autoevolution
 

Toyota’s Hybrid Sales Top Five Million Vehicles

Toyota sells 5 million hybrids 1 photo
Photo: Toyota
Japanese automaker Toyota has announced that its hybrid vehicle global sales have passed the five million mark.

Toyota introduced its first hybrid vehicle back in 1997 and total sales, including cars wearing the Lexus badge, have surpassed five million examples as of March 31. The Japanese manufacturer claims that its five million hybrids helped the environment by reducing 34 million tonnes of CO2 and saving 12 million kiloliters of gasoline.

“We developed the first-generation Prius with the aim of making it a car for the 21st century and as an indication of Toyota’s response to environmental issues. We had to develop a hybrid system from scratch, making our task extremely difficult. Nevertheless, we took on the challenge,” said Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota Motor Corporation Vice-Chairman.

“The launch of the first-generation Prius had effects beyond our expectations, with the vehicle increasing consumer environmental awareness and raising hybrid vehicle expectations. The understanding of consumers at launch time laid the foundation for the widespread adoption, and, since then, consumers have continued to support TMC hybrid vehicles. For this, I am extremely grateful,” he added.

To celebrate the event, Toyota also released the “Thank you for choosing 5 million Toyota hybrids” music video, which you can watch below.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Ciprian Florea
Ciprian Florea profile photo

Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories