While addressing the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., in late September, Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada described his vision of the future of alternative-fuel vehicles and the Prius’ role in it.

“Some people say hybrid vehicles such as the Prius are only a bridge to the future. But we think it could be a long bridge and a very sturdy one. There are many more gains we can achieve with hybrids,” stated Uchiyamada at the September 30^th event, going on to describe Toyota’s work with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. “I personally expect a lot from this hydrogen fuel cell technology. If government and industry work together, this might be part of the long-term solution.”

Uchiyamada went on to discuss the further reduction of emissions, the marrying of automobiles and connectivity technologies, as well as the concept of an intelligent transportation system. A video of the presentation and interview, as well as a copy of the transcript, is available online.