Toyota has announced it will delay the launch of its Tundra truck as it considers the accommodation of clean diesel technology and cost issues.

The Tundra, now set for launch in early 2007, was originally planned as a heavy-duty diesel vehicle, but recent advances in hybrid technology and increasing costs of diesel vehicles have forced Toyota bosses to consider the petrol-electric option.

Jim Lentz, US general manager of Toyota, told Bloomberg that stricter diesel emission rules will require vehicles to have extra filtering by 2010, which could raise the cost of diesel engines by $4,500.

"You have to take a look at the cost of all these engines [diesel and hybrid], how many you are going to be selling, to make sure it really makes financial sense before you jump into that market," he said.

Toyota is no stranger to hybrid technology, as its market-leading Prius and Camry models testify.

The Tundra, originally planned to go on sale this year, will be the first attempt by a Japanese manufacturer to compete with GM's Silverado and Sierra trucks or Ford's F-250 and F-350.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd