Next generation Prius on track?

Has Toyota lost some hybrid mojo?

"I know there's a lot of speculation in the United States that we're delaying the Prius because of battery development issues," Toyota research and development chief Kazuo Okamoto told Reuters. "That's not the case."

Really?

Additionally, Kazuo stated that Toyota would not race GM to put the first commercially available plug-in hybrid on the road. GM has previously announced 2010 as their launch date.

Additionally, the first plug-in Prius hybrids will probably be very similar to current Prius hybrid technology.

"The plug-in will be an extension of the system we're using with the Prius," he said. "We see some advantages. For instance, we can add trunk space and have a lighter vehicle."

If GM is serious about the Chevy Volt and, more important, the launch date of the Volt, there is a real chance that GM could surpass Toyota in terms of viable, green technology. Now that truly would be shocking!