Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

Four million hybrids between Toyota and Lexus

|
Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En DirectTecnic
Khatir Soltani
The Japanese brand has revealed it sold as of April 30th, four million hybrid vehicles around the world – 423,000 in Europe and 94,000 in the United Kingdom.

Toyota Hybrid Logo
Photo: Toyota

Toyota has become a leader in the hybrid technology industry. Its Prius was, after all, the first ever mass-produced hybrid vehicle – launched in December 1997. There was however another hybrid produced first, the Toyota Coaster hybrid EV, a bus which came out in July 1997.

But nevertheless, the Prius first went around in Europe, then ventured in North America and other markets with the new millennium. In 2003, a new generation was baptized and prompted engineers to use the technology elsewhere: minivans, SUV, sedans and family cars.

The third-generation Prius busted sales records.

In total, Toyota sold no fewer than 19 hybrid models in close to 80 countries, and estimates that this year's hybrid sales will represent 15% of the grand total. The aim now is to further develop the technology to enhance performance while reducing costs.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada