Toyota, the world’s biggest car manufacturer, and probably the most famous car maker in the green world (best known for their model Prius), is planning to expand its hybrid cars franchise by creating a new model which is smaller and more acceptable to people than the popular Prius. They will present the concept of the model in January on the North American International Auto Show. Toyota officials have refused to talk about the model’s specifications, but insiders came out with information that the new model will go into production in 2011.

Many analysts have spoken about this move, and how it will affect the global hybrid-car world. “It will be interesting to see what they name it,” said Jessica Caldwell of Edmunds.com. “The Prius name has such cachet in the marketplace.” Auto analyst Maryann Keller said: “Toyota is completely convinced about the potential for hybrids spreading to all segments.”

Toyota also owns the globally popular car brand Lexus. Under that name, they have recently released the HS 250h model, but its sales weren’t spectacular. On the other hand, Toyota Prius is their most famous and best sold mode, with around 400,000 pieces sold in October this year. By announcing to release another Toyota hybrid, they not only plan to increase their revenue and sales, but also to cement their place as the leader in the hybrid-car world. Since the new model is modest in size, which makes it acceptable to a larger audience, Toyota thinks that the sales will exceed all expectations and that the new model will make a boom.