Environmentalist? Checkout Toyota’s Newest Green Vehicle

Doing your part to help preserve our environment just got easier thanks to Toyota’s participation in the Green movement.  The Japanese auto company unveiled a new concept car, the FT-CH, along with plans to launch eight all-new hybrid models and all-new hybrid versions of existing gas engine models over the next few years at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  The Compact Hybrid will be lighter and more fuel-efficient than Toyota’s award-winning Prius and features a unique sense of style focused on maximum passenger comfort and interior space despite its compact external dimensions.

Toyota continued to show commitment to their new goals at the 2010 Geneva motor show with the introduction of the Auris Hybrid Synergy Drive,  which debuted with an array of energy options.  “In addition to the hybrid model, the Auris 2010 powertrain line-up also offers three gasoline and three diesel engines offering the performance and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive” according to greencarcongress.com.  Critics are anxious to see if the Hybrid Auris will sell as well as the Prius and Camry Hybrid models and to what extent sales will affect Toyota’s resolve to be environmentally conscious.

Judging by the results from Toyota’s initial forays into hybrid territory, environmentalists have little reason for concern.  Kelley Blue Book (KBB) ranked the 2010 Prius number one on their list of the Top 10 Green Cars of 2010.  In order to be considered for Top Ten placement, “each vehicle was required to offer fuel economy and CO2 emissions superior to the bulk of vehicles in its class and at the same time provide all the safety, creature comforts and driving enjoyment that would make it pleasant to own” according to KBB guidelines.  Schaumburg Prius dealers have high praise for the Prius, which gets a stunning 50 mpg, noting its ergonomic cabin, solar-powered ventilation system and high-tech navigation.  Despite recent recalls, Toyota’s Hybrid still passes the Consumer Reports reliability survey with flying colors.

Both the 2010 Prius and the 2011 Camry Hybrids have been recognized as being at the top of their class.  The 2011 Camry Hybrid, available at Schaumburg Camry dealerships, ranked 10 out of 22 on US News Ranking and Reviews list of Affordable Midsize Cars and is one of Toyota’s best selling vehicles.  The 2010 Prius Hybrid and the 2011 Camry Hybrid are similar in size and price although the smaller Prius which starts at $22,800 is slightly more economical than the Camry, which starts at $26,400.

Schaumburg Prius dealers are quick to debunk the myths surrounding power resources for hybrid vehicles and highly recommend both Toyota’s Prius and Camry hybrids.  The increased fuel economy and lower emissions found in the Hybrid versions of the Prius and the Camry are achieved by combining a small gasoline engine with a small electric motor. The motor runs on batteries- power is generated as the car coasts and decelerates.  Buyers looking to maximize fuel economy should consider the Prius Hybrid while those more inclined to the creature comfort of a smooth, quiet ride should invest in a Hybrid from their Schaumburg Camry dealership.