[Raptor235]

While environmentally conscious motorists contentedly tool around in their charming, bubble-shaped Priuses, executives of the Toyota Motor Corp join those from the “Detroit Three” (General Motors Corp, Ford Motor Corp, and Chrysler LLC) to oppose a United States Congress bill that would impose stricter fuel economy standards on the U.S. car industry. While the Prius is currently listed as averaging 50 miles to the gallon, this new measure would require a minimum of 35-miles to the gallon for all cars manufactured later than 2020. So why the opposition?

According to environmental groups like Natural Resources Defense Council and Union of Concerned Scientists, Toyota ain’t so green. While their branding veers towards pushing the hybrid Prius, Camry and Lexus models, Toyota also competes in the large truck market with their new Toyota Tundra. Quipped Democratic Representative Edward Markey of Massachusetts, “[They’re] actually going to name the vehicle the Tundra, after the thing that’s being destroyed in Alaska.”

Another theory suggests that Toyota doesn’t want competition from American auto makers in the "green" class and is trying to block legislation that will further their fuel-efficiency research.You can find the entire article here http://aboutmyplanet.com/environment/earth-to-toyota

[horselover]

I thought Toyota was getting into Hybrid trucks? They don't mention that at all in the article.

[peachy]

Sometimes it really is all about the all mighty buck. =( Such a shame.

Maybe if the legislation doesn't go the way Toyota wants, maybe it'll force them to reasearch into something that's lucrative and better for the environment.

[tater03]

This don't surprise me in the least. I feel that even though something needs to be done auto makers are just out for whatever will make them the money the fastest. Now when it really looks like legislation will change you can bet they will be pulling some ideas they probably already might have off of the back burner so they can compete.

[peachy]

I don't think it's just the car industry...I would say most companies. Anything that is easy and gets them money, why would they care about the environment? Perhaps the quick money they get could be partly donated to research to finding more green ideas. But I think that's a cop out.

[awarenessideas]

Every time I hear about the auto industry taking the easy way out, I grow furious with our government. That gigantic bailout and no strings or commitments? Wasteful! I would have put a price tag on that bailout money in the form of green initiatives. Either they move to higher fuel standards and alternative fuels or they don't get a dime. Put regulations on them, put pressure on them, put deadlines on them. I'm so sick of feeling like my home town (Detroit) continues to poo on us because it's the easiest/cheapest way to do things. I guess this is why I haven't owned an American car in the last 5 years. Why pay for low quality when your dollars don't go to improve anything but the company's bottom line?

[Lyndsey]

This is why I have my doubts about bailing out the car manufacturers. Of course I feel bad for job losses, but maybe the more environmentally conscious companies could be rewarded with bail outs or incentives and workers could transfer to those companies or get retraining packages.

[atula]

Is it not that all auto manufacturers are actually riding the nvironment bus, just to look good...are they really really that concerned about the environment......

[Laughingmouse]

I hope everyone writes their congressional representatives to tell them not to back down from the requirements.

Haven't we been shafted enough?

[stav]

this article is more than 2 years old.. i think things have changed quite dramatically since then.. Toyota are one of the leading manufacturers of greeen vehiclesand are at the forefront of the research.