Toyota Global Hybrids Sales Surpass 10 Million Units Worldwide

In February, Toyota declared that they just passed the 10 million mark for hybrid sales worldwide. One of the most well known and world’s most mass marketed hybrids is Toyota’s Prius. Now, Toyota sells 34 different hybrid models in more than 90 countries and regions across the world. The first generation Prius was launched 20 years ago. Since that time, circumstances have changed for the environmentally friendly vehicle.  Popularity of the Prius started to grow and it led to the creation of a new one. Since then Toyota’s HVs got huge consumer support from around the world.

Toyota Motor North America saw its hybrid sales and plug-in achieve a cumulative total that surpasses three million units as of December 31^st, 2016.

“The Prius stands as an icon for sustainability and efficiency, and is a shining example of what you can achieve when you have the right idea to help solve a problem,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor North America. “Hybrids remain an important part of our lineup of vehicles, with over 246,000 units sold last year, and we have seen continued demand with the release of the RAV4 Hybrid variant of the popular compact SUV, accounting for nearly 13 percent of its total sales volume in 2016.”

Takeshi Uchiyamada , the man known as the father of the Prius and the co-chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota said, “When we launched Prius, no one even knew what a hybrid was, but, thanks to early adopters, hybrids have ridden a wave of success into the mainstream.” He added, “We are grateful to each and every one of our customers who have helped us achieve this important [global] milestone.”

As of January, Toyota estimated that using Toyota’s hybrids as an alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles with similar sizes and driving performances resulted in approximately 77 million less tons of CO2 emissions. With this they saved 7.66 billion gallons of gasoline or 29 million kiloliters.

This is not just a numerical milestone; the results show the staying power of hybrid powertrain technology. This is one of the dominant solutions in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as other pollutants. All of this is built on belief that extensive adoption of vehicles that are more environmentally friendly could have a positive impact worldwide.

Toyota brand aims to sell 15 million units worldwide by 2020, therefore saving 77 millions tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

To learn more about the development, history and future of hybrid technology at Toyota, please visit http://www.toyota-global.com/