While none of the car manufacturers have been immune to the economic woes as of late, Toyota is looking to its ecologically friendly cars, like the Toyota Hybrids, to ease their economic woes. Toyota recently opened a new factory to manufacture the batteries used in Toyota's hybrids a month ahead of schedule.

This is just one example of the way that Toyota is working hard to get the next generation of hybrid cars and electric cars developed and onto the market.

One of the responses Toyota has had to the financial crisis is to set up a special team aimed specifically at cutting the cost of the production of small cars. Small cars like the Yaris, while they generate smaller profits for the company, are ripe for cost cutting measures.

In contrast, Toyota suspended its production of vehicles at its large vehicle plant in Texas for a short time during the month of August, in response to falling markets.

Whatever lies ahead for Toyota, one thing is clear: small, fuel efficient vehicles that are good for the environment will continue to make the top of Toyota’s list of priorities.