R & H Toyota

Before his seven week journey in the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid prototype, one might have called Auto Week writer Mark Vaughn a "skeptic of alternative fuel." After having the chance to tour 3,224 miles around Southern California in the Toyota Prius Plug-in, 387 of which were done on electricity, the skeptic lightened his tune.

According to Mark, "The first week, Nov. 8-12, it did more of the highly efficient commuter slogging for which it was designed....

With the release of the RAV4 and Prius Plug-in, Toyota is revving up more electric vehicle news. There is also a new, small Toyota iQ headed to the US in 2012.

Since the concept is still in project form, details are yet to be revealed. However, more information is likely to emerge in the following months. Toyota will most likely preview the iQ at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit....