Hybrid Cars

The 2009 Japan Motor Show bore the brunt of the global downturn. It had only half the number of visitors as compared to the previous show. The good part, though, is the increase in number of hybrids each year.
To start with, Toyota’s hugely successful hybrid, the Prius won the Japan Car of the Year Award 2009-10. Toyota also wants to introduce a coupe version of the same to compete with Honda’s soon-to-be -launched CR-Z. It would use the same 1.8 litre VVT-i hybrid engine doing 134 bhp.
At the same time, Toyota also launched its second hybrid offering. Titled as SAI, it has a 2.4 litre front drive train hybrid engine and would be priced above the Prius. The car has been claimed to give a fuel economy of around 28 kmpl.

Toyota ‘charging’ plans cannot leave Honda behind which said that it would launch its much awaited CR-Z hybrid sports car early next year. It would be interesting to see the icons battling it out on emission cutting technologies as well.

Suzuki, in bid to be in race with rivals, introduced hybrid versions of its cars like SX4 and Swift. Their hybrids might take around couple of years to be produced.

Mitsubishi Motors has taken a step further on its plans to introduce a hybrid into the market. The company plans to launch a hybrid version of the Outlander SUV in 2013. it is planned to be launched with a petrol-electric engine.

Nissan displayed its concept, what is named as the Land Glider. The unique feature of this car is that it tilts like a motorcycle when taking a turn. It is powered by an electric motor. The car has built in computers and the tilt is controlled by them.

It is an interesting sight to see car makers battling out on the scene of producing hybrid cars. The battle might be competitive for them but the final result is saving the earth from global warming. And as it is said, Hybrids are the future.