Hybrid Minivan US Availability?

News item: "Toyota Motor says it expects to export a 40-mile-per-gallon, hybrid-power minivan to the USA to join its Prius gas-electric hybrid sedan. That's about double the fuel economy of a gasoline-only U.S. minivan." - June 2001 (!)

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2001-06-15-toyota-minivan.htm

Oops

Now it's 2007 - see the article right here under "CARS" in the light blue box to the left.

I'm very happy with the performance of my 2001 Mazda MPV. However, I still would like a new minivan later this year. I would only buy a new minivan if it is a hybrid and 4 wheel drive.

Who can we write to to urge production of a hybrid minivan? I"m sure they'd sell out in seconds. Either Toyota or Honda a missing the boat!

GM & ford are waiting for toyota & honda to do it first....

it's part of their progressive management style.

see ya

steve

I have to say that I am NOT at all impressed with the service I got on the phone trying to get the Toyota Canada guys to tell me when or how I could get a hybrid Sienna or even an imported Estima. They did not even know that it was available in Japan since 2001. They claim not to know of any plans to produce them here in North America and when I asked to talk to someone so I could complain they said that they would register the complaint but it would not likely get looked at seriously... Talk about ignorant. I then called back the Toyota US line and at least was able to register a request to have them consider marketing the minivan.
I would still buy one in a second if it were available....

The marketing people at Toyota are nuts. Most Camry buyers could use a Prius, but the Highlander is no alternative for the Sienna everyone should call 800-go-toyota (468-6982) requesting the Sienna hybrid (AWD 8 passenger) chances are they will wake up;-)

My wife and I recently (March-April, 2005) visit Japan as tourists and when we were in Tokyo we spotted an Estima minivan with a "hybrid" embossed chrome logo on the back. We stopped and talked to the business men standing near the van (who looked like corporate executives, judging from the quality of their suits).

At that time I had never heard of a hybrid mini-van, nor the Estima, but it was awesome. The gentleman told us it was a company car, it was full of executive luxury options (it had six independant lounger seats instead of any bench seats, and really large cup-holders and individual lights, cell phone charging plugs, and a shared video screen). It was amazing to look at and we wanted a more normal market one right away.

So far no one at our local Toyota dealer has been able to tell us much about our enquiry to "grey-market" import one for us, but they claim they are still researching it. It was a smidge smaller than the Siennas we see here in the states (eg: not useful for carrying 4x8' sheets of drywall/plywood), but plenty tall - I suspect the executive model we looked at may have been taller than a normal Estima, as it did not look normal.

http://toyota.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/EstimaHybrid/index.html

Might be interesting to see this - even though it's all in Japanese.

Did a google and found this article on Estima. Doesn't sound like it will be sold here anytime soon.

http://www.toyota.com/about/environment/technology/minivan.html

I followed up on the Estima link in Japanese and it showed the interworkings of this 4-wheel drive marvel.
http://toyota.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/EstimaHybrid/mechanism/index.html
The Estima uses a "parallel" hybrid gasoline engine with an electric motor/generator configuration to drive the front wheels and an electric motor to drive the rear wheels. If the electric motor and batteries were large enough, the van looks like it could be converted to a "plug-in" hybrid also. The plug-in gives you the option of charging the vehicle at night and running all-electric for the first 20 to 60 miles before switching to normal hybrid mode. The advatage of this is a 80-90% reduction in gasoline use.

The recent post about a hybrid that can run for short distances using an overnight electrical charge is very exciting. I can only hope that the delay in getting a hybrid Sienna on the market is related to adding features such as this and implementing the newest battery technologies.

For 2006 Honda will have an option for it's
V-6 (i-VTech) engines that employ "Variable Cylinder Technology" ie: shutting 3 of 6 cylinders off when cruising.

I have this on my '05 Accord Hybrid and only the
'economy' green light on the dash clues you to its operation!

Not a hybrid, but a help.

couple more things. The iVTEC is only available on the top of the line Odyssey, so expect to pay some bucks for it.

also, a relevant article:
http://www.smartmoney.com/life/index.cfm?story=20050819-drive

"Daihatsu Motor unveiled Monday a gasoline-electric version of its Hijet Cargo, touting it as the world's first hybrid minivan designed for commercial use."

http://www.mixedpower.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=759

I am ready TODAY to trade in my wonderful Honday odyssey for a hybrid minivan...Toyota hurry up!

WANTED
hybrid minivan that comfortably seats 6-8
a/c, usb port, navigation
need asap

Why don't the car companies get it? I've been waiting for over two years now hoping that someone will come out with a hybrid minivan. I refuse to buy anything until something becomes available. I URGE you to do the same--don't settle for less and don't purchase some behometh that gets crummy gas mileage, simply because it's easy to buy now rather than wait. If more of us wait, and simply don't buy, the pressure should be greater to come out with a hybrid minivan sooner.

I do hope that they will not use the hybrid function simply to boost power (yet again) and not strive for significantly greater fuel efficiency. Honda's Accord and the Toyota Highlander did this, and the additional MPG on each of these hybrids is not all that impressive. Automotive marketing and product development decisionmakers need to stop adhering to the outdated assumption that all Americans want the biggest, most powerful car that is possibly available.

It's not just about economics of better mileage (though this helps). It's about wanting to make a positive difference, personally, in my purchase decisions.

Craighton
Seattle

I'd love a hybrid minivan, but this high-tech wizardry isn't necessary to get better mileage. If they'd just offer a basic 4-cylinder engine, like on Accord and Camry, you'd jump 5-10 mpg. Within the past 15 years, automakers stopped offering four bangers, because power-hungry Americans weren't buying them.

Come on big three!!! Where is your common sense? There is a massive market waiting for you to come out with a hybrid minivan?

Joining the list of those anxious for a hybrid mini-van! I practically live in my van. With four kids, I am constantly driving. With gas prices going up maybe car manufacturers will finally get a grip and give us Mini-van drivers a break.

Don't they realize that people who drive minivans spend a lot of time on the road and are also the future car buyers for the next generation as well!!

I just want a hybrid that will fit 6 people comfortably...

I see a whole lot of talk in this thread about how interested we all are in buying a hybrid mini-van, but what I see lacking is feedback from the automakers, especially Honda, who we know sells the Estima Hybrid internationally. Has anyone contacted Honda and gotten their reason for not selling them in the US? I am about to write Honda and will be sure to post the feedback I get. Honda is a very good company and there has to be a very solid reason they chose not to sell Hybrid in the US. Pure speculation here, but suspect they have done market research and it shows there is not enough interest, or possible the US Government is doing something to discourage import.

Anyway, I am done talking and am ready to take action!! I will be back with feedback !

i called that number, 800-go-toyota (468-6982), and got an add for a 900 pay number!

what's the deal?

well, I put my $ where my mouth was, and I've bought an estima off the Japanese auction, should be here in NZ in about 4 weeks or so. Hope it goes :) I can't wait to play with it!

Harry machiela
Napier
NZ

I would only buy one if it were a large minivan. Most minivans are too small for me. I drive a VW Eurovan. I'm looking forward to the 2007/2008 update for the Eurovan. The last year VW made vans was in 2003. I really have no options to purchase another van the same size as mine unless I go with a full size van, which to me have a commercial drive feel and a contractor look. Price isn't an option. If I could import the Alphard Hybrid then I would if I could keep the warranty, but that isn't an option. I believe BMW or Mercedes is coming out with a large minivan in 2007 or 08. I usually buy a new van every 3 years, usually VWs, but now I have no options. Toyota, Honda and the rest are too small and those that are bigger look like I just got off a job site. A hybrid van would be ideal. I spend entirely too much time at the pump. I don't mind paying for the gas, but it would be nice to not have to visit the pump so often. Personally, I don't really care about the environment, but I would pay about $10k more for a hybrid for the sake of having battery banks and not having to visit the pumps as often. I get around 17-21 mpg depending on where I am driving. Another issue, is I have no idea how safe my van is because the nhtsa nor the european organization has not tested the vehicle. That is another issue, but all the minivans are just too mini for me. So I couldn't buy this Sienna hybrid thing, but if you came out with that Toyota Alphard Hybrid even for $55k, then I'd get it in a heart beat. But they won't bring a van that expensive, nobody has, because vans are for soccer moms who are supposedly frugile. The MicroBus was going to be great, but they decided to not do that either. Nobody wants to take a risk in the auto industry when it comes to vans. To me they are all the same. I do like the Honda Odessey, but it is too small. The tire/wheel safety feature is nice. I have had some tire blow outs and it's scary. The cylinder shut off is neat, but I would prefer a hybrid specifically for the 110volt battery bank. The only van that looks remotely to mine is that new Dodge International with the mercedes engine, but I then look like a ups vehicle. I may end up going that route. I'm not sure I can deal with waiting for a new vehicle in 2008. I might be able to hold off for another year and a half, but I need a new van every few years. There's not much out there other than tiny minivans.

I was interested by the September 07 post about the Sienna sharing an engine with the Highlander. Sounds like a business opportunity for someone to convert some Siennas. I'd pay for one, and I have a friend who would, too. I have similar thoughts as many other posts. I have 3 kids who are getting big, and I need to cart them around along with friends, gear, etc. There are just not good choices if you need a vehicle with a capacity of 7-8 people. If anyone can find someone who can do a convert, count me in!

Larry, (Oct 12),
If Toyota's not answering thier phone, try email. Here's thier email form, and I usually get a reply. http://toyota.custhelp.com

Can't find the Honda email form. Could someone post?

Dan <11011011> - http://screamingmonkeys.blogspot.com

Ah, corporations. Didn't you see the movie? They're all psychopathic.

We need another "Tucker" on this one. A renegade with a vision.

I'm married with two small kids. We've already outgrown the '97 Volvo 850 wagon we drive, since every time we have to take another adult or child passenger along with us, we're compromising safety as well as comfort.

I'm desperately passionate about the cause of reducing fuel consumption... for years, North American car ads with their focus on "power" and "climbing mountains" have made me sick with frustration.

WOMEN AND SENSIBLE MEN DO BUY VEHICLES. I wish this message could get through to those who manufacture automobiles.

We're lucky to live in a city with decent walkability, bikeability, and public transport, but we do need to own a car.

I WANT A HYBRID MINIVAN THAT SEATS 6+, DAMNIT!!!! AND I DON'T CARE HOW "POWERFUL" IT IS! I JUST WANT IT TO GET ME FROM HERE TO THERE SAFELY!!!

LISTEN TO ME!!! I HAVE THE MONEY RIGHT HERE AND I AM NOT SPENDING IT! GIVE ME THE CAR I WANT TO BUY!!!!

Thank you for giving me an outlet.

"The Hybrid dreamers, watch out".
The hybrid cars currently on the market cost from $3500 to $6000 more per car than comparable cars with conventional gas engines. This means that the amount of money you save, or don’t save, by buying a hybrid is very much dependent on gasoline prices. If gas is priced at $2.00 per gallon (we wish), it could take the average driver (15,000 miles per year) between 10 and 15 years to amortize the $3500 increase in the initial price. However, the higher gas prices go, the less time it takes to recoup the higher price tag.

Remesh,
thanks for your input, bu most people can figure out whether the economics of the hybrid work out for their particular situation. Unfortunately, folks like you and Consumer Reports propogate the myth that the hybrid drive train is not worth the cost based on the "average driver". You may want to look at the September Money Magazine article on the actual cost SAVINGS from driving hybrids and diesels. In addition, I would suspect most folks that chose to be hybrid drivers are not average or they do so for reasons other that pure economics. I do chose to drive a hybrid to save money. I drive over 25,000 miles per year, often 30,000. Also, the $3,500-6,000 you cite as additional cost is not entirely accurate when compared to comparably equipped models. Furthermore, when the federal AND state tax incentives are accounted for, there often is much less of a difference in cost. In Connecticut (where I live), they allow purchasers of hybrids to skip the state sales tax of 6%! That, along with the federal deductions/credits goes a long way toward covering the up-front cost difference.

To the guy from NYC who needs a large van,
Your prayer is answer!
Mercedes is testing a PLUG-IN DIESEL HYBRID sprinter, I think that model comes inboth high top and reg top too.

before you go jumping off the bridge to "HEVs", read this..
Ad attacks Toyota's record

Environmental group questions efficiency

October 24, 2005

BY SARAH A. WEBSTER
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

"Is Toyota a wolf in sheep's clothing?"

That's what a stinging national ad campaign against Toyota Motor Corp., launched today by a San
Francisco-based environmental group, suggests. The ad is to run in Mother Jones online today and
be printed soon in full-page ads in the New York Times and other publications.

Created by the Bluewater Network, a nonprofit organization that fights for clean air and water,
the ads against Toyota are thought to be the first ever to attack a Japanese automaker on its
environmental record in the United States.

Bluewater says Toyota's hybrids aren't as efficient as their non-hybrid versions and questions why
the automaker is fighting tougher standards on fuel economy and emissions. They also note that
while Toyota's overall fuel economy is the best in the industry, it is worse than it was 20 years
ago, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Toyota spokeswoman Nancy Hubbell said the automaker is disappointed by the campaign.

"Toyota is definitely the environmental leader, and we're extremely surprised," she said.

Bluewater is the same environmental group that launched a personal ad campaign against Ford Motor
Co. last year, portraying Ford Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford as Pinocchio and
challenging the automaker's record on environmental issues.

Those ads, according to Bluewater, were largely a consequence of Ford portraying himself as an
environmentalist, making promises and not keeping them.

Now, Bluewater is taking on Toyota.

"We don't enjoy playing the truth squad," Danielle Fugere, director of climate change at
Bluewater, said. "But when the auto industry misleads the public, whether intentionally or not,
someone's got to set the record straight."

The ads against Toyota are likely to be heralded by Detroit automakers, which have been crying
foul for years now over Toyota's seemingly bulletproof image with consumers as the environmentally
friendly automaker.

Toyota makes one-third of the hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles sold in the United States and has
consequently benefited from Earth-friendly buzz -- even getting A-list celebrities to arrive at
the Academy Awards in hybrid Prius compact cars as an environmentally conscious fashion statement.

But Bluewater's ads, which were obtained by the Free Press last week, show Toyota CEO Katsuaki
Watanabe in the foreground and a man wearing a wolf head in the background. The ads list a series
of concerns about Toyota.

Foremost, the group questions why Toyota's newest hybrids don't get much better fuel economy than
their non-hybrid versions.

The hybrid version of the Highlander got only 20.6 miles per gallon in a week-long test drive this
year on a range of driving conditions by Free Press auto critic Mark Phelan. The EPA rating shows
the vehicle gets 33 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway in federal tests. The non-hybrid Highlander,
meanwhile, was rated 19 m.p.g. city/25 m.p.g. highway by the EPA -- much closer to the actual
results in the hybrid.

Other journalists have found similar results, Bluewater notes in its ad, calling the Highlander
and Lexus RX 400h "gas guzzlers with no better fuel economy than their non-hybrid versions."

"If this is the precedent for Toyota's future hybrids, that will be bad news for global warming
and our dependence on foreign oil," the ad says.

Hubbell of Toyota defended the company's hybrid vehicles, saying they are more efficient than
their gasoline counterparts. What's more, she said they are 80% cleaner in emissions.

Bluewater also asks why Toyota is working with other automakers to resist federal efforts to raise
national fuel mileage standards and suing to block California's proposed regulations to reduce
smog and greenhouse gas pollution.

Hubbell said Toyota is lobbying for regulations that are "rational and national," to avoid a
patchwork system of standards "that would be a nightmare" to comply with for manufacturers.

The ads also note that the average fuel mileage of Toyota vehicles is worse today than it was 20
years ago, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2005 Fuel Economy Trends
report. In 2005, Toyota's fleet averaged 27.5 miles per gallon, the highest among manufacturers.
But the company performed better in 1985, with its fleet averaging 30.0 miles per gallon, the EPA
report shows.

While Toyota has a stable of fuel-efficient cars, including the hybrid Prius, it also makes the
Land Cruiser SUV (17 m.p.g. on the highway); Sequoia SUV (18 m.p.g.); 4Runner SUV (21 m.p.g.), and
Tundra Double Cab (18 m.p.g.). Those vehicles have helped lower Toyota's overall fuel economy.

"Toyota has a lot of explaining to do," Bluewater's ads say. "We thought Toyota cared about the
environment. ... Is this the same company that brought us the hybrid Prius, claiming to be an
environmental leader?"

The ads provide Toyota's telephone number and encourage consumers to call and ask Toyota to "build
more fuel-efficient cars and end Toyota's opposition to critical U.S. environmental policies."

Contact SARAH A. WEBSTER at 313-222-5394 or .

Wow! talk about a biased article. I'm not opposed to slamming Toyota, in fact, I participated in a slap down when they started crushing the few RAV4EV's, however, this is total garbage.

They compare their 'week-long test drive' results of the Highlander Hybrid with the EPA for the non-hybrid but they don't look at how the non-hybrid Highlander compares with either it's EPA or a similiar 'week-long test drive'. They also slam Toyota's 2005 avg fuel economy with their 1985 economy without looking at any other manufacturer's similiar comparison.

I admit that the Highlander hybrid is built for power, more than economy but this is ridiculous. I wonder if their week-long test driver remembered to release the emergency brake. Must have been the same clod that did Consumer Reports' hybrid test drives.

There are clearly may other silly non-comparisons that I certainly hope people can see through.

Toyota has a survey online asking what kind of vehicle people want 'hybridized' next. Here's a chance to provide direct feedback to Toyota if you want a hybrid Sienna (or any other vehicle style for that matter).
http://www.toyota.com/hybridsynergyview/2005/fall/viewemail.html

Thumbs down Toyota for not bringing the Estima hybrid to US markets. I would buy one today if one were available. Why do we have to wait for the "larger" less fuel efficient Sienna hybrid when they already have a proven hybrid minivan available in Japan? I have heard nothing but rave reviews of this vehicle and would love to at least have the opportunity to test drive one. Come on Toyota we all don’t need or want larger and more powerful cars. That’s just the American car companies making those decisions for me and I’m getting tired of the same old message.

I'd buy a hybrid minivan today. In fact, I'm holding off on buying one for now just because I want a hybrid. I can't wait forever.

My mom was just in France and rented a VW Touran diesel seated eight people I think she said. if not eight than 7. I drive 2004 jetta tdi myself. I think a diesel minvan would sell well here.

I'm betting on the Seinna Hybrid in 2008! Toyota has prototypes of it's new hybrid synergy drive working. It's getting folded into thier hybrid models in 2008. I'd expect a LOT of Toyota/Lexus models to go Hybrid on this tansition.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10067373/

Works for me 2008/2009 is about when our Odyssey will be maxed out and it's note paid in full.

-Dan <11011011> http://ScreamingMonkeys.blogspot.com

I have just received my Estima Hybrid minivan in Napier, New Zealand, where I live. I had to import it privately from Japan, but no problems. Not sure yet if the fuel economy is as good as claimed, but I do live on a hill, so that ruins it a bit :)
Very very luxurious though, I'm loving learning to drive it too!
Good luck getting them in the USA ):

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8170340

Here is a good source of information about gas, diesel, or hybrids at UK's Vehicle Certification Agency:

http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/search/

This data can be sorted by: make/model/specification; fuel economy (Imperial/metric); and fuel type (petrol/diesel/LPG-CNG/petrol-hybrid).

Do not forget the UK uses Imperial Gallon @ approximately 1.2 gallons(US).

I would buy a hybrid minivan today if it was available, our third child is on the way and I really wanted our next car to be a hybrid, but what will fit our needs?

I was wondering if maybe even Ford could be looking at a hybrid minivan - maybe it would revitalize their sales. Disappointed to read that they instead seem to be dropping out of the minivan market. Sounds like big, inefficient crossovers are now the big thing. http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/01/20/207977.html

They used to be innovative. I am not too old to remember.

These auto makers are so not smart. WE WANT A HYBRID MINI-VAN!!! I love the Prius, but it's for old folks. C'mon boys, give it up for families! Who do you think wants to save money more; convertible owners or mommies?

I'm impressed...and somewhat bemused...by the posts on this link. Yes, a hybrid mini-van would be good, on some levels...but does it need all the "bells and whistles," as some have seemed to suggest? I.e., if a Preston Tucker-type did come out with a basic model hybrid minivan = roll-up windows, am-fm radio, no 'navigation' anything, and etc. = would everybody still be so quick to jump to the line? And if the Model T approach then followed - the same basic model for several years - would people still be as excited?

For what it's worth, my '91 Ford Aerostar, with 230,000 miles, still gets @25 mpg on the freeway. If we all kept our tires at the right inflation, changed the oil ourselves at semi-regular intervals, and, oh yes, drove at a constant 55 or 62 1/2 mph, we'd all save lots of $$ and gas, no matter what vehicle we drove. Sometimes it's the obvious things that we miss...

Peace to all.

Add me to the list of people who would buy a hybrid minivan today if it were available. I just traded in my X5 for the Rx400h and I am very impressed. The car drives like a dream and watching the consumption screen has changed my driving habits to driving slower, more coasting and smoothers starts and stops. I am tempted to buy another one to replace my 2002 Odyssey but I want AWD (in the NE) and hybrid and the space to load our bikes, dogs, and camping gear in the vehicle. No way i could fit all that in the 400h and it is too nice a car anyway for the dirty gear after a weekend of camping or sailing to be flung in the bag, not to mention a couple of wet dogs! A minivan is a different story. So I second all those clamouring for an AWD hybrid minivan. Great post James, your suggestions are spot on!

if the vans arocking - don't come knocking !

and me to the list for a hybrid minvan--but it wont happen tomorrow sadly. I refuse to BUY anything from the BIG three. yeah, I know they WILL go bankrupt before I do and thats WHOSE fault? they had their chance 20 years ago before their collusion with BIG OIL.
they had their chance to do us all right and the environment and didnt, instead chose collusion with BIG OIL and politicos. they got their profits making BIG ol' SUVs for so long, you can stick a fork in it if Getty is right is right and gas hits 5 dollars a gallon.
does anyone see where this is going? we have all frustratedly waited for over a decade and still nothing has happened. Car companies have limped to the finish line with a crappy product and promises. Maybe the oil companies will buy the car companies, they fed the monster, now live with it forever.

I've looked through all these questions that people are asking, why not a hybrid minivan? I have long wondered this myself, why has the industry not realized the advantage of the so called "minivan" versus car, thruck and the other types of transportation that they offer. I've used nothing but a minivan for ten years and would consider nothing else. I can haul material in it if needed and it has good seating capacity, a car truck combination in my opinion. To have a hybrid minvan would be a BIG plus but I suppose that it will be offered by some other manufacturer other than our own. WHY???? Are our CEO's and his officers too busy counting their money to get involved with common sense? Are they more interested in selling oil along with our govenment? That's what it looks like from here. The "grant" monies offered for research are peanuts in respect to what we give to Haliburton in one day. NUTS.

I am waiting for the hybrid minivan, too. I don't need a big one. The size of 98 sienna is good for us. So, if possible, I would like to import the current Japanese version of 4wd hypbrid. Am I allow to import one? My 98 sienna has almost 100,000 miles on it. It is still running like new. The engine and transmission are smooth and quiet like new. The gas-milage is around 17 mile per gallon mostly city drive (22-26 when new). But we need a all wheel minivan!!! I am attracted to the FJ Crusier. However, the gas milage is poor on a SUV in general to begin with... then, it gets worse later.

If any way, I could import one hybrid minivan with all wheel drive from Japan?

I have to agree with a previous commenter that part of the problem is America's lust for power, as it were. I just don't really need 250+hp in my minivan. I don't need a minivan that sprints from 0-60 in 8 seconds (this is what my 1993 MR2 Turbo - which still gets an avg of 25mpg - is for). Maybe one day, I'll be hauling around 6 200lb men and pining for more power, but until that day, I'd be just as content to drive a less powerful, more fuel efficient minivan. If it's a hybrid that pollutes less, all the better.

Hybrid minivans have "fleet sales" written all over them. Can you imagine the fuel savings in NYC rush hour traffic?

Can someone tell me where this website gets the information in the "Cars" section? I have googled as well as searched the Toyota website and see absolutely nothing about a Sienna hybrid in the works. Only on this site.

Our Honda Accord is 8 years old - I figure if I start planning now, PERHAP we can afford one in 2 years.
I'm not into car payments, and can't for the life of me figure out who is able to afford cars approaching 40K! But I figure as every year passes, fuel will only be going up.

Anyway, about the Sienna - where is that info coming from?

2006 and no hybrid minivan insight!
I have a two cars from the early 90s and desperately want a hybrid minivan for my growing family. I put 100 miles on my car every day!

Willing to wait for a hybrid minivan and let my two existing cars fall apart on the road. Hope its soon...