Unprecedented numbers of hybrid cars on display at this month's Detroit International Auto Show signify that the industry is taking the technology increasingly seriously. Petrol-electric vehicles, launched or shown as concepts, broke out of the mould of small saloons designed for economy and embraced market segments from 4x4s to sports cars. Toyota's sleek new Prius, the surprise choice as North American Car of the Year, is bigger than its ungainly predecessor, competing with cars in the Mondeo class. Higher than expected demand for the car, launched last autumn, has prompted Toyota to increase production. The Detroit launch of two sport-utility vehicles, claimed to be the world's first, takes Toyota's hybrid model count to eight. Both the Toyota Highlander and the more luxurious Lexus RX400h use a 3.3-litre V6 engine coupled with an electric motor to generate 270bhp. The combination is said to provide the performance of a 4-litre petrol engine with economy better than the 27.6mpg of the average 'compact sedan'. The Lexus goes on sale in the US and UK towards the end of this year. The Highlander will follow in early 2005 in the US only.
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