Toyota wins battle in patent lawsuit

But, the war isn't over. Solomon Technologies, based in Florida, is suing Toyota for patent infringement. Solomon believes the hybrid transmission in the vehicles infringed its patent related to motor and transmission systems.

A Florida judge disagreed, siding with Toyota. But Solomon CEO Gary Brandt is threatening to pursue the lawsuit through the appeals process.

If Solomon Technologies had won their case, Toyota would have been prevented from importing the systems affected, including the cars they are in, i.e. the Prius and Highlander Hybrids.

My thoughts would be Toyota wouldn't let that happen and if the case had turned against them, they would have made a deal with Solomon.

Source: Reuters.com

Solomon also filed a patent infringement suit against Toyota in federal court in Florida in September 2005. That case was put on hold by the court pending the outcome of the International Trade Commission complaint.

Toyota is also involved in a lawsuit over patent infringement with Antonov which is open in Germany and in Japan.

Toyota wins battle in patent lawsuit

But, the war isn't over. Solomon Technologies, based in Florida, is suing Toyota for patent infringement. Solomon believes the hybrid transmission in the vehicles infringed its patent related to motor and transmission systems.

A Florida judge disagreed, siding with Toyota. But Solomon CEO Gary Brandt is threatening to pursue the lawsuit through the appeals process.

If Solomon Technologies had won their case, Toyota would have been prevented from importing the systems affected, including the cars they are in, i.e. the Prius and Highlander Hybrids.

My thoughts would be Toyota wouldn't let that happen and if the case had turned against them, they would have made a deal with Solomon.

Source: Reuters.com

Solomon also filed a patent infringement suit against Toyota in federal court in Florida in September 2005. That case was put on hold by the court pending the outcome of the International Trade Commission complaint.

Toyota is also involved in a lawsuit over patent infringement with Antonov which is open in Germany and in Japan.

Hybrids may be too quiet for blind pedestrians

The National Federation of the Blind is calling for some changes to hybrids. It seems they run too quietly for them to hear when they are crossing the street.

Full hybrid cars run off of an electric motor when driving at low speeds. Even mild hybrids turn the motor off when stopped. Since blind pedestrians rely on that noise to gauge when it's safe to cross the street, hybrids are definitely worrying them.

The National Federation of the Blind is calling for hybrids to emit some sort of sound when moving. And it would need to be loud enough to hear over any background noise. They have two suggestions so far: 1) device placed on axle making noise or 2) a device blind people can carry that indicates when a hybrid is in the area.

The Federation would like to point out that the dangers are not limited to the blind, but to the elderly, cyclists and other pedestrians. I would also point out it can be dangerous to animals crossing the road or sitting in driveways.

No formal meeting has taken place between automakers and any blind advocacy groups, such as the NFB as of yet. One of the highlights of driving a hybrid is how quietly it runs at low speeds or when stopped. But I'm also sure automakers and owners would not want any blind pedestrians hurt because of it.

Hybrids may be too quiet for blind pedestrians

The National Federation of the Blind is calling for some changes to hybrids. It seems they run too quietly for them to hear when they are crossing the street.

Full hybrid cars run off of an electric motor when driving at low speeds. Even mild hybrids turn the motor off when stopped. Since blind pedestrians rely on that noise to gauge when it's safe to cross the street, hybrids are definitely worrying them.

The National Federation of the Blind is calling for hybrids to emit some sort of sound when moving. And it would need to be loud enough to hear over any background noise. They have two suggestions so far: 1) device placed on axle making noise or 2) a device blind people can carry that indicates when a hybrid is in the area.

The Federation would like to point out that the dangers are not limited to the blind, but to the elderly, cyclists and other pedestrians. I would also point out it can be dangerous to animals crossing the road or sitting in driveways.

No formal meeting has taken place between automakers and any blind advocacy groups, such as the NFB as of yet. One of the highlights of driving a hybrid is how quietly it runs at low speeds or when stopped. But I'm also sure automakers and owners would not want any blind pedestrians hurt because of it.

Volkswagen will build compact hybrids

Recent news stories claimed Volkswagen was turning away from building compact hybrid cars. Instead, they would focus on a hybrid Touareg. But Martin Winterkorn has rejected those news stories, claiming

"There will definitely be compact hybrid models, such as Polo and Golf, and without any great delay," he told Inside Line sources over the weekend.

So, there will be a hybrid Golf and Jetta coming sometime in the future from Volkswagen. But the first versions will be mild, with electric motors capable of assisting the gas engine, but not capable of powering the car by itself.

There will also be a full hybrid Touareg in 2010(?).

Volkswagen will build compact hybrids

Recent news stories claimed Volkswagen was turning away from building compact hybrid cars. Instead, they would focus on a hybrid Touareg. But Martin Winterkorn has rejected those news stories, claiming

"There will definitely be compact hybrid models, such as Polo and Golf, and without any great delay," he told Inside Line sources over the weekend.

So, there will be a hybrid Golf and Jetta coming sometime in the future from Volkswagen. But the first versions will be mild, with electric motors capable of assisting the gas engine, but not capable of powering the car by itself.

There will also be a full hybrid Touareg in 2010(?).

Prius takes two in International Engine of the Year

The Toyota Prius took top honors at the International Engine of the Year for the eighth time in eight years. The Prius took two this year, taking first for Best Fuel Economy and first in 1.4 - 1.8 litre engine. The Hybrid Synergy may be available across several other vehicles in the Lexus and Toyota lines, but the Prius is almost equivalent to hybrid.

The Prius is able to operate at 32 percent efficiency, compareed with the average of 14 percent by turning off when stopped, using regenerateive braking, as well as its hybrid gas electric engine.

INTERNATIONAL ENGINE OF THE YEAR 2006 - 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre and Best Fuel Economy awards.