Toyota unleashes "dedicated hybrid" concept at Detroit auto show that's smaller, cheaper than Prius

Source:                                  


The FT-CH concept is 22 inches shorter than the Prius, answering the call from Toyota customers for a more compact version of the vehicle.

The small car also will deliver higher gas mileage than the Prius, and could be the next step in what could become a Toyota line of "dedicated hybrids" -- cars that don't have a standard gas-engine version. They might all be marketed under the Prius name -- expanding Prius into a family of vehicles. But it sounds like the model is not a sure bet:

The automaker says its developing a marketing strategy for the U.S. that will build on the success of the Prius, adding more models. FT-CH is one of the models the automaker is considering.

Toyota plans to launch eight all-new hybrid models over the next few years, and will begin introducing plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles in 2012. The car company also says it will have hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles in 2015 in global markets. Recent testing of its hydrogen fuel cells showed the cars could go 431 miles on a single tank of fuel.

DCH Auto Group News and Events Home