Toyota is also planning to develop a new high-end hybrid-electric car (Lexus division) as well as another new hybrid for the Toyota brand (speculations are circling around smaller, city car). Toyota's president promised to unveil both at the next year's Auto show.

Announcement puts Toyota in direct competition against GM, which already announced plans to sell its plug-in electrical vehicle called VOLT sometime around 2010. GM already hinted that Volt will also use Li-Ion batteries, which will allow it to go around 60 miles on 6 hour charge. Along with the Volt, G.M. has also plans to produce a plug-in version of its Saturn Vue hybrid. Ford (as third largest car maker) also has a hybrid electric plug-in car in development since 2006, but no further information is available.