Japanese carmaker Toyota announced this week that sales of its hybrid vehicles have topped 4 million worldwide.
The carmaker launched its first hybrids, the Coaster and now ubiquitous Prius, back in 1997, with sales starting in 2000.
The second-generation Prius launched in 2003, along with hybrid minivans, SUVs, sedans and hatchbacks.
Three years ago, Toyota launched the third-generation Prius and since then has rolled out new models like the Prius Alpha and Aqua.
Toyota now has some 18 hybrid models on sale in 80 countries around the world and has plans for the launch of the Yaris Hybrid in Europe and the Lexus ES 300h in the US.
The cumulative sales of hybrid vehicles to the end of April this year have saved some 26 million tons of CO2, Toyota estimates.
The company says it plans to continue working to improve performance, reduce costs and expand its lineup of non-hybrid environment-friendly vehicles as well.
For further information:
www.toyota-global.com
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Vauxhall’s Ampera comes to UK (1-May)
Norway laps up 1000 Nissan LEAFs in six months (30-Apr)
Toyota and Nissan plan expansion of alternative-fuel vehicles (12-Mar)
Article source: http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/5131/
