyota, will produce the model at a plant in Ohira, Miyagi prefecture, according to the person, who declined to be identified as the plans are private. The carmaker showed a compact version of the Prius hybrid at the Detroit auto show last month.

The automaker, based in Toyota City, is shifting production from its main manufacturing area as the strong yen hurts earnings from exports. Lower labor costs relative to Aichi prefecture, Toyota’s primary domestic production hub, and a nearby port may make Miyagi, about 370 kilometers (230 miles) north of Tokyo, more attractive for exports.
Toyota spokesman Keisuke Kirimoto declined to comment on whether the company will build hybrids in Miyagi.
Toyota plans to begin selling a “city-centric” compact version of the Prius hybrid in the U.S. in the first half of next year. The car was first shown as the Prius c concept model at the Detroit auto show last month.
President Akio Toyoda has said the company will maintain domestic production of about 3 million cars. Toyota built 3.2 million cars in Japan last fiscal year out of 7.3 million units worldwide.
While cars may eventually be shipped out of the Port of Sendai, which is 28 kilometers from the Ohira plant, they will be exported from the Port of Nagoya in Aichi until production reaches sufficient volume, the person familiar with Toyota’s plans said.

Toyota Said to Build New Compact Hybrid Model at New Northern Japan Plant

Volkswagen Up to Get Diesel Hybrid from XL1 Concept, Target 95-MPG

At the recent Qatar Motor Show, Volkswagen proudly showed off the XL1 Prototype, which according to its maker can manage 260-mpg. While the XL1 might not be headed to production per say, VW is working on a more conventional car that will cost only pennies to run.

The Up mini-car concept has been around for a few years already and it seems that a production version is about to get launched. According to reports, the Up e-motion will get the same powertrain as the XL1 Prototype, but since it is a bigger vehicle, will manage a much more modest 95-mpg. The powertrain in question is a 0.8-liter, two-cylinder diesel motor which produces just 47-hp. However, a 26-hp electric motor will also kick in to give the car extra performance while also allowing it to give better mileage. While most hybrids make use of a CVT gearbox, the Up will get a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The exact specifications are being kept under wraps by VW, but expect to see this model get the official unveiling at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Jamaicans slow to plug in

Jamaicans slow to plug in

Even with skyrocketing fuel prices and the acknowledgement of the need for cheaper and renewable alternative energy sources, most Jamaicans are not warming up to the idea of owning hybrids or electric cars.
"They [hybrids and electric cars] are indeed better for the environment as they reduce environmental pollution, but Jamaicans, like most people, are afraid of the unknown," said Claudia Goldson-Rae, former race-car driver. "They [Jamaicans] would have to see how the cars operate over a long period before becoming interested."
Goldson-Rae - the first female to take the chequered flag at Dover Raceway, St Ann, at the opening of the venue in 1989 - said despite the snail's pace at which motorists generally tend to think about such vehicles, she feels the 'plug-ins' could eventually make their way on the racing circuit.
Promotion is key
"That would have to happen with proper promotion," she said. "If one of the well-known racers, such as a David Summerbell or a Peter Rae, decided to become the spokesman for the cause. That's when the racing public would begin to take notice."

Corporate Area gas retailer Donovan G. Brown said while the environmental benefits of hybrids and electric cars are well known, the cost to set up the 'plug-ins' would be a hurdle.

"There are a lot of things to consider as recharging stations at the fuel outlets and at home would be costly to set up," said the proprietor of LG Brown Service Station. "In addition, the costs associated with the importation of the vehicles would be great."

However, importers of Toyota's flagship hybrid vehicle, Prius, said prospective owners receive huge discounts.

Discount

"Buyers of the Prius receive a 63 per cent off the usual duty rates," said Tom Conner, parts manager at the Spanish Town Road-based Toyota Jamaica Ltd.

Conner said so far his company has sold four units and the persons who have bought them are quite knowledgeable about them.

"The 2011 Prius comes well appointed and costs $4.5 million," Conner said. He said, however, more basic units would be arriving in the island soon.

"The fact that it operates on both fuel and electric means the savings are enormous." The parts manager explained that a Prius owner who lives in Mandeville drove to Negril, on to Montego Bay, then to Port Antonio and back to Mandeville and still had fuel in his car.

Twenty-year taxi operator Paul Allen said he was not opposed to trying the hybrids or electric cars.

"I would try them," he said. "But this does not mean I would trade in my '95 Toyota Sprinter for them.

"Remember, we're used to regular things. We would have to see it work. But I would try it," he added.

Jamaicans slow to plug in