Flash - Toyota working on Corolla Altis hybrid in Thailand
Inside Line is reporting Toyota's working on a hybrid version of the current generation Corolla.
The 1.8-liter four cylinder engine is getting married to a motor and battery pack. The operation is being performed in Thailand where recently a Camry hybrid was also unveiled. The Thai government encourages hybrid vehicles and their development, offering financial boosts.
According to Autocar UK, in ten years time, every major Toyota would be hybridized in the interest of fuel economy and qualifying for benefits in developed countries with lower emission values. This applies to even the Hilux, which shares its architecture with the Innova and the soon to be launched Fortuner.
A Innova hybrid would not be a bad idea at all.
Light cars like the Aygo would forgo their advantage if they had a battery pack mounted. Such cars could go the fully-electric route.
Coming back to the Corolla hybrid, it will be interesting to see if they launch it in India, and it along with the Prius could make Toyota the first brand to take a major step in the hybrid front in India.
Source - Inside Line
