Toyota considers US effort for alternative

WASHINGTON: Toyota Motor Co, a pioneer in the development of popular gas-electric hybrid vehicles, is considering a US investment in cars that run on ethanol and other alternative fuels, the automaker's North American president said on Tuesday.


Jim Press' disclosure introduces new competitive pressure on Ford Motor Co, General Motors Co and Daimler/Chrysler's North American Chrysler unit, all of which have lost market share to Toyota and other foreign rivals partly capitalising on American's appetite for more fuel efficient vehicles.

"We're already developing vehicles that can operate in ethanol-rich Brazil and we're optimistic that we can offer similar vehicles to American consumers," Press said.

Ford, GM and Chrysler have recently expanded their interest in crop-based alternatives, or flexible fuels. These include a product more widely sold that is made with 85 per cent ethanol.

The Detroit-based automakers pledged commitments to blended fuels and have asked Congress for tax breaks and other help to retool plants and broaden consumer access to those products
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