Toyota has big plans for fuel efficiency by 2015

Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s largest automaker, is already situated at the forefront of fuel efficiency.  Since 1997, Toyota has sold 2.61 million hybrid cars globally.  Now, drivers can expect to see even more impressive numbers next to “m.p.g” ratings for Toyota vehicles such as the 2011 Toyota Avalon.  Chicago drivers will be spending less time fueling up when Toyota executes its plan to increase the average fuel efficiency of its vehicles 25% by 2015.  The planned 25% jump will be based on average fuel efficiency numbers for Toyota vehicles in 2005.  Doing so will not only ensure Toyota meets increasingly stringent government regulations, but also remains the premier trendsetter when it comes to producing fuel efficient cars.

This is welcome news for a going-green, car-laden city like Chicago.  Toyota Van owners will be impressed, too, as this vast fuel efficiency improvement will include all of Toyota’s lines.  A rising tide raises all ships, right?

The Japanese automakers main strategy is increasing the viability and market acceptance of plug-in hybrids and electric cars.  New models will be introduced in 2012, and their penetration of the market will be pivotal in ensuring Toyota Motor Corp. makes due on its lofty ambitions for 2015.  As government regulations worldwide continue to demand more of automakers, other companies like General Motors, Nissan, and Honda are making similar plans to increase fuel economy.  Toyota undoubtedly has a leg up, and a 25% mpg increase for its vehicles will produce some serious fuel economy numbers.

How about a projected 135 mpg for the new Toyota hybrid plug-in model? Toyota aims to sell tens of thousands of its new plug-in hybrids annually, with a smaller sales projection for its electric models.  The plug-in hybrids will be run on a progressive lithium-ion battery that will be rechargeable from any household electric outlet.  After about 14.5 miles, the gasoline engine initiates to work hand in hand with the hybrid battery system.

Toyota has also struck a deal with Tesla in may, 2010 – to the tune of $50 million – to develop a battery-powered RAV4.  All of this action is part of Toyota’s holistic efforts to meet a growing demand for battery-operated vehicles that is projected to gain 10% share of the auto market  by 2020.  Toyota is knee-deep in the new electric-hybrid trend, and maintains a goal of moving 1 million hybrids a year.

The Japanese automaker has yet to release any of these vehicles on the general market, although leases are available for governments and certain companies.  For us civilians, we’ll have to wait until 2012 before we start seeing plug-in hybrids and electric cars on a public scale.  Still, there is a lot to look forward to.  With a projected 135 mpg rating, Toyota’s new plug-in hybrids will put the power back in the people’s hands.