Toyota is planning a hybrid version of the RAV4

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On Wednesday at an industry conference in Shanghai, Toyota’s managing officer Mr. Koei Saga said that Toyota is planning to produce a hybrid version of the RAV4 SUV.

No exact dates were given, but as Toyota plans to introduce 10 new hybrids globally by 2012 we expect RAV4 Hybrid to hit U.S. dealerships by 2011.

Mr. Saga also added: “I believe Toyota needs to accelerate the 2020 goal to hybridize all the Toyota models.”

RAV4 Hybrid would use Toyota’s third-generation hybrid system. Toyota RAV4 SUV/Crossover was introduced first in 1996 and during 1997-2003 it was also produced as an electric vehicle. Around 1,5000 RAV4 EVs were produced. It had a range of 100 miles and a top speed of 80 mph.

For some strange reason most of the cars were destroyed, but 328 examples made it to customers. At the time they were priced from $42,000. Today they are very rare and cost more than $70,000 if you can find one.

Source: hybridcars.com