Tim Esterdahl | Nov 11, 2013 | Comments 14

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Japanese media reports say that Toyota has developed a hybrid powertrain for use in large Land Cruiser SUVs, replacing the 5.7L, engine used in the Tundra and Sequoia. This is all in response to tougher mpg targets and changing environmental regulations.

The media report published in the Nikkei business daily says sources improving mileage has become a key issue for the automaker. (One note, the Japanese media is largely known to never exaggerate their news like our outlets do). The rising significance of this issue in the U.S. and other countries is spurring innovation. Also, the tightening of the European Unions’ environmental rules, means alternative powertrains must be brought to market.

Hybrids in full-size pickup trucks has largely failed due to not meeting customer’s needs. The criticism has largely been that hybrids can’t generate the power needed to tow/haul nor are they very profitable for automakers.

If, though, this new hybrid powertrain can tow/haul just as well as the gas version, then great. EXCEPT, this just further strains Toyota’s capacity to build more trucks since a hybrid truck would be a huge sales hit.

If, the answer is no that tow/haul capacity would be severely diminished, then it will be a sales dud like the hybrids before them.

This news seems to mesh with the timing of the powertrain development for Toyota and could be part of the reason why Ford and Toyota decided to stop collaborating. Maybe Ford is developing their own hybrid system.

In the end, this news could be right on and the precursor to a new Toyota hybrid system. It isn’t likely we will see it anytime soon (2018 or so).

What do you think? If a hybrid is done right, would you be more interested in trading in and/or buying new?

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