Toyota tops '07 CAFE numbers, will increase Prius capacity
Click above for more high-res shots of the 2007 Toyota Prius Touring
The numbers for last year's combined fleet fuel efficiency for all automakers in the United States has been tallied. The winner? Um, Lotus. But, they don't really count. Too small. For manufacturers that actually offer a full line of automobiles, Toyota with 29.69 mpg just barely edged out the likes of Honda, which posted 29.49, and Hyundai with 29.37. All those Prius hybrid sales surely helped push Toyota to the top this year. Not surprisingly, the Detroit 3 didn't even come close with 25.16 from GM and 25.15 from Ford. DaimlerChrysler propped up the rear with a dismal 23.97 average figure.
Toyota has no plans to give up the mileage crown. In fact, the Japanese giant will increase capacity of its upcoming third-gen Prius sedan by an astonishing 70-percent at the Tsutsumi factory in Japan, allowing for the production of 480,000 hybrid sedans per year. For 2010, Toyota plans to bring its Mississippi plant online, which will further serve to increase capacity. We have a feeling that it'll have little trouble selling every one it manufacturers.
Gallery: Review: 2007 Toyota Prius Touring
[Sources: NHTSA (.pdf link), Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Peter 6:19PM (7/25/2008)
Forget Lotus -- Tesla got 244! You'd have to drive 5 Teslas at once to equal one Prius.
Of course, there are only about 5 Teslas out there right now, but still.
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Brent 7:03PM (7/25/2008)
How does Tesla score so well without any vehicles on the road.... these numbers are for 2007!
Mike!!ekiM 12:43PM (7/26/2008)
Hopefully, the 2009 Prius will have even better mpg numbers.
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rob 11:30AM (7/27/2008)
In 2009 Tesla will get whipped by Aptera (assuming any Typ1-e vehicles make it out the door next year.).
120 miles on 10kWh is approximately 420mpge...
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brn 9:27AM (7/28/2008)
Can we stop talking MPG ratings on electric vehicles? It's nonsensical.
Back to the actual article; Every hybrid manufacturer is complaining about battery shortages. With more hybrids coming out, it's expected to get worse. Where does Toyota plan on getting all the parts for a 70% increase in production?
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Michael 7:03PM (7/28/2008)
Toyota brought their Hybrid Tour to the Energy Trust Better Living Show in Portland, Oregon. I was impressed with how informative that trailer was and fun too. http://www.betterlivingshow.org/attendees/ToyotaHighwaytotheFutureHybridSynergyDrivePriusCamryHighlander.asp
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