The Japanese auto maker, Toyota, unveiled its NS4 plug-in hybrid concept at the Detroit Auto Show 2012. The NS4, an eco-friendly vehicle, is the latest addition to the Toyota Prius family. The company has described it as its ‘vision of the future’.
After launching the concept car Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer, Toyota Motor Sales USA, said, “Our industry has not just embraced hybrids; hybrids have energised our industry, offering it a clear road to the future. Perhaps the clearest point of all is that conventional hybrids are the foundation and the necessary first step in advancing unconventional technologies with mainstream buyers."
The NS4 is expected to be universally launched by 2015. The vehicle is capable of offering exceptional performance that is meant to cater the needs of the environment. In addition, the car boasts of advanced safety features and latest communications technology. The advanced safety feature of the car includes gen-next pre-collision system which alerts the driver of possible danger.
The company also launched its Prius c at the international auto show. The car is a subcompact hybrid where ‘c’ signifies ‘city’ and it will go on sale from March this year. Prius c is 19 inches smaller and 2 inches slimmer than the original Prius. The starting price of this five-door hatchback will be less than $19,000 which is quite an affordable rate as Toyota has designed the car keeping in mind young buyers.
This year, the Japanese carmaker is all set to launch 19 new vehicles in the U.S. automobile market and announcement for most have already been made. The company also has an unnamed conventional hybrid car in its new product range which is planned for the third or fourth quarter of 2012. In addition to these, Toyota plans an electric version of its RAV4 sports utility vehicle (SUV) and the Scion iQ EV.
