Toyota to Add 40% More Hybrids in 2007

Toyota is looking to boost its global sales of hybrids to 430,000 in 2007 from an already impressive 312,500 in 2006. This boost will include a 40% increase in Prius production in Japan, bringing total Prius numbers to 280,000 units. All this increase in production comes while sales in the U.S. remain just 1% of all new cars sold. In two weeks, Toyota will unveil the new 2008 Highlander Hybrid, which will join the Camry Hybrid, Prius and Lexus hybrids like the LS 600h L, RX 400h and GS 450h in the company’s green portfolio. 

[Toyota Sees 40% Jump in '07 Global Hybrid Sales, SignOnSanDiego.com]

Comments

I don't think the author intended for us to believe that the Lexus Hybrids are part of a "Green Portfolio," since the Hybrid technology is only being used to increase performance, not fuel economy. Don't get me wrong, I think its a great idea for luxury autos, but it shouldn't be considered "green"

Sam,
The Hybrids in the Lexus vehicles still produce far far less green house emissions and are considered SULEV. I would say they are green indeed.
And what they do is replicate the power of a larger engine with less fuel consumption. So it may be the same mileage as the regular model but while producing much more power. 430 hp in the LS 600h!

Will the price premium for the Hybrid model be cost effective versus a slightly lower MPG non-hybrid model? What are the MPG differences between similar equipped models and what are their price tags?

Not to slam the "greenness" of hybrids, but what's going to happen to all those millions of battery packs several years from now when they're replaced and junked? Recycling? Or landfill?

um, you guys gonna do anything about the spam?