2008 Los Angeles Auto Show Preview: Toyota to Roll Out CNG-Powered Camry Hybrid Concept

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PORTLAND, Oregon — Toyota is ready to dip its toe back into the compressed-natural-gas vehicle market after a shaky start back in 1999. The Japanese automaker on Wednesday confirmed that it will display a compressed-natural-gas Toyota Camry Hybrid concept at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Nearly a decade ago, Toyota sold a CNG-powered four-cylinder Camry to fleet customers in California. But in a statement, it noted that "customers were not attracted to a vehicle that required special refueling technologies and a limited refueling infrastructure." The program was discontinued in 2000. But with soaring pump prices, Toyota senses that consumers may be more open to CNG-powered vehicles today.

"With this concept, we are confirming our interest in pursuing CNG within our broad and comprehensive R&D scope," said Toyota spokesman Irv Miller. "Natural gas and an expanded retail-friendly CNG infrastructure could be seen as a model for future hydrogen infrastructure."

What this means to you: A CNG-powered Camry Hybrid could be in your driveway in the near future. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent