Toyota will phase out diesel engines from all its passenger cars except the Land Cruiser (+ HiLux and Proace ) in 2018, and will focus on what it describes as more environmentally sustainable vehicles, led by self-charging hybrid electric cars.
This announcement does not include commercial vehicles which Toyota will continue to offer with diesel technology to meet business needs.
Toyota is the first mainstream car brand to take immediate action on diesel, which includes all current and future generation passenger cars.
The company says the decision was made due to the success of its hybrid electric cars and the continued high demand they are experiencing for these cleaner vehicles.
It also points out that in Ireland, diesel passenger car sales have seen a 17 per cent decline between January 2017 and January 2018, and Toyota Ireland’s diesel car sales are now at only 20 per cent of its overall mix. This compares to 60 per cent just two years ago. In contrast, it says hybrid electric cars now represent almost 50 per cent of Toyota Ireland’s car sales mix.
Giving Toyota Ireland’s perspective on the announcement, Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland says it is part of the car manufacturer's vision for zero emissions.
"I am proud to be in the driver’s seat of a company that is willing to make the difficult decision to lead the Irish market out of diesel and help deliver cleaner air quality for our future and that of our children’s children.
“Today’s announcement is reflective of our ‘Built for a Better World’ brand purpose, and is another proof point of how serious we are to delivering alternative, cleaner mobility solutions.”
“Similar to the Irish Government, Toyota too has a vision for a zero emissions society, which we believe can be a reality by 2050. Toyota’s self-charging hybrid electric cars are in electric mode for up to 55 per cent of the time and have the best technology today to help achieve the move to full electrification.”
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, welcomes Toyota’s leadership in phasing out diesel vehicles.
"As a country we have no option but to move towards a zero emissions vehicle society to help protect our environment, improve our health, and to ensure the next generation doesn’t suffer from complacency or inaction now. Climate change requires all of us to make changes and Toyota’s initiative will significantly help lead us on our low-carbon journey.”
