While diesel proponents often dismiss hybrids as less cost-effective, Toyota R&D boss Masatami Takimoto says diesels are now the less economical technology. Takimoto said strict clean-air regulations in the United States make diesels too expensive to be worth the fuel savings.
“I won’t deny that we won’t be offering a diesel in the United States some time in the future,” said Executive Vice President Masatami Takimoto, who overseas Toyota ’s research and development.
“But right now we think hybrids are much more cost competitive,” he told reporters on the sidelines at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
