2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Think Clean, Drive Green!

Hybrid cars are the latest trend in our modern living today. There is the Ford Escape Hybrid, the Toyota Prius and a lot more of hybrid concepts which would be released soon. What is the significance of hybrid cars in our planet today?

Yes, that is correct! To lessen CO2 emissions and unwanted gas that gradually destroys our environment. We cannot let this happen, that’s why these alternative-fueled vehicles are made to lessen the damage that cars bring about to Mother Earth.

We all know that the Prius is a big hit on the auto market. Now there are two hybrid cars to choose from in Toyota’s array of vehicles – the Prius and the Highlander hybrid. The Toyota Highlander hybrid is the next best thing to Prius. It is a certified nature-friendly vehicle at the same time, it provides the best auto performance from an SUV vehicle. While you are helping the environment, you too can enjoy from the Highlanders splendid list of features!

Features:

• Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade
• Roof Rack System
• Variable intermittent windshield wipers
• Remote keyless entry
• Driver and passenger Advanced Airbag System
• CFC-free automatic digital climate control system
• Color-keyed heated foldable power outside mirrors
• 4-Wheel Drive with intelligence (4WD-i) (optional)
• HomeLink®5 universal transceiver
• Second-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags

Specifications

• Steering: Electronic power steering (EPS) – rack-and-pinion with power assist
• Fuel Capacity/Type Required: 17.2 gallons (65 liters) / Regular Unleaded
• Brakes: Electronically controlled braking system with ABS and electronic brake distribution
• Wheels/Tires: 17-in. split 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with P225/65R17 all-season tires
• 3.3-liter double overhead cam V6 gas motor; torque @ rpm: 212 @ 4400 (foot/pounds)
• Horsepower: 268 total system horsepower

Ford To Turn Yellow Taxi To “Green”

It looks like New York’s famed yellow taxi fleet will be getting a makeover, thanks to the Ford Motor Company. The Dearborn, Michigan-based car manufacturer announced that they will be increasing the number of “green” taxi in the Big Apple. This came after New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced the plan to increase the number of hybrid taxis in the city to 1,000 units by October next year. The plan aims to increase the number of hybrid taxis by 20 percent until the year 2012. By that time, if the plan materializes, the entire fleet of New York taxis will all be hybrid cars.

In a statement made by Ford’s North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Organization Director John Felice, he pointed out that the company is in a position to turn that plan to reality. “Ford was the first company with a hybrid taxi on the streets of New York City, and we’re proud that three-quarters of the city’s hybrid fleet is the Ford Escape Hybrid,” said Felice. “We look forward to working with Mayor Bloomberg and city officials on their future taxi plans,” he added.

What the company is looking to introduce to the city’s taxi fleet is the Ford Escape Hybrid. Currently, the city employs 18 Ford Escape Hybrid units. Combined, these green vehicles have already saved about $250,000 worth of fuel. Imagine how much the city can save with hundreds of these hybrids around. Matthew W. Daus, the New York City Taxi and Limousine commissioner, pointed out one of the advantages of using a totally green fleet saying: “We expect these new standards will save 22 million gallons of fuel in the first year, and that is only the beginning of what we will be able to accomplish.”

While hybrid vehicles cost more than vehicles equipped with conventional gasoline engines, in the long run, taxi operators will save more with these green cars. Not only will they save a lot of money on fuel consumption but they will also be doing their part in protecting the environment for the future generation.