Toyota Exec: Everything Will Be Hybrid

Toyota’s top man in North America, Jim Press, made a point to tell the press today that, in the future, “everything will be a hybrid.” He also likened the Toyota Prius to the Model T. He made the comments after a new round of gas price hikes — due to refinery and transportation issues caused by flooding and fires throughout the U.S. — put a gallon of unleaded near $3 once again. His timing suggests high gas prices are the main cause for the hybrid takeover.

We’re a bit surprised that Press would say such a thing, given technology is progressing so rapidly. Hybrids could just be a stopgap before electric or bio-fuel vehicles take over. Who knows? We guess Mr. Press.

He also says, “You don’t buy a car for image any longer that’s a big gas-guzzler.” Tell that to all the Land Rover owners out there.

‘Everything Will Be Hybrid,’ Toyota Exec Says (Chicago Tribune)