In January 2020, Toyota passed the milestone of selling more than 15 million hybrid electric vehicles worldwide since the Prius was first launched in 1997. Today in Europe, sales of hybrid electric cars have passed the 2.8 million mark with a range of 19 different models on offer across the Toyota and Lexus brands, which in 2019 accounted for 52 per cent of the total volume, and 63 per cent in West Europe
The Prius was Toyota’s first hybrid car which was launched in 1997 globally
The range of available hybrid electric vehicles at the global level from Toyota and Lexus now reaches 44. It was 25 years ago that Takeshi Uchiyamada led a team to develop a car for the 21st century, one which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants after which we saw the first-generation Prius being launched in 1997. Today, 15 million hybrid sales later, Toyota has made a significant contribution to the environment as its hybrid electric technology has reduced CO2 emissions by more than 120 million tonnes worldwide to date compared to sales of equivalent petrol vehicles.
Shigeki Terashi, Chief Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation said, “Of course, we must work hard on improving battery performance and lowering costs (of BEVs), which we are doing. But we must avoid having no plan until we overcome the hurdles related to both BEVs and FCEVs. In the meantime, we can contribute by continuing our work on HEVs.”0Comments
To realise this vision in Europe, Toyota is planning to launch 40 new or updated electrified vehicles by 2025, across all technologies, including at least 10 zero emission vehicles. Its hybrid electric vehicles will remain a core part of the powertrain mix meeting customers’ needs and helping drive down emissions together with other types of electrified vehicles.
MotorTech 