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Toyota Sienna Hybrid
If Japan markets the Toyota Sienna Hybrid in US, it will be the first hybrid Minivan to be offered to those consumers who want a hybrid but need the extra passenger capacity. Projection is sometime in 2007, however nothing has been confirmed. This vehicle will be a larger version of the current Toyota Estima Hybrid manufactured and sold in Japan since 2001.
The introduction of a hybrid minivan will give the consumer more variety to choose from. With a 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine, this minivan is capable of carrying up to 7 passengers for those vehicle owners that need the extra passenger capacity while offering better fuel economy. With the price of gas on the rise this would be a cost effective choice.
Toyota is the front-runner in the hybrid technology market with the Prius being in production since 2000 and the Highlander, Camry and Lexus 400h following a few years later.
One concern with releasing the Sienna hybrid version is the direct competition with the best selling gas based Sienna.
Styles and Major Options
Pricing
No price estimates have been released
Gas Mileage
Photos
External Links
http://www.hybridcars.com/toyota-sienna-minivan-hybrid.html http://www.hybridcenter.org/hybrid-timeline.html