Toyota tour demystifies the hybrid

Drivers looking for relief at the gas pump can head to Square One Shopping Centre to check out the latest in hybrid technology.
That’s where, until Sunday, Toyota Canada is making the last stop of its tour of Ontario shopping centres. Visitors will learn about eco-friendly automotive technology and can attend fuel-efficiency clinics. They can even test drive one of Toyota’s hybrid vehicles.
But the main goal is to dispel myths surrounding hybrids.
“These vehicles have been available in Canada since 2000, yet questions about the technology still exist,” said Bryon Stremler, Toyota Canada’s manager of advanced technology. “The event gives us the opportunity to answer questions that consumers may have about hybrids, and allows them to get behind the wheel of our most popular fuel-sipping models.”
Among the first visitors kicking the tires Tuesday morning at Centre Court was Wayne Killin. The 49-year-old IT specialist racks up more than 100 kilometres driving to work from Mississauga to Scarborough each day, and he says the fuel costs are killing him.
“I already traded in my SUV, but the costs are still too high. Maybe it’s time to switch to a hybrid.”
Killin won’t be alone in taking such a step. Since Toyota introduced the Prius in 1997, the Japanese carmaker has sold more than one million hybrid vehicles worldwide. It has expanded the lineup to include some of its conventionally-powered models, such as the Toyota Camry, Yaris and Corolla. There’s even a hybrid Highlander crossover SUV.
That’s the one David Kong was checking out before he became more interested in filling out a ballot to win $10,000.
“I can’t afford a car as yet because I’m still in school and have student loans,” said the 20-year-old Humber College student. “But I’ll definitely consider buying a hybrid when the time comes in a few years. Everyone, especially my generation, should do their part to help the planet.”
According to Toyota, its hybrid synergy drive gas/electric hybrid powertrain delivers up to 70 per cent fewer smog emissions. And earlier this year, the Corolla out-performed a dozen competitors to win the Canadian Driver 50-Litre Challenge by travelling 1,017 kilometres on a single tank of gas. That’s more than 70 kilometres further than its closest competitor.
Stephen Beatty, Toyota Canada’s managing director, said when the first hybrid cars became available, many viewed gas/electric technology as a bridge to future fuels, such as hydrogen. But according to Beatty, Toyota believes the hybrid concept is now a standard platform for all future fuel-efficient vehicles.
“No matter what liquid fuel you’re burning, the goal is to extend the efficiency of that fuel as far as possible, and hybrid technology is the perfect way to do that,” he said. “In essence, we’ve become the world’s largest electric car company.”

jchin@mississauga.net