The Toyota Hybrid Timeline; 4 New Toyota Hybrids coming in 2009 & 2010

Thats very true. I think there is a cross over area there though. Something the size of the Mazda 5 with 3 rows & seating for 6 but with mileage in the low to mid 30s would be a pretty nice fit for a lot of 2-4 child families. Maybe not as good as cramming everyone into one Prius, but better mileage than the HiHy for similar space, and more space/seats than the Camry Hybrid with similar mileage.

For us with two small kids the Prius works fine. Could get crowded as they get bigger or if we have another one though.

Rob

 

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. A lot of manufacturers are starting to make noise about their "Prius killers" coming out in the 2009-2010 time frame. Of course, the Prius is 6 years old in its current form, and much of its design is 10-15 years old at this point. To assume that Toyota has been sitting on its thumbs for the past 6-15 years is probably a huge mistake. They have no reason to show their hand and go blabbing around about what they have planned, since they are way out in front of everyone. Since GM doesn't have a hand, they are bluffing as loud as they can in hopes they draw a winner.

Also not a slam on GM or anybody else, just the reality that a 10 year head start is a huge advantage for Toyota. If they fail to capitalize on that I will be shocked.

Rob

 

If they are smart, "They" don't assume that; they just want the public to assume that.

In some other thread here Toyota is working on battery technology they expect to sell sometime around 2030. (or 2020 ? 2030 seems almost unreal.)


IMO, all the talk of "Prius killers mean they are very afraid the Prius is killing or will kill them. Just like all the "iPhone killers" and "MS Windows killers"...

 

You've hit the nail right on the head. I was actually looking at the Mazda5, and if that had a HSD in it we'd be on it like white on rice. Especially since I get a discount on Ford/Mercury/Mazda family through a program at work, I can get a fully loaded Mazda5 for about $25k. Nav, leather, entertainment, reverse camera, you name it. And three rows, seating for 6. Not enough benefit on it to justify trading in right now, though, but throw in an HSD and it's a no-brainer.

In response to the other comments, yes, we do need the space. We have kids with developmental disabilities and need the space for them and the occasional hab worker that we bring with us when we go out. Summertime is tough with everyone out of school, going to this camp, that camp, doctor appts, during the summer my wife has all three to work with during the day, and since you're not supposed to have small kids in the front seat they all have to go in the back, and with our kids we need two rows.

 

Danny,

Regarding your mention of the Prius' "big brother". Do you know anything more about it, other than it will be kind of like a larger Prius? Are you implying a possible van, or just still a 5-seater more along the size of a Camry? If it's going to be a van, we might be waiting until next year instead of looking seriously at a HiHy right now...

 

LOL!!

Danny, you just started another internet rumor...The Prius stationwagon!@!

 

This isn't a Toyota production car. But it is a cool car. The best MPG of any other limo. We at Danville Toyota 9Danville Va.) wouldn't have them if they were real.

 

I had the same reaction as Evan when I read Danny's summary of fleet info.

Why not Priuschat as a fleet? Troy becomes our fleet guy and we have PHEV's drop-shipped all over the country.

Toyota would certainly sell a bunch of them!

 

great idea

btw.. for those who mentioned a Mazda 5... how about a Nissan Altima? how big are those? they have the HSD...

 

I know its kind of confusing. The Mazda 3, 6, and MX-5 are all cars. The 5 is a small mini-van with 3 rows of two seats. Its EPA classified as a mid-sized wagon, but its got sliders so in most peoples eyes its a mini-minivan. Its handling is supposed to be pretty sporty and carlike, as its based on the same platform as the Mazda3, Volvo S40, and the European Ford Focus (one gen ahead of US Focus).





This thing is absolutely begging for an HSD IMHO. Its whole point is that its smaller, more efficient, more fun to drive than a full sized minivan. Since Ford is already licensing the HSD for the Escape, why not get it in the 5 too! I think they'd have a real hit on their hands if they could get this into the mid 30s. In its current form its right in there with the Escape and Camry non-hybrids as far as weight and MPGs, so it seems feasible.

Rob