Toyota announces Auris Hybrid for 2010

With the new Prius being a huge hit in the automotive market, the Japanese automaker Toyota has decided to expand its hybrid lineup with another compact hybrid hatchback. The company’s next step will be made in 2010 when Toyota will put a hybrid version of the Auris small city car up for sale.

In a statement made by the CEO and President of Toyota Europe, Tadashi Arashima: "With today’s announcement, Toyota has taken a significant step forward in ensuring that full hybrids become more accessible to a wider range of customers. Such efforts are crucial if we are to see more low-carbon vehicles on European roads."

The new model will be priced much lower than the Prius in an attempt to compete with other models like Honda’s more affordable hybrid the Insight as well as fans of the Auris city car looking to get a few more MPGs.