Toyota to Offer Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles Starting in December

Toyota Motor Corp. announced on November 18, 2002 that it will start limited marketing of Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles (FCHV) on December 2, in both Japan and the United States. The Toyota FCHV is the first of its kind to have been certified by the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transportation.

The number of vehicles offered will be limited to about 20 for the coming year. Before the official launch, Toyota will sell four Toyota FCHVs on leasing contracts to the Cabinet Secretariat, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and the Transportation, as well as the Ministry of the Environment. It plans to extend the sales of contracts to government-related bodies and municipalities and energy-related corporations. The lease term is set at 30 months, and the monthly payment is 1.2 million yen (about US$ 9756).

The Toyota FCHV combines high efficiency supported by hybrid technology Toyota gained in developing Prius and energy control by fuel cell and battery, and the smooth driving of a first-class vehicle. It also succeeded in reducing the body weight by using aluminum, and in lowering electricity consumption. Toyota FCHV is also the first-ever commercial vehicle loaded with chlorofluorocarbon-free air conditioning that uses carbon dioxide as the refrigerant. All of these are the fruits of multifaceted development efforts to create the ultimate eco-friendly vehicle.

In the United States, Toyota U.S.A. will announce the launch of limited sales of the vehicles.



Posted: 2002/12/12 12:05:25 PM
Japanese version