Toyota's New Camry Runs On Natural Gas

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota launched an updated version of the Camry with a CNG fueled engine meaning that this car is a hybrid, and it can save the planet if you buy it (obviously a tongue in cheek statement).

The new Camry is 50% more fuel efficient, but sadly the car is not due for production because there are clever chaps at Toyota who have realized that no one would buy a car that has a front grille like that . It looks like Abe from Abe's Odyssey, and I'm sure that he did not win any hearts because of his looks.

Toyota seems to have understood that is high time for vehicles like this as we cannot rely anymore on petrol. "In the near future, growing demand for liquid petroleum simply and effectively will exceed supply," said Chris Hosteler, group vice president, TMS Advanced Product Strategy. "Before that occurs, automakers must look to vehicles powered by alternative fuels. We believe CNG will be one of those alternatives."

Toyota think that Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) can reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil, and reduce the operating cost of any vehicle. This means that combustion engines will get an extra life, as worldwide gas reserves are estimated to last until 2100 and have the potential to last until 2200 trough improved advanced production methods.

Natural gas is also cleaner than its petroleum counterpart, has a higher ignition temperature, and if leaks occur it can be dispersed quickly into the atmosphere.

"Toyota believes CNG has huge potential, both in the U.S. and globally, but CNG is just one of the many alternative fuels we're exploring in our ongoing advanced technology research and development," the Toyota representative added.