In the news: Reuters has recently reported that a top engineer of Toyota Motor Corporation manufacturer of high quality Toyota parts has stated during an interview last Monday that the diesel-powered vehicles that would be able to meet the strict clean-air regulations set in the United States would be too costly and in the long run may not worth the fuel savings that customers are to derive from it.
According to Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto, heading Toyota’s research and development during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, "I won't deny that we might be offering a diesel in the United States some time in the future. But right now we think hybrids are much more cost competitive.”
He further added that the high cost involved in adding particulate filter traps as well as the other components needed to clean tailpipe emissions are likely to increase the price of diesel-powered vehicles and with the present condition of the US market he still believes that hybrid vehicles will still be the popular choice by a great number of American car buyers.
Toyota although not that optimistic in the prospect of diesel technology has entered into a partnership with a diesel savvy Japanese truck maker, Isuzu Motors Ltd in an attempt to advance against its other domestic Japanese rivals. Takimoto justified the said partnership saying that the roadmap leading to future diesel technology is wide open and just like any other automaker Toyota is taking advantage of the opportunity.
On the other hand, Toyota’s other domestic Japanese rivals specifically Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. have both announced that they were preparing a clean diesel powertrain which they expect to launch in the United States by the end of the decade. They claimed that their clean diesel powertrain will meet the set US diesel emission regulations which are viewed to become the strictest emission regulations the world will ever see.
Plug-in Hybrids at the Auto Show in Detroit
Despite the presence of numerous remarkable vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, plug-in hybrids have still managed to grab the limelight. Takimoto explains that as long as people would like to save fuel and cut carbon dioxide emissions, hybrid plug-in cars will always have a part in the US market.
But he also stressed that a battery with enough advanced capability is still years away from practical applications. "To make plug-in hybrids feasible, you'd need a battery that is far smaller, lighter and advanced than the best lithium-ion batteries out there today," he told reporters.
He further stated that at present Toyota is developing such type of advanced battery in partnership with Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Takimoto also said that the best use of plug-in hybrids will greatly depends on the method on how a country produces its electricity. For instance if a country depends heavily on fossil fuels such as coal in creating their electricity the resulting emissions on a well-to-wheel basis would still remain high.
Related Articles
Toyota Sponsors Crash Course for Teens
By: Jenny Mclane | 26/10/2006 | Automotive
Hundreds of teenagers swarmed Paramount's King Island parking lot to take advantage of the free crash course sponsored by Toyota Motor Corp. Said crash course is aimed at promoting safety in driving not only for teens but for their parents as well.
Dynamic Simplicity Imbibed in New Altima
By: Tom Bailey | 17/11/2006 | Automotive
The brand new Altima blends both dynamism and simplicity to come up with a groundbreaking version of the car. Said new model uses a revolutionary platform and an evolutionary design to pave way for a stunning and admirable car.
Toyota Invading the Truck and Bus Segment in India
By: Evander Klum | 12/09/2007 | Automotive
Toyota Motor Corp. is attempting to captivate the truck, bus and commercial vehicle segments in India. Plans on establishing new manufacturing facilities in the growing car industry of the country are underway.
Health Care Clinic From Toyota
By: Tom Bailey | 10/11/2006 | Automotive
The Toyota Motor Manufacturing office in Texas would soon be opening a health care clinic on its grounds. This one actually cost the company some nine million dollars at that but it can be considered as quite a good investment.
"why Do Ford, Gm and Dcx Alone Still Speak for the Industry?" - Wall Street Journal
By: Tracy Dawson | 21/11/2006 | Automotive
Overwhelming queries are bombarding the auto industry but why is it that there are only a chosen few that speaks for the entire industry? That is also the inquiry that Wall Street Journal ought to answer.
New Styles Coming Up for the Toyota Corolla
By: Mark Clarkson | 25/10/2006 | Automotive
The Toyota Corolla would be coming as a hatch vehicle. This has been done so as to be able to bring about a new kind of rounded and even funky approach to the whole deal.
An Update on 3 Automakers: Nissan, Ford, Toyota
By: Jerick Brooks | 21/04/2007 | Automotive
While fuel prices rise, fuel economy and emissions rules would continue to toughen around the world, automakers such as Nissan, Ford and Toyota are continuously makings ways to emerge as winners in the automotive arena despite these challenges.
Five Toyota New Concept Vehicles: in Brief
By: Jerick Brooks | 26/04/2007 | Automotive
Toyota proves to be still one of the most famous automobile brands in the industry. Five of its surely most awaited concept vehicles include the PM, NLSV, Hybrid X, FT-SX, and the FT-HS.
Latest Automotive Articles
Propane Conversion Kits For Cars Will Save You Money While Driving Green!
By: Jerbob Johnson | 07/09/2008
Using a propane conversion kit for your auto is not something new. People have converting gasoline engines to run on propane for many years. Today with the price gasoline skyrocketing, it is only natural to see the increase interest in alternative fuels. Forklifts and other heavy duty vehicle having been...
Customized Chrome Rims: Facts of a Worth the Money Rim
By: David H. Urmann | 05/09/2008
There are factors to consider when purchasing chrome rims for customization enhancement. Although getting the popular brands and types can assure you the best quality, there are things you can do t maintain your chrome rims.
When purchasing chrome rims for customization enhancement, the lug pattern of an automobile, width and...
The Honda Civic
By: Brenda Williams | 05/09/2008
The Honda Civic has been one of the more popular models from Honda over the past couple of decades, so much that you still see the original version on the roadway. Because some of the original models of the Honda Civic are still being driven today it is a testament...
Water4Gas - The New Way to Travel
By: Ynavica William | 05/09/2008
What is Water4gas? There has been a lot of interpretation on it and some has taken to believe it or reject it as a scam that is designed to take advantage on those unhappy with the hike in fuel price. The question now is, is it really something that will...
LED Car Tail Lights - Why Are They So Popular?
By: Matthew A. Barr | 04/09/2008
We live in highly industrialized world today. Our cities, and even the towns, are equipped with too much lighting system that you sometimes wonder where those lights came from. Well, most of the lights you see (especially the ones at night) come from your vehicles. Because automobiles are a common...
Working With Blown Automotive Fuses
By: Jayesh Bagde | 04/09/2008
Repairing blown automotive fuses requires substantial knowledge about its placement and how it works.
Automobile fuses come in a type of glass formation. It is cylindrical in shape while the ends are stainless steel and made of glass at the center. Others are made of plastic. It also has links acting...
Things to Know When Buying From an Auto Outlet
By: Jayesh Bagde | 04/09/2008
Auto outlets can help narrow down your options when it comes to the car you need.
An auto outlet is an establishment that sells old and new cars. Some even offer automotive services and car accessories. Choosing the best auto outlet can allow you to acquire the most suitable car for...
Car Kits: Choosing the Right One
By: Jayesh Bagde | 04/09/2008
Car kits come in different varieties. Choosing the car kits with the devices most useful for your needs requires careful research.
Most Car Kits have hands-free mobile phones with voice activated speaker phones, Bluetooth/earphones and cradles/holders, along with mounts and other body kits. Here are some of the most popular car...
More from Correy Putton
The Teenage Drivers and Summer Connection
By: Correy Putton | 30/05/2007 | Automotive
It would also help if they would give the teenage drivers sanctions for every rule that has been broken. Reminding the young drivers about the do’s and don’ts when on the road and behind the wheel would also help out a lot.
Volvo to Roll Out Cars in India
By: Correy Putton | 28/05/2007 | Cars
Volvo said it will roll out product lines in India late this year. Vehicles include S80 sedan and XC90 sport utility vehicle.
Foundation Urges Drivers to Unite to Reduce Rider Deaths
By: Correy Putton | 28/05/2007 | Automotive
Motorcycle Safety Foundation urges drivers to unite and help reduce the crashes on america’s roads and highways. This move is in connection with NHTSA’s release of the 2006 Preliminary Fatality and Injury Assessment.
Calif. Wants Nation's Strictest Emissions Rules
By: Correy Putton | 26/05/2007 | Automotive
California state officials ask federal permission to impose the nation’s strictest emission rules. The move would cost automakers billions to produce vehicle fleets compliant with the standards.
Chrysler Breaks Ground for New Phoenix Engine Plant in Michigan
By: Correy Putton | 25/05/2007 | Automotive
Going solo once again, Chrysler intends to prove its worth in the auto industry. As part of its restructure plan, the recuperating automaker earlier hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Phoenix Engine Plant in Trenton, Michigan.
Xm Satellite Radio for General Motors Pre-owned Vehicles
By: Correy Putton | 25/05/2007 | Automotive
General Motors and XM partnered to provide satellite radio services for pre-owned vehicles. The XM satellite radio service is available for pre-owned Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC Oldsmobile, Cadillac and Hummer vehicles.
Dcx, Chrysler Divorce Could Slow China Deal
By: Correy Putton | 24/05/2007 | Automotive
Analysts say the separation of DCX and Chrysler could delay the American automaker’s China deal. They added Chrysler may be encountering some difficulties with its first deal.
California Asks Epa to Tighten Emissions Rules
By: Correy Putton | 24/05/2007 | Automotive
California state officials asked EPA to impose more stringent tailpipe emissions rules. This move is expected to force automakers to average more than 40 miles per gallon in the next decade.
Automotive 
