Toyota has closed out 2023 as Ireland’s best-selling car brand for the third year in a row.
Toyota sold 16,532 cars here last year, 3,164 more than the next best-seller (Volkswagen ), with a market leading share of 13.57 per cent. It also sold a total of 800 new cars in Co Galway in 2023.
The brand had four models feature in the top 10 best-sellers in Ireland in 2023; the Corolla, Yaris Cross, Yaris, and the C-HR.
The latest figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI ) show that electrified driving continues to grow in popularity among Irish drivers, with hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid securing a combined market share of 26.82 per cent - 4.66 per cent higher than diesel which once again dropped, to 22.16 per cent of total sales, a reduction of 4.58 per cent compared to 2022.
In 2018, Toyota became the first brand to cease diesel production for mass market passenger cars and in 2023 its electrified models represented 92.8 per cent of its entire annual sales.
Toyota Ireland says it offers the widest range of hybrid electric cars on the market, and claims hybrid electric has proven to be the sweet spot for those looking to make a positive change and embrace electrified driving without compromise.
Last month (December ), Toyota detailed its investment strategy to develop new low and zero emissions vehicles. Toyota is also doubling down on its investment in next-generation battery technology development, focusing on introducing solid state batteries to the market in 2027-2028.
“The year 2023 proved to be another strong year for Toyota Ireland, and our third successive as Ireland’s best-seller.
"As a brand that has championed sustainable and electrified motoring for years, seeing hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles overtake diesel for the first time feels like vindication for making the tough, but right, decision to pull out of diesel back in 2018 when it was by far the most popular seller.
"It is clear by the growing demand for electrified vehicles, and our hybrid electric models in particular, that our ‘Built for a Better World’ brand promise is registering more than ever in the conscience of the mass market.
"With the widest range of electrified vehicles on the market, Toyota can offer customers a low-emission option that suits a range of lifestyles and budgets," Steve Tormey, chief executive at Toyota Ireland, said.
