Toyota Buys Chunk Of Isuzu As Part Of Low-Emission Diesel Plan - Reuters

[hatrack]

EDIT

The tie-up will focus on development and production of small diesel engines, joint development of emission-reducing technology for diesel engines and other powertrain-related technologies, they said in a statement. Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe and Isuzu President Yoshinori Ida are scheduled to hold a news conference at 7 p.m. (1000 GMT).

While Toyota leads the industry in most environmentally friendly technology -- notably in gasoline-electric hybrids -- it is a laggard in diesels, which are gaining traction around the world as a proven technology for reducing fuel consumption.

Isuzu, meanwhile, is known for its edge in diesels, supplying small engines to GM and Renault SA, and until recently also to Honda Motor Co.

Analysts cheered the tie-up. "It's positive for both sides," said UBS Securities auto analyst Tatsuo Yoshida, noting the ties could hasten Toyota's efforts in improving its diesel technology while enabling Isuzu to tap its partner's experience with other advanced technology. "It's especially good for Isuzu -- being under Toyota's umbrella will help as it tries to expand in emerging markets," Yoshida added.

EDIT

http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/38871/story.htm

[Porcupine]

1. If Toyota sells small diesel trucks in US then GM is dead.

My dream vehicle is a upsized Toyota Scion xB (breadbox) with a diesel-electric hybrid. If they fitted the top with hardpoints so that contracter types could get a ladder rack up there they'd sell millions.

I do light contracting work and I have kids. I just don't like being forced in to a quadcab truck or two cars.

It's nice to dream.

[hunter]

2. That would be a very cool car...

Ladders weekdays, surfboards weekends (& dodging work.)

I wonder how it'd look bright yellow with wood siding?

[NNadir]

3. Isuzu is a big promoter of DME technology.

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2004/08/dme_advances_ro.html

As DME commercializes, it is entirely in the realm of possibility - depending on the source of DME - that the diesel engine, ironic as it may seem, will be the cleanest internal combustion engine there is. Only electric cars will be better.