The Toyota LandCruiser and other large SUVs in the brand’s line-up will reportedly be offered with hybrid powertrains from 2016 in a bid to combat tightening emissions regulations.
According to reports from Japan’s Nikkei, Toyota plans to develop hybrid powertrains able to motivate larger, heavier vehicles such as the LandCruiser and HiLux-based Fortuner.
The plan, which would reportedly see TMC add hybrid versions to current line-ups and introduce others into emerging markets, follows an adjustment of the company’s future plans announced in August by managing officer Satoshi Ogiso.
Aiming to introduce 15 new or redesigned hybrid vehicles globally by the end of 2015, the revised expansion totalled three vehicles fewer than originally announced in April when TMC celebrated exceeding five million global hybrid sales.
Intended to include Toyota’s first commercially available hydrogen fuel cell vehicle – a mid-size four-door sedan based on the Toyota FCV-R concept due to be unveiled at this month’s Tokyo motor show – the plan also includes the next-generation Toyota Prius.
Currently offering 20 hybrid models across 80 countries and regions around the world, the largest of which include the Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Toyota Harrier, and Lexus RX400/450h, Toyota’s move into full-size SUVs is a transitional step.
Toyota isn’t the only Japanese manufacturer looking to shift hybrid technology into larger vehicles, with Mitsubishi revealing a three-car hybrid SUV Tokyo motor show line-up that includes a supercharged plug-in hybrid concept previewing the next-generation Pajero due in 2014.
