Toyota is to share some of its hybrid technology – like the petrol electric system that powers the new Prius model – with Ford in an agreement that 's
likely to underline the firm 's success in creating an acceptable eco friendly engine unit.
The move is a welcome oost to advocates of hybrid systems. There has been ongoing debate between European and Japanese manufacturers over the next generation of engines,with leading German marques dismissing the
Toyota hybrid petrol-electric model as merely an interim measure.
While the Japanese have brought hybrids to the market,the Germans and Americans have previously concentrated on alternative power
sources.
However, Toyota has been keen to portray it as a useful transition from completely fossil fuels towards fuel cell technology. It also points to the fact
that the hybrid technology could work just as easily with fuel cells
as petrol-powered engines.
The deal with Ford follows an earlier agreement,whereby Toyota will make all its hybrid technology available to Nissan from 2006.
Under the new agreement, Toyota 's patents on gasoline-electric hybrid engine system control and emission purification have been licensed for use in Ford 's own hybrid system,which is under development.
According to one analyst, it puts Toyota one step closer towards achieving critical mass or their hybrid technology, as well as enhanced prospects for
meaningful profitability for the technology.
Toyota made its name as world leader in hybrid technology in 1997 when it
launched the Prius,the first mass-produced vehicle to combine a
battery-powered motor and a gasoline engine, significantly
reducing emissions.
It is due to introduce the first hybrid luxury SUV to Europe next year with the Lexus RX400h.
It 's been heartened by sales of its Prius model,which has proved highly successful since its launch at the end of last year. Already sales in Ireland have reached 60 and it was recently voted North American Car of the year.
It has sold over 200,000 hybrid vehicles to date and claims the
project has been profitable.
Honda is the only other car firm to mass-market hybrid vehicles,and Ford is the only US car firm with plans to launch a true hybrid this year –the Escape
sports utility vehicle.
However, for these two firms hybrid is not likely to prove so lucrative.
Honda says it barely makes a profit while Ford concedes the Escape will sell at a loss.
