With the new hybrid cars and SUVs now launching in the United States, there are many people wondering if there is also a hybrid minivan on the horizon. While the cars are great and extremely popular, many people need the comfort of a minivan to transport their children. So is there a hybrid minivan on the horizon? Well, it looks like a hybrid minivan has already been launched in Japan and there are environmental groups hoping that minivans will make their way to the United States as well.
Toyota Estima hybrid minivan already in use in Japan
The Toyota Estima hybrid minivan has already been introduced in Japan and is also being used. It was introduced in Japan in 2001 and was the first hybrid minivan to be created. The new minivan looks great and also provides great performance and fuel economy. This minivan was actually the first vehicle to be mass produced to use a unique four-wheel drive system that is fully electric. The starting price in Japan is around $ 32,000, which really isn’t a bad deal for what you get.
Environmental groups want hybrid minivans in the US.
Since a hybrid minivan has already been launched in Japan, there are now environmental groups who want this new minivan to be sold in the United States as well. They feel that having hybrid minivans will help boost fuel economy, reduce the amount of fuel consumed, and that the environment will also be preserved. One group, the Union of Concerned Scientists, has started a petition with Toyota to also bring its hybrid minivan from Japan to the United States.
Hybrid minivans will help families financially
For those who have large families and need the comfort of a minivan, owning a hybrid minivan could really help financially. Most minivans are very expensive to drive with the price of gas; however, the hybrid minivan would not consume as much gas, saving many families a great deal of money.
So will we see the hybrid minivan in America for years to come? We will most likely see these new minivans sold, especially with the huge demand that there seems to be for these minivans to be sold on American soil.