While DaimlerChrysler is experimenting with plug-in hybrid cars and GM is considering them, Toyota roared in this week and announced that it would develop environmentally sound plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Other announcements that can be greeted with cheer by green minded automobile users were made by Ford.
Ford UK declared it will spend $1.86 billion on everything from biofueled vehicles, to clean diesel to hybrids. Ford US stated that it is pushing its hybrid research and development off the homeland and on to Sweden. The company also said that while car manufacturers will do their part, global warming is an universal problem and everyone from fuel companies and governments need to contribute in the effort against it.
It called for fiscal stimulus to be provided by the government and stated that the marketplace and not the government should decide which technology is best. The fiscal stimulus for Toyota's Prius has run out with the company selling 60,000 vehicles that are eligible for tax credit.
Ford's governement-should-let-us-decide statement makes Toyota's announcement all the more stunning since the company is not obligated to develop the plug in hybrids and is doing so based on its ability and market demand.
Given the current state of unsteadiness in the Middle East, a plug in hybrid would be welcome as soon as Toyota can manage it!
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