New Toyota Hybrid Car Plant at NUMMI in California?

At the North American International Auto Show, Toyota President Fujio Cho reiterated Toyota's plans to open a new hybrid car plant in the United States, though where and which cars were not announced.

By midyear, Cho stated, those questions will be answered.

Many are speculating that there is a good chance that Toyota's New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., or NUMMI, plant in Fremont California might be used.

California's Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, on a recent trip to Japan, pushed hard for a hybrid vehicle production facility in his state.

Since more Prius hybrids are sold in California than in any other state, and since California recently passed stringent vehicle emissions legislation, many think such a move to NUMMI would provide a very powerful message to competitors.

Cho stated, "Not just economic and technology factors but also strategic factors will be considered. I think it is too early for us to make a decision, no state is excluded from our consideration."

Of course, the future of hybrids might not reside with cars, such as the Toyota Prius, or the Honda Accord hybrid. Instead, the future of hybrids might revolve around hybrid SUVs.

Toyota will release the Lexus RX400h Hybrid SUV and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV this year. Whether those cars will fit into Toyota's U.S. production plans is yet to be seen, but initial interests in both vehicles has been overwhelming and unexpected.