Hybrid Vehicles Development Story

[1st Generation Prius]
"In order that automobiles can continue to progress in the 21st century, I was determined to provide a solid solution for one of the negative attributes of the automobiles. I set my mind to provide a solution to the issues of the environment and fuel consumption with Prius as I undertook its development programme."
Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chief Engineer of the First Generation Prius and current Executive Vice President

"We studied over 100 different kinds of hybrid systems and the one that we chose was the hybrid system used in the 1st generation Prius, from which the HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE was developed. If you ask a hundred engineers, you'd get a hundred variations. It was the best system among the various options proposed by numerous engineers."
Development Staff

[2nd Generation Prius]
"Within 3 short years after the 1st generation Prius was launched in the US market in 2000, we managed to make drastic improvements in the 2nd generation Prius in terms of not only resolving the weakness in the drivability department, but to bring forth the advantages of what a hybrid system has to offer. These pertain mainly to improvements in the performances of the battery, electric motor and inverter. However, none of those improvements were achieved overnight. They were realized because of the technological developments accumulated over the years."
Satoshi Ogiso, Current Chief Engineer of Prius
He has been in charge since the development of the First Generation Prius.

[Highlander Hybrid]
"The hybrid system, which Toyota considers to be our key technology, began as a technological response to environmental issues. Yet it has now evolved to be a highly effective technology to enhance power that also addresses environmental issues."
Yukihiro Okane, Chief Engineer

"Our goal was to develop a vehicle that can perform and provide the joy of driving than any SUV in the basic automobile performance domains of running, turning and stopping. We wanted to develop a vehicle in which you can turn with assured safety, or stop with ample room on hand, regardless of the road surface conditions. At the same time, we aimed at clearing the most stringent emissions regulation in each country around the world. In terms of fuel efficiency, we aimed at being twice as efficient than the most fuel efficient SUV of the same class."
Development Staff

[Camry Hybrid]
"We do not believe that customers seeking a mid-sized sedan―and wanting to experience the fundamental joy of driving―will accept second-class road performance, just for the sake of lowered fuel consumption."

"The heart of this car is different from competing vehicles; Camry Hybrid is able to operate as an electric vehicle. We are confident Camry Hybrid far outstrips competing vehicles in terms of such primary features as environmental consciousness and fuel-economy performance."

"Other automakers will be introducing their own versions of hybrid vehicles. While some of these may be equipped with the same HV (hybrid vehicle) system―just as personal computers may have the same hardware but offer different performance and features―we believe you will be able to detect the superiority of the Toyota uniqueness."
Kenichiro Fuse, Chief Engineer

"Owning a hybrid makes owners feel good about themselves―it's the sheer delight of owning the latest high-tech advancement; it's the gratification felt with fewer stops at the gas/petrol pump―and the lower cost for a fill-up. It's the astounding resale value, and the industry-leading level of customer satisfaction and reliability. In a phrase―hybrids are quickly establishing themselves as a critical factor in pride of ownership."
Don Esmond, Senior Vice President, Automotive Operations

1st Generation Prius

"In order that automobiles can continue to progress in the 21st century, I was determined to provide a solid solution for one of the negative attributes of the automobiles. I set my mind to provide a solution to the issues of the environment and fuel consumption with Prius as I undertook its development programme."
Takeshi Uchiyamada, Chief Engineer of the First Generation Prius and current Executive Vice President

"We studied over 100 different kinds of hybrid systems and the one that we chose was the hybrid system used in the 1st generation Prius, from which the HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE was developed. If you ask a hundred engineers, you'd get a hundred variations. It was the best system among the various options proposed by numerous engineers."
Development Staff

2nd Generation Prius

"Within 3 short years after the 1st generation Prius was launched in the US market in 2000, we managed to make drastic improvements in the 2nd generation Prius in terms of not only resolving the weakness in the drivability department, but to bring forth the advantages of what a hybrid system has to offer. These pertain mainly to improvements in the performances of the battery, electric motor and inverter. However, none of those improvements were achieved overnight. They were realized because of the technological developments accumulated over the years."
Satoshi Ogiso, Current Chief Engineer of Prius
He has been in charge since the development of the First Generation Prius.