Toyota is getting ready to recall some 270,000 third generation Priuses sold in the US since their introduction in May 2009. This US recall is expected to be announced on Tuesday, Feb. 09 2010 and is expected to be just a firmware update for the car’s computer. The firmware update is designed to address Click here to continue reading »

As the news come in about yet another Toyota recall, this time involving the 2010 Prius (Japan only so far), it starts to look very much like the issue is not the mere 1.5″ long piece of metal pictured here. I honestly don’t know what is more embarrassing in terms of PR for Toyota: admit to improperly designing a pedal or letting a bug slip into the software that runs their vehicles. C’mon Toyota, a pedal that gets jammed? You guys can do better than that. Click here to continue reading »

A relative newcomer to the field of environmentally friendly cars, Nissan does not yet have a production vehicle based on it’s own hybrid technology. Nissan Altima Hybrid is based on Toyota Camry’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. However, with the North American debut of the Nissan LEAF car at upcoming LA Auto Show , Nissan appears to be trying to jump a step ahead of everybody else: LEAF has no gasoline engine! And LEAF is no golf cart, either. Keep reading for more details. Click here to continue reading »

Conceived by famed Italian designer Giugiaro of ItalDesign, the Toyota Hybrid Priapus is not only an energy efficient sport car, but also a sizzling and sleek fast car that catches the eye of every sports car enthusiast. It contains a 3-liter V6 enhanced by dual front and rear electric motors. The Priapus is powered by a striking 408 hp Hybrid Synergy Drive. A conventional gas and electric hybrid, the Priapus lists at over $70,000. This hot roadster can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just over four seconds. As well, it provides about 30/mpg during usual driving practices. There is no comparison with this efficient sports car to the new 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid car in performance value.
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Toyota has been making some news lately with their runaway vehicles and they are trying to do something about it. I’ve just received the Interim Notice letter I’ve been hearing about for a few weeks now and set out to see if the floor mat could be a likely culprit, as described in the letter. Here is what I’ve found:

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Not a big post, rather a Twitter-style update. Just to confirm that I saw the first 2010 Prius on the streets of Seattle, WA a week ago. There are still waiting lists galore at the dealers but this lucky guy (or gal) had probably been on the list long enough to get the first 2010 model. It was silver color – looks like the most popular color out there. And yes, it is a shame I did not have a camera with me

I am going to see the Third Gen Prius this weekend in NYC! Have been looking for it in Philly in Feb 2009 but I guess it has not been ready (or Philly Auto Show is not important enough – seems plausible ) The show is at the Javits Center, not too far from the Lincoln Tunnel – pretty convenient place.
Anyways, here is what Toyota promises to show beyond EPA-estimated 51MPG city / 48MPG highway gas mileage : Click here to continue reading »

It has a peculiar name, rather unremarkable appearance and humble origins but it gives its manufacturer an invaluable edge against all the big names in the auto industry: real-world experience in marketing, production, operation and servicing of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. It may end up being difficult or even frustrating experience but it puts appropriately name Chinese company BYD (which stands for “Build Your Dream”) ahead in the race to build an affordable car that can make use of the energy from the power grid, some of which is already produced from sustainable sources. Read on for more details! Click here to continue reading »

July 10, 2008

Toyota said today that it will start assembling its Prius hybrid car in the US. The assembly will take place at their brand new plant (currently under construction) in Blue Springs, Mississippi, just northwest of Tupelo. The production will start in late 2010. It is our hope that the plant will produce the new generation plug-in Prius (prototype of which is pictured here). Click here for more Click here to continue reading »

More than a year after the dramatic unveiling of Chevy Volt last January here is what GM brings to Philadelphia Auto Show 2008 – a carcass. Sure, people were stopping to look at the slowly turning display with a somewhat puzzled look and then (usually in less that 10 seconds) moved right onto exploring other Chevy and neighboring Saturn vehicles, those that you cannot see through. Noone bothered to read the PowerPoint on the flat screens inside the carcass. Another missed PR opportunity… Click here to continue reading »