Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe said it would be done, and we all know there's no take-backsies in the Japanese auto industry. He said Toyota would build a hybrid-drive pickup, and the company is confirmed to be working on such a version of its next Tundra, due in 2007. The only problem is that the hybrid powertrain is not suited for hauling heavy loads long distances, though the electric motor could offer lots of torque for limited-purpose heavy lifting. Engineers are conducting "feasibility studies," shorthand for "we're fucked" to see if something can be done.

Toyota encountering challenges in developing hybrid drivetrain for next-gen Tundra pickup [AutoWeek]

Related:
Toyota Boss: We ll Build a Hybrid Pickup [internal]

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