Toyota A-BAT Hybrid Pick-up Truck To Join Prius Family?

The Prius family, designed exclusively for Toyota hybrid models, might include a production version of the Toyota A-BAT Concept, presented at Detroit Auto Show 2011.

Toyota brought this year at Detroit Auto Show the first creations derived from the Prius hybrid: the Toyota Prius V minivan and Toyota C Concept, the already famous HSI eco drive train underpinning both models. The Japanese automaker have officially confirmed the launch of a brand dedicated to hybrid vehicles, called how else than Prius. Once the Japanese officials released these informations the first rumors regarding the first models of the Prius range have hit the web.

According to the American press, the hybrid models family is an old project of the Japanese brand, Toyota abandoned because of financial reasons. Now rumor has it that the futuristic Toyota A-BAT pick-up concept, presented in world premiere at Detroit Auto Show 2008 will join the hybrid line-up.

Bob Carter, Vice-President of Toyota American Division, said that Toyota is considering a hybrid pick-up. “Prius means high mpg, low environment impact, possibly, if it meets the criteria. It’s not off the table, but nothing is decided at this point. The pickup truck has been very volatile over the past few years,” Carter said.