Toyota exec urges push for alternative fuel

CHICAGO – Toyota Motor Corp.’s top U.S. executive praised President Bush’s emphasis on alternative fuels in his recent State of the Union address, but said the auto industry must devise solutions to the country’s dependence on oil.

“We have to reassert our voice and take responsibility for being part of the solution,” said Jim Press, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. “It’s time to stop being an ‘against’ industry and come out ‘for’ something.”

Press spoke at the opening of the media preview of the Chicago Auto Show, which opens to the public Friday through Feb. 19.

Bush pressed Congress to advance the development of batteries in hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles, saying the nation must “change how we power our automobiles.” He also promoted ethanol production from sources other than corn, including wood chips, stalks and grass.

General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. already sell vehicles that can run on ethanol, but there are very fuel ethanol fuel stations available.

DaimlerChrysler AG on Wednesday introduced a concept pickup truck designed for families, with seating for five and sliding side doors.

The Dodge Rampage borrows Sto-N-Go seating from Chrysler’s minivans, which gives the pickup more cargo space when needed. It also has a ramp that slides out from the bed for loading. The Rampage is equipped with a 345-horsepower, 5.7-liter Hemi engine.

Chrysler Group design chief Trevor Creed said an increasing number of families are using pickups as a primary vehicle and want a more spacious and comfortable interior.

Toyota hopes to grab more of the entry-luxury segment with its ES350 sedan, unveiled Wednesday at the Chicago Auto Show.

Bob Carter, vice president and general manager of the Lexus division, said the fifth-generation sedan – which replaces the ES330 – has a larger interior and more power than the company’s flagship LS had when it first was introduced in 1990.