Hybrid technology gets a lift

The Toyota Prius is one of the best-selling hybrid vehicles in the automotive market. Now, Toyota Material Handling, USA Inc. (TMHU), has debuted a new hybrid concept lift truck based on the Prius technology. The vehicle, introduced at ProMat 2009, was developed by Toyota Industries Corp. in cooperation with Toyota Motor Corp. Brett Wood, president of TMHU, said the vehicle is designed to reduce emissions and fuel consumption while offering the same performance level as internal combustion trucks. The concept vehicle is gasoline-powered, but the company is researching how to adapt the technology for propane- and diesel-powered trucks, says Martin Boyd, TMHU's national product planning manager.