Toyota was one of the first automotive companies to really get the public’s attention with regards to low emissions hybrid electric vehicles when they launched their first Prius model in 1997. Since then, 23 years have passed and the company has managed to put more than 15 million hybrids out around the world. These 15 million vehicles are calculated to have emitted 120 million tonnes less carbon dioxide over their lifespan over petrol-powered alternatives. Quite the achievement.
These hybrids span across 44 different models from both the Toyota and Lexus brand since the original Prius.
Right now, the brand’s Hybrid Synergy Drive perform exceptionally well in Europe, where they’ve sold 2.8 million cars. The company offers 19 different hybrid-powered Toyotas and Lexus models and in 2019, more than half of their European sales consisted of hybrid vehicles.
In Malaysia, UMW Toyota and Lexus Malaysia have had some limited success with hybrid vehicles. The Lexus CT200h was a breakaway success for the brand, offering a no-frills premium 5-door hatchback at a reasonable price. Toyota’s Prius and Prius C models were also offered for a time, but the current generation Prius has yet to be introduced. The Camry was also offered with a hybrid powertrain in the previous generation, but not currently. The RAV4 Hybrid, though, might be what reintroduces Malaysians to the powertrain.
Here’s the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
In January 2020, Toyota passed the milestone of more than 15 million hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) sales worldwide since the Prius was first launched in 1997. Today in Europe, sales of HEVs have passed the 2.8M mark with a range of 19 different HEV models on offer across the Toyota and Lexus brands, which in 2019 accounted for 52% of total volume, and 63% in West Europe.
The range of available hybrid electric vehicles at the global level from Toyota and Lexus now reaches 44, far eclipsing the original flag-bearer that remains the symbol of the company’s early and visionary foray into mass electrification.
Toyota’s decision to develop hybrid electric vehicles started over 25 years ago when Takeshi Uchiyamada led a team to develop a car for the 21st century, one which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants. The first-generation Prius was launched in 1997 around the time of the Kyoto Protocol signing, which gave new momentum to the environmental movement. 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.
The company’s original vision has allowed Toyota to be the leader in meeting increasingly stringent emissions regulations around the world.
