Experience and Perspective of Hybrids 2002-21-0068

The Prius, Toyota Motor Corporation’s mass-produced hybrid vehicle (HV), was launched in Japan, other Asian countries, North America and Europe, and has now been accepted into the global market. Following the Prius, the Estima Hybrid and the Crown Mild Hybrid, although being based on different systems were released into the Japanese market in 2001. Over 100,000 Toyota HVs are currently on the road, and this proves that HVs are considered practical and reliable vehicles, not special vehicles. HVs have advantages in fuel economy and exhaust gas emissions compared with conventional ICE vehicles. HVs with differing kinds of hybrid systems will be introduced into the market in the future, and will gain in popularity coexisting with ICE vehicles.