Japanese Business Daily – The Nikkei reported on Friday that Toyota Corp. will launch a PriusHybrid Minivan. Until now Toyota not confirm the story, we just waiting they launch the Prius Hybrid Minivan a.s.a.p. And now, 1st-in-hybrid.com just want to share some point from this exciting news:
1. Prius Minivan will become the First US Hybrid Minivan
As we know, nowadays American hybrid cars, if they want to buy super efficient hybrid with family oriented, they will purchase hybrid SUV such as Cadillac Escalade Hybrid or Toyota Highlander Hybrid. But when Prius Minivan comes, they have more option. Nikkei states that Prius Minivan will be more flexible and of course more affordable than hybrid SUVs.
2. Japan and Toyota will add more Hybrid Cars Aggressively
Japan and Toyota has seriously wanted to ‘conquer’ hybrid market in global hybrid minivan market. The Nikkei says that in 2011 Toyota Prius will launch Prius Minivan. Maybe they will product Prius hybrid minivan aggressively in Japan, after that in US or Europe.
3. Toyota Prius Sub-Brands is Definite
Although Toyota not officially confirming about Prius hybrid minivan plan, but rumors of an entire of this issue have been floating around for recent years. And I predict they will realize these rumors in 2011.
4. Lithium and Nickel will Co-exist at Toyota
Nikkei report that Prius Minivan will use lithium ion batteries – just indicated. And in 2015 they will offer the hybrid shoppers a choice between lithium ion batteries and nickel metal hybride. Interest, let us wait what will happened in the hybrid automotive technology especially in hybrid battery technology.
When hybrid gas-electric minivan can be existing? That’s been the most FAQ over the years from hybrid shoppers – hopeful and frustrated. After all, these shoppers say Japan has had hybrid mini vans for about ten years ago. These hybrid mini vans are much smaller than US models – and therefore better suited for Honda and Toyota gas electric drivetrains – give us a little solace. And this type maybe coming to America in the form of pint sized three row family haulers.
Automotive News’ analysis, a growing of compact hybrid mini vans’ segment – in the style of the Kia Rondo and Mazda5 – are in the works. Ford, automaker from US, planning to make compact vehicles with wagon and mini van characteristic: fuel efficient 4-cylinder engines, 3 rows of seats, and sticker prices several thousand dollars lower than those of hybrid mini vans. Ford will supply in the US market, 7-seat Ford C-Max – just little bigger than a Ford Focus – with a sticker price of about $20,000. This vehicle – 2010 C-Max – has promoted at the recent Frankfurt Auto Show. 2010 C-Max will offers us a host of new fuel efficient technologies – include 1.6 l Ford EcoBoost direct injection petrol engine.
General Motors in the same way, the company will offer the similarly small Chevy Orlando. This car also will going on the market in 2011. The Chevy Orlando will be built on the same platform as the forthcoming Chevy Volt and Chevy Cruze. One day, Chevy Orlando could be offered as family friendly plug-in hybrid, according Bob Lutz statement. He said that GM actually analyzing the adaptation of Volt technology to the upcoming Orlando.
In the interview by Automotive News, Klaus Peter Martin believes there is a market for these kinds of vehicles (hybrid mini vans). If that proves true, and then Toyota with its Toyota Wish and Honda with its Honda stream, will be available in the US market. The 1.8 liter Toyota Wish can get a fuel efficient rating of about 38 miles per gallon – Japanese test cycle. A hybrid version could break 40 miles per gallon for US shoppers, while providing seating for 7 passengers.
The main question is if the waiting list for a hybrid van would disappear if it came in the type of a minivan. Hybrid mini vans have been successful in Asia and Europe. But surveys showing to us those hybrid minivans will face a difficult period in US market. Some consumers are critical of the vehicles cargo space, legroom in a tights third row, and lack of power.
Hybrid vans: Today, we live in a time when nature began not friendly with us. Global warming and air pollution are the real facts of our current life problems. Our active role in protecting the environment is needed in order to stay beautiful and healthy. And one of the latest trends that have been developed is the use of hybrid cars. These vehicles are very environmentally friendly. Therefore, in my post this time, I made a list of the hybrid cars in vans category – hybrid vans.
Sort by:
Name
Combined MPG
Technology
MSRP
Available
Scion xBUrban and youthful van. This hybrid vans is very good fuel efficiency for the little wagon
25 MPG
Small Car
$15,700
Now
Mazda5The smallest hybrid vans. The first in most fuel-efficient hybrid vans on the market.
Mercury Meta OneThis hybrid run on biodiesel, has a transmission with a twin-turbocharged V-6 diesel engine.
n/a
Diesel
n/a
Concept
Toyota Sienna Hybrid Van Beside sedan and SUV, Toyota has a market in van too. Toyota offers a hybrid minivan in Japan. Many people in US are waiting for that option.
Hybrid Minivans: Last June 2008 the price of the oil peaked at $147 per barrel and its make hybrid minivans more and more popular in 2008. Although prices have sharply decreased since the historic peak, more people are sticking to the opinion that hybrid minivans are the way to go for 2009. One of the reasons why hybrid minivans are popular is because it hits the right balance of general purpose and function, seating capacity for group travel, and low cost.
Thus, many manufacturers competing in this market. Hybrid minivans are great for families who need a car for daily use. With a more streamlined and appealing appearance with a distinct designs that will let your neighbors know that you possess own a hybrid.
Many car manufacturers are pouring dollars into research and development to make hybrid minivans more affordable to mass consumers and gain a larger market share in the future. Continuous innovation is the name of the game for these manufacturers if they ever want to become competitive in the future.
And now, let us look at the line-up of the top hybrid minivans models for 2009.
2009 Toyota Prius Base Hybrid Minivans
According the success of the Toyota Prius, many expect the 2009 update to be on par with the previous model. The 2009 Prius hybrid minivans could go on sale at a tune of $22,000, which is a bargain price considering the reported 49 mpg in fuel efficiency. The 2009 Toyota Prius Base sports a 1.5 liter, 16 valve engine running at 110 horsepower and 5000 rpm. This hybrid minivan comes with a lot of internal options such as anti-theft and locks, vehicle stability control system, GPS Navigation, premium surround sound from JBL, MP3 player, and Bluetooth.
2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda is the only other car manufacturer that offers close to minivan capacity with a hybrid engine. That model is the 2009 Honda Civic hybrid. This beauty sports a 1.3L, 8-valve engine running at 110hp at 6000 rpm. The Civic hybrid model also features automatic transmission. This Honda model is one of the few cars that can match the fuel efficiency of Toyota hybrid minivans. At 40 miles per gallon, you can bring the Civic hybrid everywhere without worrying about gas prices.
The 2009 Honda Civic hybrid is available in Magnetic Pearl, Polished White Metallic, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Atomic Blue Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl.
Toyota Sienna Hybrid Minivan
The 2009 Toyota Sienna Hybrid Minivan is a significant upgrade from the Toyota Estima. The 2009 Toyota Sienna is considered the first of the “true minivans” that will enter the US retail market.
The 2.4-liter, four cylinder engines is comparable to hybrid SUV engines like the 2008 Highlander and Lexus SUVs. The Sienna can also clock up to 270 hp and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration of 8 seconds. The four-wheel electric drive system aids the gas engine, while the aerodynamic body design minimizes the drag of the minivan for more fuel efficiency. In addition, the insulated roof design and humidity-sensing air conditioning system further decreases fuel consumption. With a fuel efficiency of 40 mpg, this family vehicle is definitely a must-watch for 2009.
Other Hybrid Minivans Models
If you are looking for an alternative for hybrid minivans other than Toyota Prius, your best bet is models such as the Toyota Highlander hybrid, 2009 Lexus Hybrid Sedan, or the 2009 Saturn Vue. None of these cars offer close to the fuel efficiency that the Sienna, Prius, and the Civic offer.
Other notable hybrid models that you should watch out for are the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid, 2009 Ford Escape hybrid, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, and the 2009 Lexus RX 400h.
Hybrid Minivan Buying Guide And Resource
You might read relevant auto magazines or blog articles concerning hybrid minivan models if you are considering a hybrid minivan. It is important that you understand the physics behind these cars, so you have a better grasp before you buying one.
If you want to know more about hybrid minivans, you can visit YahooAuto, HybridCarsTrucksVans.com, or HybridCars.com.
