Toyota Camry CNG Hybrid concept. Click image to enlarge

Los Angeles, California – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) has highlighted the versatility of its Hybrid Synergy Drive with the unveiling of a compressed natural gas (CNG) Camry Hybrid concept vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

“In the near future, growing demand for liquid petroleum simply and effectively will exceed supply,” said Chris Hostetter, group vice-president, TMS Advanced Product Strategy. “Before that occurs, automakers must look to vehicles powered by alternative fuels. We believe CNG will be one of those alternatives.”

Toyota said that currently 99 per cent of natural gas used in the U.S. comes from domestic and other North American sources, and that proven worldwide natural gas reserves are estimated to last until 2100, and have the potential to last until 2200 through improved advanced production methods. Natural gas also produces lower particulate emissions, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and non-methane organic gases, and less CO2 per unit of energy when compared with gasoline.

The CNG Camry Hybrid concept was designed by the TMS advanced Product Strategy Group and built by Metal Crafters of Fountain Valley, California. The stock Camry Hybrid was converted by replacing the gasoline fuel system with a CNG system, including two CNG tanks installed in the spare tire well area.

Toyota marketed a CNG-powered four-cylinder Camry to fleet customers in California in 1999, but found that customers were not attracted to it at the time, due to relatively low gasoline prices and a limited refuelling infrastructure. The program was discontinued a year later.

“Toyota believes CNG has huge potential, both in the U.S. and globally, but CNG is just one of the many alternative fuels we’re exploring in our ongoing advanced technology research and development,” Hostetter said.