The Future of Fuel-Efficient Japanese Cars

Automotive News, and industry publication, recently did a rundown of the upcoming cars from Japanese manufacturers. Here’s the latest in green cars from the Land of the Rising Sun (and Rising Fuel Economy):

Honda:

• Rumor has it that an electric vehicle from the company could be unveiled this fall and see production in 2015
• The hybrid version of the Honda Fit has been canceled
• The CR-Z hybrid sport coupe will go on sale in Spring 2010

Infiniti:

• The company may introduce a diesel engine in the U.S., like it sells in Europe
• We’ll see an Infiniti hybrid in 2 or 3 years,probably in an M-class sedan

Lexus:

• The Lexus HS dedicated hybrid debuted in January this year, and goes on sale this month
• A hybrid version of the ES will be added in 2012

Mitsubishi:

• The U.S. will get the I-MiEV electric car in 2012
• A larger I-MiEV II with more cargo space could debut in 2012, too

Nissan:

• “By the middle of the next decade, or 2015, something on the order of 10% of our volume will be EV,” said Brian Carolin, senior VP for North American sales and marketing
• The all-electric Leaf will go on sale in 2011, and be built in the U.S. in 2012
• The 370Z sports car might get a hybrid version for 2012

Scion:

• 2011 iQ: The tiny, gasoline-powered car is expected to get 60 mpg and go on sale in the U.S. in fall 2010

Subaru:

• Has neither a hybrid nor a clean diesel in its plans for the next few years

Toyota:

• A two-door Prius could see production in 2012 or 2013
• Toyota is considering hybrid versions of the Yaris, Avalon, and Corolla
• The Sienna minivan will get a hybrid version in 2012

Image of the I-MiEV by Kristen Hall-Geisler.