Toyota has been a major player in the automotive green movement, constantly working to expand the horizons of hybrid technology.  The Japanese automotive company has explored everything from battery electric vehicles, to plug-in hybrids, fuel cell hybrids, and more conventional hybrids like the recently unveiled FT-CH concept car, all of which utilize Toyota’s unique Hybrid Synergy Drive as their core technology.

At the 2010 North American International Auto Show premier of the FT-CH concept car, Toyota Motor Sales, USA President Jim Lentz stated, “the FT-CH captures the spirit and functionality… of a car that thrives in the inner-city environment… ‘Sized-right’… to be nimble, responsive and maneuverable.”  Lentz went on to evaluate the agile compact hybrid as a smaller, cheaper version of the mid-size class Prius.  Measuring only 153 inches long, 68.5 inches wide and 55 inches high the FT-CH is designed to be deftly maneuverable and will be ideal for city driving.  Champaign Toyota dealers warn potential clients not to be thrown off by the compact size of the new concept car which has been designed for maximum passenger comfort and interior space.

Many preowned Prius Champaign dealers note that some first-time Prius drivers initially have reservations about the motor-power and durability attainable with a hybrid vehicle.  However, new owners find their fears quickly assuaged when they realized that their new hybrid not only sports Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive but is also more fuel-efficient than the competition.

Hybrid Synergy Drive technology functions by combining a small gasoline engine with a small electric motor to increase fuel economy and lower emissions. The motor runs on batteries whose power is generated as the car coasts and decelerates.

The FT-CH represents the expansion of hybrid options for Champaign Toyota customers in addition to expanding Toyota’s marketing demographic.  The hybrid concept car is being modeled at a lower price-point than the Prius, appealing to a younger, less affluent demographic.  Toyota’s European Design and Development (ED²) center, which styled the vehicle, has cited the vivid, retro, high-energy 8-bit generation as their inspiration for the FT-CH.

Lentz also announced at NAIAS that Toyota Motor Sales is in the process of developing a Prius family of hybrid vehicles for which the FT-CH is a definite contender, so expect to hear more about this prototype in the near future. Drivers who are hesitant to join in the hybrid movement should test the waters with a tried and true pre-owned Prius, available at preowned Prius Champaign dealers.