PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor today hit on the hybrid electric theme again following the last one three weeks ago.
It's part of Toyota's extended campaign to create some buzz and educate the public about the impending rollout of its new hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
It did not say what the first of the hybrid model will be but media reports have been pointing to the Corolla Cross Hybrid as the most plausible one. And it will be locally assembled to make it more affordable.
The HEV advantages as outlined on the local Toyota website also aims to sell the idea that the current and future batches of HEV models are not just a functional mobility product but also desirable as a lifestyle choice.
Toyota claims its HEVs are the most practical and affordable mobility solution today and would help shape electrification in Malaysia.
The Japanese automaker introduced its first hybrid, the Prius, in 1997.
Twenty-four years on, a lot has changed. Now in its fourth generation, Toyota’s latest HEVs are touted as being more exciting to drive – with higher levels of performance, responsiveness, acceleration and handling, as well as minimal levels of noise, vibration and harshness.
The latest Toyota hybrid electric system battery is designed to last throughout the vehicle’s life, and developed to meet five parameters – safety, long life service, high quality, affordability, and high level performance.
HEVs’ dual-power system - which combine a petrol engine with two electric motors - delivers fuel savings, greater controllability and instant torque.
The system automatically shuts down the petrol engine to avoid fuel wastage - and air pollution - when idling.
While Toyota is pitching HEVs in Malaysia, it does sell plug-in hybrids namely the Prius plug-in and RAV4 plug-in in selected markets. It is also hedging its bets with hydrogen-fuelled electric cars. In April, it announced the bZ series of all-electric vehicles.
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