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Mercedes Benz A Class Hydrogen
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Toyota Prius 2010Launched at the Detroit motor show in 2009 the new 2010 prius shows a evolution in the future of the model. This vehicle now a 1.8 boasts 4.7 lts for the 100km travelled that's 4 ltrs down on the previous. Solar panels on the roof to offer daylight ventilation is also a world first. Toyota went on to say "
The new Toyota Prius is getting larger and more powerful 1.8-litre,
four-cylinder engine. Toyota says the bigger engine helps improve
fuel economy on the highway.
The optional solar-powered ventilation system uses an electrically powered air circulation fan that doesn't need the engine to work. It prevents the interior air temperature from rising while the vehicle is parked. The ventilation system can be remotely operated, so drivers can adjust the interior temperature before getting inside. Toyota says this remote air conditioning system is an industry first." |
Toyota in 1994 went with the task to find a vehicle that was economical and environmentally friendly, what was developed was the Prius NHW10 In 1997 it was released into the Japanese market first sales where slow and only 240 sold in the first year.
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2001 Prius NHW11, the battery had been improved as had the power, and export to the USA and other countries including Australia was on the mind of Toyota. The variable transmission and Air-cond was now standard. The launch into Australia was at the Sydney Motor Show of 2001
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 Prius 1997-2000
Prius 2000-2004
Prius 2004-2008 |
2004 Toyota NHW20, redesigned now with a hatch and a size increase to fit nicely into the medium size range. A new system was now being used called Hybrid synergy drive HSD. Battery life and reliability is now vastly improved. China in 2005 begins manufacture also of the Hybrid and sales top 1 Million. Toyota Hybrid System II
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In the USA some reports claim that the quietness is a hazard to pedestrians.
The GPS nav sytem in the Prius can not be entered whilst the car is moving
In 2008 a USA Consumer warning was given that the traction control system may not work correctly in snowy conditions. In a similar report by Consumer affairs in the USA claimed that some components of the Prius were not aging well
In august 2007 Auto Express magazine independently rated fuel efficiency of many European available hatchs. Prius in this test rated only tenth.
Recently the USA has put the latest Prius under scrutiny post its release in January . A test revealed a staggering 70.9 miles per gallon (Winding road magazine May 2009)
This fuel economy test was done on suburban roads in traffic. For 30 miles the vehicle averaged 29 MPH about right for commuting and delivered the great result of 70.9 miles per hour. Using the two modes EV and ECO it soon proved that in the world of reality ECO will be mainly used .
2010 Toyota Prius is evolving in leaps and bounds. Its more efficient, roomier, environmentally friendly and economical all round.
With the development and reducing costs of batteries the Lithium -ion battery
will be the main feature of improvement for the Prius . The Plug in model will
hit the ground running well in front of other mass manufactured vehicles.
However pricing will still be the issue until full mass production of batteries
begin. This is still some years a way and the race currently is being led by
Nissan with the help of NEC for about 2011-2012.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid 2009
