Friday May 25, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

Toyota discussing green-car tie-up with BMW

Business Nov. 26, 2011 - 04:00PM JST ( 17 )

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Toyota so far has struggled to use its hybrids to expand its market share in Europe

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17 Comments

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CrazyJoeNov. 26, 2011 - 06:04PM JST

Please build a diesel hybrid.
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electric2004Nov. 26, 2011 - 06:04PM JST

In most cases (especially on the German Autobahn) German and French Diesel powered cars outperform the Gasoline hybrid cars and providing an even lower fuel consumption.
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BurakuminDesNov. 26, 2011 - 06:09PM JST

Hope this works out and doesn't end up like the Suzuki-VW debacle! Totota can contribute their excellent hybrid tech, BMW their world-leading build quality.

Please build a diesel hybrid.

I hope that's possible? However, there is a strong perception (maybe wrong) in many markets ie Japan, Australia, that diesel means "dirty" emissons.
1

CrazyJoeNov. 26, 2011 - 06:28PM JST

It is true that diesels are not popular in Japan. The cost of diesel fuel isn't much cheaper than gasoline either.
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888naffNov. 26, 2011 - 06:33PM JST

never build a Diesel! hybrid. they should be banned as they are in Japan
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CrazyJoeNov. 26, 2011 - 06:50PM JST

Are they banned in Japan?
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Jan Claudius WeirauchNov. 26, 2011 - 08:42PM JST

The difference between Diesel and normal gas is often 20 to 25yen/liter so yes it pays having a Diesel car
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CrazyJoeNov. 26, 2011 - 10:35PM JST

You're right, diesel fuel is cheaper now. Back in Jan. 2009 when gasoline prices fell dramatically I remember paying 97 YEN for regular when diesel was selling for 98YEN. (per liter)
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Dolphin MashabaNov. 27, 2011 - 04:38AM JST

These could be the solution to these climate change
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globalwatcherNov. 27, 2011 - 06:15AM JST

BurakuminDesNov. 26, 2011 - 06:09PM JST

Hope this works out and doesn't end up like the Suzuki-VW debacle!

Agreed Burakumin.
It is very critical to include a special non compliance clause on the contract. .

By the way, I am wondering why Toyota is not developing any hybrid with a natural gas?
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Elbuda MexicanoNov. 27, 2011 - 09:02AM JST

The entire world must find an alternative fuel to evil evil gasoline! Petrol?? To our British amigos if I'm not mistaken.
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Anandesh EarthlingNov. 27, 2011 - 11:08AM JST

There are many opinions here, none of which touch upon the real facts, i.e. most are emotional. Please read up a little about fuel sourcing and consumption to get ideas of where are going and what to do for the best in the interim. Google gives some indications, search for "well to wheel fuel consumption" Diesel really does have a bad reputation in many places that is just based on fiction or history and not on current technology. Diesels are not banned in Japan, they are though strictly regulated as are gasoline engines. Mercedes-Benz sells BlueTEC diesel engined cars here http://www.worldcarfans.com/10601108065/mercedes-benz-bluetec-technology and Japanese companies would also sell diesels if the economy weren't in the doldrums, they had them ready for the Japanese market over a year ago and actually released PR about their introduction. As for the Toyota Hybrid/Natural gas combo the answer is they have one already http://www.caranddriver.com/news/toyota-camry-cng-hybrid-concept-auto-shows. Google reveals all.
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NeverSubmitNov. 27, 2011 - 11:20AM JST

Volvo will begin selling a diesel hybrid next year.

For all the greenies out there, modern diesel is more efficient and cleaner than gas.
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Joey TillmanNov. 27, 2011 - 01:54PM JST

Diesel cars have no market here in the USA.. diesel trucks okay.. but not cars.... and diesel is more expensive at the pump, the cars are more expensive, dirty and noisy... give me gas anyday baby!!!
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Johannes WeberNov. 27, 2011 - 11:37PM JST

There is a diesel hybrid by Peugeot (or maybe still not in serial production). Diesel hybrids have a big disadvantage: they're expensive. Diesel is somewhat unclean if You do not use the proper filtering system. And these are expensive components. They are standard by now in all German diesel cars built in the last decade (or so), but they add up to a definitely increased cost of the best cars You can have.

Certainly, diesel cars on the highway are sexy. 5 liters or just a tiny fraction more on 100 km is not a big problem (assuming that You refrain from going faster than 130). If You're willing to pay a bit for a top class car, a diesel hybrid is a driver's dream.

BMW also has another interesting technology, which uses the navigation computer's knowledge of the route to plan ahead for the driver in that it tells him when to stop pushing the gas pedal because a tighter speed limit or a sharp curve will come soon. Wouldn't be very effective on crowded Japanese roads, but a great benefit for drivers in Germany.
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SwissToniNov. 29, 2011 - 12:51AM JST

Diesels are much more economical than petrol cars, and produce less CO2. For anyone doing significant annual mileages there is definately a saving to be made at the pump, even where diesel costs more per litre. But, the image in some countries is that they are dirty, which isnt really the case. However, when you do mostly short journeys on congested roads the particulate filters can clog with soot. Then if you dont give the car a decent drive to burn the particulates off, the filter system is ruined and expensive to replace. This is the reason behind the extra regulation in some Japanese cities.

Diesels can also be expensive to repair if you missfuel with petrol.

Joey Tillman - "the cars are more expensive, dirty and noisy... give me gas anyday baby!!!"

As youre in the US, I'd suggest you take a look at a modern European diesel rather than the locomotives produced locally, you might be pleasantly surprised.
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SwissToniNov. 29, 2011 - 12:56AM JST

I also meant to add:

The reason petrol hybrids have failed to take off in Europe as they have elsewhere is that most European deisels outperform petrol hybrids, last longer, are more economical and cheaper to buy.