Navajo Technical University (NTU) has received its first hybrid vehicle, a Toyota Prius C. The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive system automatically switches between electric and conventional engine power thanks to fuel-saving technology. Hybrid Synergy Drive will adapt according to the driving condition as it controls the energy coming from both sources and informs the vehicle how to combine them.

NTU students will receive hands-on experience from Steven Kollas, the Automotive Technology Program instructor, who received first-hand training from Andy Tirado, senior training specialist of AVI (Automotive Video Innovations) On Demand. Tirado was glad to have had this experience of helping to understand more about this type of vehicle, pointing out possible flaws that drivers may experience close to home in rural areas. AVI is dedicated to presenting current technical information to the automotive aftermarket. The content aims to educate today’s shop owners, technicians, vocational/technical schools, and colleges.

“Students can now have the opportunity to train on this modern-day transportation. The NTU automotive tech students’ next teaching and training steps are Hybrid and electric vehicles. Through these teachings, our students will problem-solve and develop new inventive ideas to help communities move forward into the future,” stated Kollas.