Yo, Russia's First-Ever Hybrid, Unveiled

Russia has just entered the group of countries that own at least one hybrid vehicle after Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov introduced a hybrid prototype which he hopes to enter production in 2012. The car has been developed under a joint venture financially backed by Prokhorov and formed by Onexim group, a financial holding firm owned by the Russian businessman, and carmaker Yarovit-Motors.

Just like all the other hybrids, Yo's powertrain works with gasoline and electricity and achieves a fuel consumption rating of just 67 mpg (3.5 l/100km). The maximum speed is 80 mph (almost 130 km/h), with the car being fitted with several fuel efficiency enhancing technologies to improve its mileage.

Prokhorov will inject up to $200 million in the recently formed joint venture, which is called E-Auto. Production estimates are pointing to 10,000 hybrids per year when the car will go on sale in 2012, with the parent company promising the car will be offered with a very affordable price.

Of course, the price tag is yet to be disclosed but some voices familiar with the case hint that the car could even cost less than $10,000 to be thus accessible to most Russians looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly ride.

A so-called Yarovit range presented earlier this year included multiple vehicle types, such as a coupe-crossover and a compact and, just like the Yo, they were supposed to retail for an impressive price. The Yarovit is intended to be affordable, with rumors placing the model back in August in the EUR5,000-EUR6,000 range. More recently though, the possible price tag began indicating a few thousands more.