Toyota is considering using design to help differentiate its hybrid offerings from its other models, according to the Detroit News. While the Prius is noted for its rather futuristic looks, other Toyota hybrids have been considerably more low-key. But all that is changing, according to Jin Won Kim, 29, a senior creative designer at Toyota’s Calty Design Research Inc. in Newport Beach, Calif. “The hybrid is an iconic statement for Toyota,” said Kim. “We will come up with a design that shows a vehicle’s hybrid-ness, because a hybrid should have a distinctive look [...] One of the things you may see are green or blue lights on the sides of the hybrid or maybe even on the hood that illuminate when the car is in hybrid mode,” he said. “Also, a hybrid battery needs a lot of cooling, and so we are experimenting with unusual air intakes and outlets that will add a styling element.”
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05/04, 4:50 PM
posted by:
Andre Neves
They should make them alittle more sporty looking. Maybe even a roadster(first ever) wouldn’t sound bad either.
Offering a Hybrid Scion Tc wouldn’t be such a bad idea either.
05/04, 5:04 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
“The hybrid is an iconic statement for Toyota,â€? …Bull Sh_t. It’s a visible statement for the person who buys it. It didn’t take a Wharton PHD to figger out Hybrids that look like real cars: ‘don’t sell well’ …duh?!’.
Who wants a first generation piece of technology (got an 8-track?) with zero resale In three years – unless you can park it in front of your house and – today – say: “Look at me. I’m the first Greenie on the block.”
You gotta feel real important to waste your money this way.
j i m
05/04, 5:12 PM
posted by:
Anonymous #2
“… blue lights on the sides of the hybrid…” Let’s see how that goes over, since blue lights are reserved for emergency vehicles, at least in most states. You can get a ticket for impersonating a law enforcement officer if you have blue lights on the exterior.
I agree with Anonymous #1
05/04, 6:49 PM
posted by:
Robert
So… you mean to tell me they’re gonna make all their hybrids ugly?
05/04, 7:04 PM
posted by:
junkie
Wasn’t Jin Won Kim that guy from the Star Wars movies?
05/05, 1:15 AM
posted by:
Rene Curry
Actually it is a good marketing strategy to differentiate the hybrids from the rest of the pack. I don’t know if blue lights are the answer though ??
Consumers will feel part of the “club” and be able to justify the higher initial vehicle cost.
05/05, 10:20 AM
posted by:
Anonymous
Rene is right. It replaces a faded Save the Whales sticker as your entry to the club. Besides, you’re willing to pay $20k for dues where the sticker was only a $5 donation.
j i m
05/05, 2:41 PM
posted by:
JCwhitless
Shniiiiiiiiif *stands back up straight*
I liked the design cue of the closed rear wheelwells like the ole’ GM EV1 had and that Honda kinda kept up. That should be the cue for a hybrid…it should say “I’m so smug I don’t even have to worry about changing those tires, because mother nature loves me, and I love her!!”