Although widely viewed as a leader in alternative propulsion, Toyota has arguably lagged behind the competition in the diesel arena. But that may be about to change, according to a report by Automotive News.
It turns out Toyota’s acquisition of 5.6 percent of Isuzu last week for $375 million may have been an inexpensive solution to the company’s diesel needs. The deal gives Toyota access more than 800 experienced diesel engineers, according to the report. These engineers are the same team that developed GM’s Duramax engine range for trucks.
“We think we need to strengthen our diesel capabilities,” Toyota’s Katsuaki Watanabe says. “We anticipate the growth of diesel engines going forward.” Toyota has focused on hybrids in recent years, but demand for clean diesels is also growing, and it appears the automaker now recognizes this reality.
11/13, 9:13 AM
posted by:
angelo
Toyota is thinking strategically and indirectly with this move, ingenius.
11/13, 9:16 AM
posted by:
YourNameHere
i think diesel is the future. atleast until hybrid really take off.
11/13, 9:22 AM
posted by:
Brendino
How ’bout diesel hybrids?
11/13, 9:29 AM
posted by:
YourNameHere
mmm that would be great. power and MPG
11/13, 10:26 AM
posted by:
WEKS
Diesel hybrids are actually being developed by Ford, GM and Chrysler (that I know of but you can bet your ass every other manufacturer is looking in to it as well).
11/13, 10:32 AM
posted by:
WEKS
Aaaand just after I posted that I found this:
Toyota, Isuzu Plan Joint Bio-Diesel Engine
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/11/10/028297.html
11/13, 10:47 AM
posted by:
1234
I wondered when Toyota was going to get in on the diesel boom. Diesel will be the bridge to hydrogen.
11/13, 10:56 AM
posted by:
A4
no **** you need to strengthen your diesel capabilities you fools, hybrids arent going to get you anywhere
11/13, 11:37 AM
posted by:
maxim303
hybrid diesels seem to be the best of both worlds. i hope toyota can pull it off.
11/13, 12:04 PM
posted by:
BrokenCadillac...
If anyone has the cashflow and the ability to pull it off, Toyota does. My only request is that Toyota add some new manufacturing plants for these engines here in the states.
11/13, 12:14 PM
posted by:
joseph
Once again…..there goes A4.
A4, you look like a fool calling Toyota “fools”.
http://www.businessweek.com/autos/autobeat/archives/2006/11/can_europeans_o.html?campaign_id=rss_blog_blogspotting
If alternative fuel (all types) is going to succeed…and fast, it will be Toyota paving the way for others…..Just like BrokenCadillac stated.
11/13, 1:59 PM
posted by:
A4
slob it joeseph, you look like a fool to some of us for touting alternative fuels as succeeding. Look at E85 douchebag, thats really succeeding isnt it. Its already plateauing, and all the hype is gone. Same goes for hybrids. And if i recall, the only new hybrids besides toyota and maybe a honda fit coming to market is the Tahoe. Whats the damn point? Diesel is much better suited for a Tahoe. so blow it out your ass with your accusations, your the one that looks like a jackass
11/13, 2:00 PM
posted by:
A4
toyota isnt paving any ways for diesel either
they are behind VW, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, Ford, and most importantly for them, Honda, who started diesel development way back.
11/13, 5:41 PM
posted by:
suthuna
A4, the mix inclusive of “alternatives” is so large as to be mind-boggling. You’re right about E85, but that is only a bridge technology to say, biomass-to-liquids or cellulosic, maybe even gasification.
In the future, we’ll probably have 8-10 different fuel types, as well as electrics powering personal transport.
11/13, 5:47 PM
posted by:
joseph
A4….it is obvious that no one really needs to say anything to you to make you look like in idiot. You do a fine job yourself.
Do you honestly think there is THE cure right now? It will be a long time before a lot of these are filtered and there is THE ONE. Look what Toyota did with Hybrids - Prius. No, it’s not THE cure, but it’s prompted others to be more competitive with other alternative modes. Unlike yourself, I don’t claim to know EXACTLY what is right, but I know an alternative to gas is where we need to be.
Seriously….I really don’t know why I bother with you.
11/13, 7:45 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Honda will still kill their ass with their Diesel engines…I won’t even mention Daimler-Chrysler/BMW/VW because that’ll be an all-out slaughter.
11/14, 2:27 AM
posted by:
pirelli
Maybe its partnership with Isuzu is where Honda picked up its diesel knowledge. Toyota is in its element playing catch up with Honda.
11/14, 8:01 PM
posted by:
Veda
“no **** you need to strengthen your diesel capabilities you fools, hybrids arent going to get you anywhere”
Where I’m at, Isuzu goes hand in hand with Toyota even as far as differentiating their models to create 2 different market segments as to not cannibalize each other. But this is because they are owned by the same investor. So yea, they know Toyota lacks diesel and it may hurt them in the long run. Thus they are natural partners.
11/15, 10:19 PM
posted by:
The Stig
At least Toyota recognizes they are weak in diesel and does something about it. Because no diesel equals no thanks from my point of view.
11/16, 11:04 PM
posted by:
GarbageMotorsCo
Toyota couldn’t BEG for a better ally for taking over GM’s spot at the top of the sales charts. This will help them out greatly
11/16, 11:05 PM
posted by:
GarbageMotorsCo
Oh yeah, love it. GO toyota!
11/19, 5:46 PM
posted by:
LamborghiniZ
You can expect Toyota’s diesels to be the best. Toyota always makes the best.
01/18, 5:06 PM
posted by:
johnnyangelb
A4 - actually, hybrids are just getting started. Agreed, they aren’t the halo vehicle some thought they would be, but they are an important step in the right direction. Many auto manufacturers have plans for hybrids in the near future. Even GM has several hybrids coming out in the next couple years….along with Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Hyundai/Kia, Suzuki….etc. The technology is splintering off into several varieties too… diesel hybrid, plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, gas assisted, electric assisted… yada yada yada. If you don’t want to sound like such an idiot just take some of the extreme edge off of your comments.