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No matter how the Toyota A-BAT concept caught the spotlight during the 2008 Detroit Motor Show, the hybrid pickup will be remaining a concept vehicle for 
now according to Toyota insiders.
It was a good bet for a production vehicle but Toyota executives point out that they have a lot of priorities at the moment and building the A-BAT is not on top of their list.
The A-BAT was close to reality when the Japanese car manufacturer asked for bids from potential suppliers for the hybrid version and four cylinder variant of the truck. The light never went green though for the bulky futuristic vehicle.
The decision of the company may have been influenced by the dismal performance of their two pickups which have suffered from the drop in housing and construction. Toyota only sold 18349 units of the Tundra which is a 55% drop in 1Q sales. The Tacoma was also a laggard performer in the market with first quarter sales dropping as much as 37% or translating to only 24937 units sold.
Toyota executives assure the public that they are committed to meet the demand for the Tundra although the sales are greatly dependent on the construction industry.
The A-BAT was first thought to be entering the market as a Scion but the market’s focus on acquiring smaller vehicles proved to be an emphatic contrast to the possibility.
The market’s demands have changed drastically in the last twelve months and Toyota aims to adapt and adjust their priorities to meet the needs of the consumers. For now, they do not see the A-BAT selling in these recessionary times.
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