Michael Cash wrote:
> On 18 Dec 2006 18:41:04 -0800, declan_murphy@hotmail.com brought down
> from the Mount tablets inscribed:
>
> >Coming out of the airport freight terminal I saw my first hybrid truck
> >today, a Toyota "Dyna" (3 ton job?). I thought at first that it might
> >have been a promotion vehicle for Toyota but it turned out to be part
> >of Panasonic's logistics network.
> >
> >In Aichi at least the hybrid passenger vehicles are pretty much
> >everywhere now, with a lot more minivans (mostly Estima) and RV types
> >than the subcompact Prius and the Lexus models. I wonder how long it
> >will be before Hino releases a hybrid tractor-trailer or large bus.
>
> Depends on how long it takes Tokyo to mandate them.

That won't happen until there is at least more than one mass-producing
manufacturer.

> I'm still waiting to see data on how much cleaner the air is in Tokyo
> after they implemented the diesel exhaust restrictions a few years
> ago. Not holding my breath, though.

No data, but air quality seems to be a bit better down here than
before. On winter days I can usually see the snowcaps on the Suzuka
range (Mie Pref) from Okazaki (eastern Aichi). Thats about 55 km due
west. I used to be able to see a big brown fart sitting over Nagoya in
between, but lately I can make out the towers at JR Nagoya. It would
probably be better if the number of cars wasn't increasing every year.