The Car Hub

Those poor (not financially) Toyota Prius owners who have forked out an over-the-odds-price for the privilege of owning a petrol/electric hybrid car are now being asked to get their wallets out again.
Because of the lack of engine noise when the Prius is in electric mode and slow moving, as in town/city driving, Toyota would like to lessen the risk of accidents to pedestrians in such a situation.
This risk has been highlighted in a study by the USA’s National Highways Safety Administration which found that hybrid vehicles running in electric mode were twice as prone to be in as accidents than fossil fuelled motors.
Toyota will roll out its “on-board approaching vehicle audible system” in Japan later this month where it will cost the customer approx £97 plus taxes and installation costs, as yet there is no decision on releasing this system to other markets.