Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has led the way in hybrid technology, playing a key role in driving mass adoption globally. TMC announced the sale of its five millionth hybrid vehicle worldwide. Hybrid vehicles have been particularly popular in Canada – with over 77,000 sold to date and Toyota Canada accounting for more than 80 per cent of Canada's hybrid sales in 2012.
TMC estimates that its hybrid vehicles throughout the world have collectively reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 34 million tons of CO2 emissions, compared to what would have been put into the atmosphere if gasoline-powered vehicles had been driven instead of hybrids. In addition, it's estimated that Toyota hybrids have saved about 17 million kilolitres of gasoline globally, compared to what would have been consumed by gasoline-only powered vehicles.
In Canada, Toyota and Lexus hybrids – have reduced CO2 emissions by about 380 thousand tons and saved an estimated 163 million litres of gasoline.
"Toyota's hybrid offerings have been extremely beneficial in reducing the environmental impact of cars in our society," said Seiji Ichii, President and CEO, Toyota Canada.Inc "The best part is that we are only at the early stages of this trend. As hybrids become even more entrenched and continue to improve, the positive effects on the environment will become even greater."
Toyota and Lexus sell 19 hybrid models and one plug-in hybrid in 80 countries and regions around the world. Eleven of the models are available in Canada, including six from Toyota and five from Lexus. These include Prius Liftback, Prius v, Prius c, Prius Plug-in, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Lexus CT200h, ES300h, GS450h, LS600h and RX450h. In fact, beginning next year the RX450h will be manufactured by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Cambridge, Ontario.
In 2000, the Prius became the first hybrid to be introduced in Canada. All 13 years the brand has been available in Canada, a Prius model has won an ecoENERGY Award from Natural Resources Canada.
"From the moment we unveiled the Prius, it was revolutionary in bringing new vehicle technologies into the mainstream – demonstrating what the automobile of the future might be," said Mr. Ichii. "Toyota's hybrid innovation delivers great fuel efficiency for today, and a great promise for the impact that hybrids can have tomorrow."