Toyota Estima Hybrid Minivan

There are a lot of people who are wondering if there is a hybrid minivan on the horizon when new hybrid cars like Toyota Prius or hybrid SUVs now being released in the US.  While the cars are extremely popular and great, a lot of people need the convenience of a minivan for hauling their kids around. So, is there a hybrid minivan on the horizon? Well, it appears that a hybrid minivan has already been released in Japan and that there are environmental groups that are hoping that the minivans come on over to the United States as well.

The Toyota Estima Hybrid Minivan Already in Use in Japan
In Japan, the Toyota Estima hybrid minivan has already been introduced and it is being used as well. This was introduced in Japan back in 2001 and it was the very first hybrid minivan to be created. This car looks great and it also offers great performance and fuel economy as well. This hybrid minivan was actually using a unique four wheel driving system that is totally electric. Starting price is about $32,000 in Japan. I think not bad deal for what you get from this hybrid minivan.

Union of Concerned Scientists Want Hybrid Minivans in the U.S.
Since a hybrid minivan has already been released in Japan, there are now environmental groups that want this new minivan to be sold in the US market. Reduce the amount of fuel consumed, boost fuel economy, and that the environment will be better is the main reason of the group. One group, the Union of Concerned Scientists (garnering over 18,000 signatures), has actually started a petition with Toyota to have them bring their hybrid minivan from Japan to the US as well.

Hybrid Minivan Will Help Our Financial

Having a hybrid minivan could really help out financially for those who have larger families and need the convenience of a mini van. Most minivans are very expensive to drive around with the price of gas; however, the hybrid minivan would not use as much gas, which would save many families a huge amount of money.

Another articles by Johan Young you may interest in reading: Hybrid Car Costs, 2008 hybrid vehicles, Hybrid Tax Incentives, 2007 Hybrid Vehicles, Electric Car Windows, Fisker Karma Car, Hybrid Convertible, Chevy Hybrid Truck, Hybrid Minivans, and Honda Fit Hybrid.