Toyota Takes the Lead in Fuel-Efficiency Hybrid Cars Amid Citigroup's SEC Settlement Delay

Strategic Insights -

Toyota Motor Corp.'s (NYSE: TM) recent launch of the world's best fuel-efficient gasoline-electric hybrid car, the Aqua, marks a significant milestone in the automotive industry. With the car delivering 35.4 km per liter (83.3 miles per gallon), it surpasses the mileage of the current Prius model, which gives 32 km per liter. Toyota intends to sell 12,000 units of Aqua per month in Japan, targeting entry-level, fuel-efficient car buyers. The automaker also plans to launch as many as 10 more gasoline-electric models by 2015 and offer a fuel-sipping option across its entire line-up by 2020.

Meanwhile, Citigroup Inc.'s (NYSE: C) settlement deal with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been delayed due to a federal appeals court approval of an emergency ruling. The SEC has appealed against a federal judge's decision to reject its $285 million settlement of securities fraud charges with Citi.

Key Takeaways:

  • Toyota's Aqua hybrid car delivers 35.4 km per liter (83.3 miles per gallon), surpassing the mileage of the current Prius model.
  • The automaker intends to sell 12,000 units of Aqua per month in Japan, targeting entry-level, fuel-efficient car buyers.
  • Toyota plans to launch as many as 10 more gasoline-electric models by 2015 and offer a fuel-sipping option across its entire line-up by 2020.
  • Citigroup's settlement deal with the SEC has been delayed due to a federal appeals court approval of an emergency ruling.
  • The SEC has appealed against a federal judge's decision to reject its $285 million settlement of securities fraud charges with Citi.
  • Citi was accused of misleading investors while selling a $1 billion fund in 2006 and 2007, invested in mortgage-related securities.
  • The automaker will also launch the plug-in version of Prius hybrid car next year that comes with an excellent mileage and affordable price.

Statistics:

  • 35.4 km per liter (83.3 miles per gallon) mileage of Toyota's Aqua hybrid car.
  • 12,000 units of Aqua per month sales target in Japan.
  • 10 more gasoline-electric models to be launched by Toyota by 2015.
  • 2020 target for Toyota to offer a fuel-sipping option across its entire line-up.
  • $285 million settlement rejected by a federal judge for Citi.
  • 3.4 million hybrid vehicles sold by Toyota till date.
  • 1.7 million ($22,000) price of Toyota's Aqua in Japan.
  • 2.35 million ($29,000) price of Toyota's Prius V in Japan.
  • 61.0 km per liter (143 miles per gallon) mileage of Toyota's plug-in-hybrid car in combined EV and hybrid driving modes under Japanese test conditions.
  • 87 mpg mileage of the U.S. version of Toyota's Prius PHV.

Sources:

  • "Toyota Launches Fuel-Efficiency Winner" by Zacks Equity Research
  • "Citi-SEC Settlement Gets Delayed" by Zacks Equity Research
  • Contify.com