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http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosins...uto-258263.htm
Toyota plans ways to make hybrid models stand out

Carmaker believes owners want others to be aware of their environmental consciousness.

By Chris Woodyard / USA TODAY

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Toyota is planning more prominent emblems on its gas-electric hybrid SUVs in a new belief that owners want others to know of their environmental consciousness.

Hybrids save gas and reduce air emissions compared with conventional gasoline-powered cars and trucks.

Toyota's first hybrid was Prius, a distinctive car that has no conventional-powered twin. Now Toyota is selling hybrid versions of Toyota Highlander and Lexus RX330 SUVs, both of which also are available as gas-powered models. The Lexus is called the 400h.

Research while the vehicles were being developed showed that potential customers didn't want to stick out just because they were driving a hybrid, Lexus spokesman Bill Ussery says.

So the hybrid version of the Lexus doesn't look much different unless you notice that the emblem reads RX400h, the "h" denoting hybrid. Under the hybrid Highlander's rear badge is a tiny plate with "Hybrid Synergy Drive."

But since the two made their debut last spring, the company has received feedback from customers that they want more visibility, Ussery says. "We are now evaluating alternatives to the current rear tailgate badging," and front and sides, as well.

One marketing expert says special cars need special emblems. "It creates word-of-mouth, creates awareness," says Gordon Wangers, CEO of automotive marketing firm AMCI.

Highlander hybrid owner Michael Lee says more prominent labeling might spread the popularity of hybrids. "It would be better ... so that more people would ask," says Lee, 54, a Clovis, N.M., railroad engineer.

Other automakers currently selling hybrids aren't considering changes:

-- Honda. Both the Civic and Accord hybrids are clearly marked, and that won't change even with the redesign of the Civic when it is unveiled later this year. Honda Insight is unique, like Prius.

-- Ford. Ford Escape and the new Mercury Mariner hybrid SUVs are marked as hybrids on the back and sides. "People didn't want a vehicle that looks like a freak show on wheels," spokesman Dan Bedore says.

insaneintenti0n

I wouldn't want people thinking i'm a tree hugger, lol.

I like the Civic and Accord hybrids because they're not that different from the normal model.

But i heard that emergency vehicles prefer hybrids to be different because they need to know how to approach a damaged vehicle. There's much more current/voltage in the hybrids which make them more dangerous in different ways than all gas cars.

HAHAHA

tree hugger!

Shakerhood

I have seen more and more complaints about Hybrids. If you are buying one to save gas you are wasting your money. They used an example of a standard corolla vs a Prius and you would have to drive it 66,500 miles a year for 5 straight years to equal the cost of the Corrolla. Plus the cost of replacing those battery packs are very high and disposal of the old ones will create a toxic mess.