Tokyo, Japan, June 12, 2006 - (JCN Newswire) - Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM) announced today the nationwide sales launch in Japan of the completely redesigned Estima Hybrid minivan through "Toyota" ("Osaka Toyopet" in the Osaka area) and "Toyota Corolla" dealers.
The Estima Hybrid was initially launched in 2001 as the world's first hybrid minivan, demonstrating new potential for hybrid vehicles. It achieved revolutionary fuel efficiency and lean exhaust emissions, and - through the world's first use of the E-Four (electric four-wheel drive) system on a mass-production vehicle and an ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake) system - it provided exceptional maneuvering stability.
The new Estima Hybrid features the THS II(*1), optimized for use on a minivan. The THS II was designed to achieve even better environmental and driving performance based on the concept of Hybrid Synergy Drive, which seeks to realize high fuel efficiency, low emissions, outstanding driving performance and quiet operation. As a result, the new Estima Hybrid boasts one of the world's highest fuel efficiency performances in its class(*2), which is on par with a compact vehicle(*3), and clean exhaust emissions. Furthermore, its dynamic performance surpasses that of other vehicles in its class, with high responsiveness characteristic of a hybrid vehicle, smooth, powerful acceleration and extremely quiet operation.
In addition, the adoption as standard of the E-Four system with high-output rear motor and the first use in a minivan of VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), which integrates and optimally balances drive power, steering and braking, aims to take "fun to drive" to a higher level with greater maneuverability and cruising stability.
*1 Toyota Hybrid System II
*2 Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement
*3 Under the 10-15 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
