Rent-An-IQ

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

The attentive reader of TTAC is not surprised by the news provided by Automobilwoche [sub] that Toyota will introduce a plug-in version of its iQ by 2012. It had been on Toyota’s green roadmap for months. The (not really) surprising news is: You won’t be able to buy the EV iQ when it gets launched.

At least not in Europe. A Toyota Europe spokesperson told Automobilwoche that the car will only be available as a lease. Leases appear to be a favorite way of carmakers to enter the plug-in market with caution.

Funny coincidence: The picture of the battery-operated Toyota iQ that accompanies the article in Automobilwoche (above) was taken in the exact same spot (left) where I had a quickie test drive of the conventionally powered iQ last December.

If you want a faux Italian background in Tokyo, cobbled streets and all, there is no better place than Toyota’s Mega Web site.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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  • Herb Herb on Feb 12, 2011

    Might have to do something with price levels and versatility. How much Smarts do you see in France compared to the IQ?

  • Shaker Shaker on Feb 13, 2011

    One of these would fit nicely in my small driveway, but I fear that my 6'4" frame would not fit nicely in the iQ...

  • Corey Lewis Think how dated this 80s design was by 1995!
  • Tassos Jong-iL Communist America Rises!
  • Merc190 A CB7 Accord with the 5 cylinder
  • MRF 95 T-Bird Daihatsu Copen- A fun Kei sized roadster. Equipped with a 660cc three, a five speed manual and a retractable roof it’s all you need. Subaru Levorg wagon-because not everyone needs a lifted Outback.
  • Merc190 I test drive one of these back in the day with an automatic, just to drive an Alfa, with a Busso no less. Didn't care for the dash design, would be a fun adventure to find some scrapped Lancia Themas or Saab 900's and do some swapping to make car even sweeter. But definitely lose the ground effects.
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