http://news.yahoo.com/toyota-finds-way-avoid-using-rare-earth-report-091139272.html (http://news.yahoo.com/toyota-finds-way-avoid-using-rare-earth-report-091139272.html)
Looks like they finally dusted off some sort of secret patent. Cant wait for details.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-14/toyota-readying-electric-motors-that-don-t-use-rare-earths.html (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-14/toyota-readying-electric-motors-that-don-t-use-rare-earths.html)
More info on the subject as well as their new battery type.