Interesting find. Looks very similar to the Previa which Toyota made into a hybrid in Japan around 2000, called the Estima. North America got the V6 Sienna
Funny thing is that van would probably have a lower Cd in reverse.
This type of thing is so common in corporate culture. If you look like you are green that is all that matters. All image, no substance. GM to a T. Just like all those green ads for big oil companies. Very expensive manure... on recycled paper.
The quote at the end is prefect: "We could wait and wait and wait for the perfect batteries, but we are going ahead with what we have." Ron R Dabels: Market development manager.
They waited, they got the batteries and then they sold them to Chevron.