The launch of the Toyota Eco-Project in 1997 created a multilateral approach to developing the ultimate eco-car. This approach calls for continuous improvement of existing technologies, such as petrol and diesel engines, in parallel with new technologies, such as electric and alternative fuel vehicles.

Together, these paths A converge on the engineers' goal - the ultimate Eco-car.

Under the project Toyota has already established several milestones including the launch of Prius, the world's first mass production hybrid petrol-electric vehicle. The company is a world leader in the development of fuel cell vehicles - and already has seven FCHV-4 sport utility vehicles under road test. At the same time, Toyota has not lost sight of its responsibilities in the 'whole-life' cycle of the car, stepping up its commitment to reduced environmental damage in vehicle production and greater use of recyclable materials at its end.