Irv Miller, a senior North American flak for Toyota, has responded to pressure from enthusiasts spearheaded by CalCars to push PHEV. His letter is reproduced below (copied from a yahoo group). Interesting in it's own right, my attention was caught by his estimate that 25% OF VEHICLES SOLD BY TOYOTA IN N. AMERICA may be HSD based within 5 years. Is that aggressive, or what ??

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Date & Time: 2005-08-12 06:56:01 -07:00

Thank you for your communication regarding plug-in hybrids. Like you, we
at Toyota are very interested in this technology. It is something we are
studying for the future as one avenue to adding diversity to the
transportation energy mix. Plug-in hybrids can further reduce petroleum
consumption, improve fuel economy, possibly ease our dependence on foreign
oil and potentially lower greenhouse gas emissions.

That said, we also recognize that there are limitations to plug-in hybrids.
As you well know, the true environmental impact of a plug-in depends on the
source of the electrical charge. Coal-burning power plants do not lessen
the greenhouse gas production and criteria pollutants increase. Secondly,
to create a vehicle that meets consumers' needs, a breakthrough in battery
technology in regard to capacity, durability and cost, is necessary.
Outside experts predict this isn't likely to happen this decade.

In the meantime, we are strongly committed to our hybrid technology which
offers a great balance of reduced petroleum consumption, improved fuel
economy, cleanest criteria pollutants and driving pleasure at a price
people can afford. We have such confidence in hybrids' durability and
reliability that Toyota is looking to increase the number of gas-electric
hybrids on the road. We have 10 hybrids under development globally now and
by early next decade it's conceivable that 25 percent of the vehicles we
sell here in the United States will have hybrid powertrains.

Hybrid technology, like the Hybrid Synergy Drive system in our Prius, is
taking on a new role in car culture. While hot rodders used to soup up
their engines and pour on the chrome, they're now tinkering with computers
to maximize their fuel mileage. It's a whole new passion for auto enthusiasts.

We share that spirit of making the most cost-effective and most
environmentally responsible vehicles possible. Thank you for your
encouragement to continue our pursuit.

Irv Miller
Group Vice President, Corporate Communications
Toyota Motor Sales, Inc
19001 S. Western Ave.
Torrance, CA 90509

R2-E2, 2G Prius.
Highway/City/Husband/Wife MPG: 56.5, as of 12/2005, 26K miles

Jac Nasser, Ford President: "We are planning to launch a hybrid version of
this car [P2000] within this year [1998]. We will also make FCEV available in
2004."