2009 Toyota Sustainability Report Released

All the major carmakers have been recently centering their manufacturing activities and researches in making their cars ‘greener’, and Toyota is no exception. So they brag about the lower emissions and the environmental benefits their vehicles bring, but how often do we get some real figures over this matter?

Well, the report’s figures may be less fair, but still, we should take a look on what Toyota says it had accomplished in Europe through its recently released 2009 Sustainability Report. The report details the company’s environmental, social and economic activities for fiscal year 2008 (April 2008 – March 2009).

According to the data released, the total carbon dioxide emissions generated by Toyota’s production, logistics and sales operations in Greater Europe were cut by over 17 percent in FY 2008 compared to FY 2007. And that thanks to the 14 Toyota facilities in 11 markets that are powered by 100% renewable energy, the company says.

For the same period of time, fleet-average carbon dioxide emissions on the new Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in Europe show a 4 percent decrease, thanks to several technologies used, such as Toyota Optimal Drive, Hybrid Synergy Drive and Lexus Hybrid Drive.

“Despite the challenging economic climate in FY 2008, Toyota contributed a total of £6.9 million in social contributions across some 300 community projects with a focus on technical education, environment, and road safety,” said Toyota in a self-praising statement.

“Toyota in Europe also re-emphasised its commitment to providing stable employment to permanent workers. New investment in Europe was accelerated by the start of production of locally-built models: the all-new Toyota Avensis at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in November 2008; and the new Verso at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey in March 2009.”