Urgent action required on LCVs and SUVs: Toyota R&D boss

Improvements to the fuel economy of vehicles like Hi-Lux and LandCruiser must be "prioritised and hurried" according to Toyota's Project General Manager, Yukata Matsumoto.

Answering questions after delivering a snapshot of Toyota's multi-pronged strategy "for Realising Sustainable Mobility", the research and development boss stated that Toyota must work on improving existing conventional diesel and petrol powertrains to improve the efficiency of its larger body-on-frame vehicles like the top-selling ute and its offroad wagon stablemates, LandCruiser 200 Series and the about to be released Prado (pictured). All three vehicles are big sellers for Toyota Down Under.

Though Matsumoto stated he would not give a "specifically detailed" answer as to the measures proposed for each line-up, he effectively confirmed that Toyota would not pursue hybrid solutions for its larger vehicles. Rather, he stated, the Japanese giant would rely on stepped development of petrol and clean diesel powerplants, as well as transmission and other efficiencies, to improve the LCVs and SUVs.

According to Matsumoto-san, Toyota's high-profile embracing of hybrid powertrains is only one part of its suite of technologies. He stated hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and fuel cell hybrids would all play a part in the company's future.

Indeed, Matsumoto confirmed the company's strategy would increasingly be tailored to different segments and markets. He stated it would be aligned with the "energy situation" in each country. Though much has been published about Toyota offering hybrid versions of all its models by late in the next decade, the company, he said, planned "to distribute the best-suited alternative energy vehicle based on 'the right car, for the right place, at the right time' concept".

For markets like the USA, that will mean a small Toyota EV based on the iQ on sale in 2012, as well as more hybrid petrol versions of light-duty monocoque SUVs such as the Highlander [known as the Kluger Down Under].

The EV will feature a lithium ion battery pack and a range of around 80km. Later this year, the company will trial around 500 plug-in hybrid versions of the Prius in markets like Japan, Europe and the USA. Australia does not figure in plans for either vehicle at this time, says Matsumoto.

Matsumoto confirmed that ongoing diesel development was a key part of Toyota's sustainable mobility roadmap -- something that has been under a cloud in some quarters.  He said the reduction of NOx and particulates had to be pursued "eagerly", but that even in the face of reduced financial incentives to use diesel fuel in markets like Europe, customer demand means the market for advanced diesel powertrains would continue to be strong.

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