Current Trends in Small Cars - Small is Big

Toyota FT-CH
Toyota has finally admitted that it plans to expand the Prius from a single model to a family of vehicles, which we first reported in June 2007. Toyota Motor Sales president Jim Lentz has said that the plan is to add eight additional hybrid models, with the goal of doubling the company's hybrid sales. Toyota characterizes the FT-CH (Future Technology Compact Hybrid) concept as one possible member of the Prius family, but it is a particularly logical one and something that dealers have been asking for. Nearly two feet shorter than today's Prius, the FT-CH takes the hybrid idea down one size class, from mid-size to compact; it also would be less expensive. Toyota isn't saying anything about the powertrain, but, if anything, it should exceed the current Prius's already-stellar 51/48 mpg. On sale: "Early this decade"
What's the big deal? A smaller, cheaper Prius that gets even better gas mileage.
Stats: 153-inch length (vs. 175.6-inch Prius), 100-inch wheelbase (vs. 106.3-inch Prius)