Bloomberg reported today that Detroit automakers are working on improving hybrid cars while Toyota pushes hybrid trucks, stating “General Motors Corp. promised to make a hybrid car that travels 40 miles on a battery before its gasoline engine kicks in. Ford Motor Co. introduced a redesigned Focus compact with a voice-activated music player to attract young buyers.”"Toyota Motor Corp., meanwhile, showed off a five-passenger, 381-horsepower pickup, while the star of Honda Motor Co.’s presentation was a sports car with a V-10 engine.”

In an odd twist, the Japanese aim for the big and powerful while American companies shy away from fuel guzzling trucks and SUVs.