2010 Toyota Prius 3rd gen

According to Green Car Advisor, Toyota will be increasing production upon receiving news of achieving their Japan forecast of 100,000 units. The original forecast, which was stated at 100,000, was met two-weeks after launch. 80,000 units were pre-ordered, while another 20,000 were sold. The monthly guidance for the Prius in Japan was set at 10,000 per month. To support the demand and protect allocation around the globe, especially in North America and Europe, Toyota will boost production hours at the Prius plants of Fujimatsu and Tsutsumi.

I think it is safe to assume that the third-generation Prius has been a hit thus far in Japan.

However, it is important to note that sales are up due to tax incentives which have been granted by the Japanese government. In addition, It is reported that parliament is delivering cash-back incentives for trading cars that are over thirteen years or older.

The new Prius is about to release in North America, so it will be interesting to see how the sales move at home and abroad.

Stick around.

Chrysler needs $448 million, and they just might get it.

Today, U.S. automaker Chrysler LLC submitted proposals nearing $448 million to the U.S. Department of Energy for research and development of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Today, U.S. automaker Chrysler LLC submitted proposals nearing $448 million to the U.S. Department of Energy for research and development of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Good timing, huh? Operating in bankruptcy since April 30th, it seems rather convenient for Chrysler to propose this agreement on the eve of a judges ruling to the sell of assets to a U.S. and Canadian owned company. Chrysler, it’s partners, and the Department of Energy, would pay $224 million each upon approval of the proposals If approved, the proposal would include an investment of close to 83 million to build a technology and manufacturing center in Michigan to assist in the development of the new technologies and vehicles. It is reported that the complex should be up and running by 2010 and produce more than 20,000 vehicles a year, Chrysler said.

Presidential Seal

Well, here we are coming down the home stretch of one of the most important elections of our life time. The everyday American is milling through the details of policies, debates, commercials, mud-slinging and everything in between.  With four weeks left in the election, all of us are searching for our personal “tipping point.” What will be your “tipping point?” In an effort to confuse matters even more, we the people of DrivePwr thought we would post some he-said-she-said of hybrid vehicle political landscape. Don’t worry we’ll keep it simple. We’ll give you a little of the “Straight Talking Express” and the “Change We Need” platforms.

First, let’s level the playing field by saying that both candidates are interested and committed to putting more hybrids on American roads.

McCain

Although McCain’s plan is not as thorough as Obama’s, McCain’s idea is ambitious and focuses on the everyday American to fulfill the void. McCain’s platform is really quite simple, he has called for a $300 million prize to the whoever can create a more efficient, scalable battery that will “leapfrog” the capabilities of the current hybrid and electric vehicles. “$1 for every man, woman and child in the U.S. — a small price to pay for helping to break the back of our oil dependency.” Who knows if the Manhattan Project type would really work, but a $300 million prize could spark some serious interest.

Obama

Did you know Obama’s friends use to call him Barry? Well, if not, now you know. I hope you don’t mind me referring to him as “Barry.” So, Barry’s plan includes an equally ambitious, maybe idealistic, plan to get hybrids on the road. First, according to Barry’s website, he wants to replace all White House vehicles with plug-in hybrids. So, watch out, we could have our first presidential EV convoy.  After he successfully converts the White House, Barry plans to set a mandate for half of all government vehicles purchased annually are plug-ins, all in the next four years.  Overall, Barry has a fairly robust energy plan that includes over $150 billion through 10 years to push his energy platforms and successfully put a million plug-in hybrids on the roads in seven years.  In addition to the 10 year plan, Barry plans to offer a $7,000 tax credit to enhance the purchase of plug-ins.  Finally, $4 billion in “retooling tax credits” for those who manufacture the vehicles to support the vehicles on the road and in repair.

Wow, so there you have it. A brief overview of from two candidates, both seeking presidential election.  I’m sure there more serious issues to hang your hat on, but we thought we would stay relevant and timely as we approach the next great election.