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Ford & Toyota Rolling out New Hybrids
At last week's New York Auto Show, auto companies premiered several new hybrid-electric vehicles, adding to the mix of clean, fuel-efficient vehicles that will soon be available in dealer showrooms. Ford finally premiered its Escape Hybrid SUV, available to consumers next summer, and provided a glimpse of a future mid-sized hybrid sedan - the Futura - that will go on sale in 2005. Toyota, meanwhile, unveiled its all-new, second-generation hybrid Prius, due in showrooms this fall.
SUV Fuel Economy Still Lagging
While these new hybrid offerings are exciting news for consumers eager for cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicle choices, they were overshadowed by Ford's admission last week that it would not meet its much ballyhood 2005 commitment to make a 25% improvement in the fuel economy of its SUVs. Toyota's fleet fuel economy has also been declining, as the company continues to produce larger SUVs and pickup trucks to its vehicle lineup. This is a reminder that the government needs to implement stronger fuel economy standards to require the industry to make improvements in the fuel economy of all the vehicles they sell.
Details On New Hybrids
Ford Escape Hybrid and Futura sedan: Ford's Escape Hybrid made its debut in New York this past week, to be released to dealer showrooms in the summer of 2004. While a little later than planned, select fleet customers may get early production models late this year to provide for real world testing before release to the consumer market. Fuel economy is still expected to be 35-40 mpg in city driving, achieving nearly a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the standard Escape, and emissions will meet the most stringent California emission standards for a gasoline engine (SULEV/PZEV). The Escape Hybrid utilizes a "full" hybrid system that allows for a limited electric-only drive mode, and other typical hybrid features such as automatic engine shut-off during idle and regenerative braking. Acceleration performance for the 2.3 liter 4-cyclinder engine with electric power assist will be comparable to a current Escape with a V-6 engine.
Ford also announced plans to use its new hybrid system in the new mid-sized sedan, the Futura, to be introduced in 2005. The Futura is part of a broader Ford strategy to increase its share of the car market, which could also help improve fuel economy.
All-new Toyota Prius: Toyota's all-new 2004 Prius is a second-generation hybrid for the U.S. market that promises more room, more power, and better fuel economy than its predecessor. Indeed, the new Prius is expected to achieve fuel economy in the mid-50's compared to the high-40's before, while also increasing interior space, improving acceleration, and further reducing emissions(SULEV/PZEV). Its new larger size is based on an entirely new platform, changing the Prius from the compact to midsize vehicle class. In the midsize class, the Prius will deliver nearly twice the combined average fuel economy of its next closest competitor, including the 4-cylinder Toyota Camry.
The new Prius achieves these improvements in part due to its use of Toyota's new Hybrid Synergy Drive, a higher-voltage system based on 500 volts versus the current 300. (The new Hybrid Synergy Drive system is also planned for use in the upcoming Lexus RX 330 Hybrid.) The new Prius also has an extremely aerodynamic shape, and utilizes a new 4-door hatchback design.
For more information about hybrid-electric vehicles planned for the North American market, visit the Clean Car Campaign hybrid page.
Drive to Survive - Clean Car Convoy Rolling Through a Community Near You Drive to Survive is a two-week cross-country drive from May 1 - May 14 to demonstrate the viability and availability of hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles. Drive to Survive will feature a convoy of clean cars driving from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. where event leader Dennis Weaver will deliver a citizen petition urging Congress to take steps to increase fuel economy standards and reduce our oil consumption.
Visit "Drive to Survive" online to find out if it is rolling through a community near you.
Spread the word about the Clean Car Campaign:
Over 100,000 people have taken the Clean Car Pledge showing auto companies that consumers want cleaner car options. More help is needed. Tell a friend!
The Clean Car Campaign is a unique coalition of national, state and regional organizations, including the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Ecology Center, Environmental Defense, Great Lakes United, Michigan Environmental Council and Union of Concerned Scientists.
Visit the Clean Car Campaign on the web: http://www.cleancarcampaign.org
email: info@cleancarcampaign.org