Toyota Introduces Harrier Hybrid and Kluger Hybrid

Tokyo March 23, 2005; Aki Tsukioka, writing for JCNN; reported that Toyota Motor announced on March 22 the nationwide launch of two new hybrid sports utility vehicles (SUVs), the Harrier Hybrid and the Kluger Hybrid. Both models are equipped with Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II), a high-power system newly developed around the concept of Hybrid Synergy Drive that represents the fusion of ecology and power.

The vehicles also feature the E-Four (electric 4-wheel drive) system, which drives the rear wheels using the rear motor, and advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which coordinates control and achieves an optimum balance between drive power, steering, and braking.

The SUVs are powered by a 3.3-liter V6 gasoline engine and a high-performance front motor to achieve a fuel economy of 17.8km/liter, the highest within their classes when compared with vehicles of similar engine displacement, as well as emission levels 75% lower than 2005 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles.

Toyota is aiming to sell 500 units each per month.