Toyota, RTA in final phase of launching hybrid cars

Dubai: Dubai's transport regulator Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Toyota Motor Corporation are in final stage of testing out hybrid vehicles for the UAE market, a senior Toyota official said.

"We have supplied some hybrid vehicles to the RTA to test out for the local market. It is going ahead without any complaints," Hajime Sakaguchi, Toyota's general manager for Oceania, Middle East and South Asia Marketing Division, told Gulf News on Sunday.

If the tests are proven successful, then Toyota and its UAE distributors Al Futtaim Motors will roll out hybrid Toyota and Lexus vehicles soon.

With the oil price hitting $147 (Dh540) per barrel in July 2008, consumer demand for hybrid and green cars went up significantly.

US consumers have reduced their travel significantly in recent months, partly due to recession and partly due to oil prices.

Although the oil price is trading at less than a third of the July 2008 peak price, consumers worldwide remain cautious as oil market continues to show signs of volatility.

This prompted the RTA to introduce green cars in its taxi fleet last year on a test case basis.

"Once we get green signal from the RTA, we will begin supplying them for the UAE markets," he said.

"There is a growing demand for hybrid cars. However, in the UAE and the Gulf, consumers are wary of the high price."

Simon Frith, managing director of Al Futtaim Motors, echoed, saying, "We are waiting for the results as well. Once that is done, we will bring in the vehicles to the market," he said.

Recent market conditions have seen sales decline significantly, Frith said, his company remains focused on delivering high quality services to the customers.

"This year will be a challenge for all, to match sales target. We continue to serve the market with some of the best products in the automobile market. Our customers could benefit well from the low cost of ownership of vehicles," he said.

Would you replace your car for a hybrid one? Do you think such cars would be well-received in the UAE?

Though hybrid cars will reduce pollution, I am not sure it will be well received in the UAE. Maybe if it is a cheaper option, people would go for it. If I buy a new car I might buy such a model, but will not replace my present car for it. Awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of hybrid cars could be started before actually introducing them in the market.
Naina Nair
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 16:39

I believe that hybrid cars will be successful only if:1. People have environment concerns.2. Suits their budget.3. Satisfied that hybrid cars will not fail on them.
Mohammad Agha
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 11:54

I will certainly change my car. Unfortunatly,many car sellers never heard about hybrid cars untill now. They need to market it properly.
Mohammad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 09:52

I believe a hybrid car would be well - received in UAE provided people get awareness sessions. It contributes to building up a healthier environment and thereby a healthy nation.Why should anyone turn down this opportunity?Cheers to RTA!
Tina Vibin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 09:03

Yes i would replace my car for a hybrid,only if the cost of the vechile would be reasonable.
Larino
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 08:56

Its about time! I have always wanted to buy a hybrid car but didnt find any here in the UAE. This is great to hear.
Michael Castro
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 08:35

Definitely yes, I would like to go green even if the gas prices are a little higher than the petrol prices. This will also result in reduction of air pollution in the city.
Huzaifa Hashmi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 08:11

of course I would like to go for a hybrid car.
From a reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 04:59

It will be good for the UAE market and for the environment.
Tesfu
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 26, 2009, 01:17