Toyota To Add Two Hybrid SUVs, Hybrid Minivan In 2004

"Toyota Motor Corp., already the industry leader in hybrid-electric vehicles with three in production, is poised to add three more to its U.S. lineup for the '05 model year. It also is studying the feasibility of a V-8 hybrid for its Lexus Division

The automaker is preparing to add hybrid versions of the Highlander sport wagon and Sienna minivan to the U.S. lineup, Toyota sources said at a media event here last week.

The two vehicles would join the redesigned Prius sedan, to go on sale in October, and a previously announced hybrid Lexus RX330, to be called the RX 400H when it goes on sale next spring as a 2005 model.

EDIT

Dave Hermance, executive engineer for environmental engineering for the Toyota Technical Center, also said here that the Camry, the best-selling car in the United States, could get a hybrid powerplant.

The RX 330, Highlander and Sienna share architecture that is based on the Camry's platform, although the sedan's packaging is different from that of the larger vehicles."

EDIT

http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=44444

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The Estima hybrid (Japanese market only) is roughly equivalent to the Sienna, and it gets around 35 mpg on the highway.

As for the rest, hard to tell, but I'll keep looking for info.

I know people who are looking for a small hybrid or alt. fuel pickup truck. I predict hybrid pickups will become very popular, because they will have the ability to generate large amounts of electricity at remote locations.