Toyota ethanol fuel use in 2008. Begin selling a consumer vehicle flexible, works with up to 85% ethanol or regular gasoline, to the increased interest in ethanol, a fuel made from plants like corn and sugar cane.
Toyota plans to sell ethanol-powered vehicles by 2008 in the United States, which represents the latest effort by the Japanese to enter the segment dominated by Detroit automakers, said a company executive. Begin selling a consumer vehicle flexible, works with up to 85% ethanol or regular gasoline, to the increased interest in ethanol, a fuel made from plants like corn and sugar cane.
The U.S. president, George W. Bush, support and subsidies granted to ethanol as a way of reducing the country's dependence on oil imports, while U.S. automakers have turned to ethanol as an inexpensive way to gain a reputation for protecting the environment. Toyota has resisted the technology because of concerns about the impact of the high corrosiveness of ethanol on rubber seals in the engine. The new vehicle will include anti-corrosive parts to meet U.S. regulations.
The Japanese company is known for its hybrid systems for fuel economy, with its Prius hatchback leader undisputed market. However, it is eager to demonstrate that it has put all their eggs in the hybrid basket. "We are studying all hybrid fuels," said Toyota. "We will not be overwhelmed by the competition," he declared.
Increased consumer interest in hybrid vehicles last year showed signs of weakness among the questions about whether the additional fuel savings justify the high purchase price. A study conducted by CNW, a market research company based in Oregon, concluded this month that the cost of energy used to produce components for hybrid vehicles, especially its electrical system was much greater than that of gasoline vehicles.
Vehicle manufacturers apply a set of strategies for improving fuel economy. The research firm JD Power, estimated last week that the global demand for diesel vehicles and light trucks will double to 29 million by 2015 from 15 million last year. General Motors and Ford vehicles widely advocate of "flexible fuel" in part as a way to comply with U.S. regulations on fuel economy. They are also calling for increased support and approval of E-85 fuel, which is composed of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
Although 1.5 million U.S. cars can run on this fuel can only be found in 700 of 165 000 gas stations. Toyota suggested that a less ambitious strategy of mixing only 10% to 15% ethanol into gasoline might produce greater savings, as existing engines will not require many adjustments.
This is a contribution of: Bernard Simon and James Mackintosh The Universal
Pablo Ramírez Torrejón (AC)
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