Toyota studies a larger version of the Prius
By Andrew, 21 May, 2011. 0 Comments
2012 Toyota Prius V
Toyota is considering a three-row version of the Prius hybrid. This won’t be the same as the Prius Alpha offered in Japan, which merely inserts a third row of seats into the cargo area of the five-seat Prius V to be sold in the U.S. beginning this fall. Bob Carter, Toyota Division general manager, clarified that this three-row Prius being seriously studied would be big enough to seat seven people and to carry their stuff as well.
Toyota seeks to sell 1 million hybrid models annually. It plans to launch two additions to the Prius family in early 2012. These include the Prius C compact hybrid vehicle and the Prius plug-in hybrid vehicle. In addition, Toyota is working on the dedicated Prius platform as well as optional hybrid variants for current vehicles such as the Camry. Carter divulged that the three-row Prius will need to be built on a dedicated hybrid platform.
It also has to have the Prius' aerodynamic shape, achieve a minimum of 40 mpg and offer a strong value-price equation. Toyota has been spending a significant amount on the research and development of other hybrid vehicles. Toyota is set to present 10 new or redesigned hybrids in its global lineup within the next 20 months. A confirmation was given by Ben Mitchell, Toyota's corporate manager of product planning, that the carmaker is studying many new hybrid segments.
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