(autoinsidernews) - Following Toyota's recent purchase of a 5.9% stake in Isuzu, the automaker is now planning to produce a subcompact diesel hybrid, which will be available as soon as 2010, according to Japan Today, citing informed sources. When Toyota's president Katsuaki Watanabe called Yoshinori Ida, the president of Isuzu Motors, Watanabe proposed combining forces on diesel engines and alternative drivetrains. At the announcement of Toyota taking a stake in Isuzu, reporters asked about Toyota's plans for a diesel hybrid, despite the automaker not commenting on plans, this doesn't come as much a surprise, reports Trend.
A diesel hybrid system has the potential to offer excellent efficiency at both low and high speeds. Hybrid systems provide most of their benefit in stop and go driving, with regenerative braking charging the battery, which can be used to power the vehicle at low demand and high charges and can also be used to re-start the engine after stops. At highway speeds, a diesel engine offers far better efficiency then gas engines. A diesel hybrid should offer the best combination in an internal combustion engine hybrid. The biggest problem has been cost as both hybrid and diesel powertrains offer significant additional costs over a gasoline engine.
Toyota is said to be considering the plan because a diesel hybrid car will be more appealing in Europe, where diesel vehicles are popular and hybrids have yet to catch on.