The Toyota Prius is the world's best selling and probably quietest hybrid car. Once the electric engine takes control of the car, it is hard to hear it drive by. This has become an issue in some areas, especially those with high foot and bike traffic.
Accidents over the years involving a collision between hybrid cars and those walking or biking has raised concerns that the Toyota Pius is too quiet. Toyota is hard at work on a solution to this issue.
The auto maker will start selling a $148 speaker system in Japan, which will play sounds under the hood to help it mimic the "same noise level as a regular car engine."
Toyota will be selling the speaker system in Japan only at first, and the buying it is voluntary. A Toyota rep told the Associated Press that "the company is considering bringing the feature to the United States and other markets."
Toyota isn't alone in this issue. According to the AP, other car makers with hybrid vehicles are also determining how to increase the sound of their green autos to keep pedestrians and bikers safe.
Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that hybrid vehicles are twice as likely to be involved in accidents with walkers and bikers than other vehicles.
Remember to share the road and come in to test drive an all new Toyota Prius hybrid at DCH Toyota of Torrance - 2955 Pacific Coast Highway - Torrance, CA 90505.
source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20014511-17.html
Accidents over the years involving a collision between hybrid cars and those walking or biking has raised concerns that the Toyota Pius is too quiet. Toyota is hard at work on a solution to this issue.
The auto maker will start selling a $148 speaker system in Japan, which will play sounds under the hood to help it mimic the "same noise level as a regular car engine."
Toyota will be selling the speaker system in Japan only at first, and the buying it is voluntary. A Toyota rep told the Associated Press that "the company is considering bringing the feature to the United States and other markets."
Toyota isn't alone in this issue. According to the AP, other car makers with hybrid vehicles are also determining how to increase the sound of their green autos to keep pedestrians and bikers safe.
Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that hybrid vehicles are twice as likely to be involved in accidents with walkers and bikers than other vehicles.
Remember to share the road and come in to test drive an all new Toyota Prius hybrid at DCH Toyota of Torrance - 2955 Pacific Coast Highway - Torrance, CA 90505.
source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20014511-17.html
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