Ireland’s move towards more sustainable, electrified motoring has taken a major jump.
For the first time self-charging hybrid electric cars have outsold diesel in the busy January sales period, typically a strong guide for how the rest of the year will shape up.
Hybrid electric car purchases grew by 38 per cent year on year, made up predominantly of Toyota models, which grew its own market share by almost 34 per cent year on year. According to Toyota, it now accounts for 20 per cent of the overall car market.
In January, 98 per cent of Toyota’s sales were for hybrid electric models, and the company had five models in the top ten. In January, there were 25,093 new car sales registered, 27 per cent of which were hybrid electric, with diesel accounting for just 22 per cent. Petrol passenger cars made up 29 per cent of new sales, just over two percentage points ahead of hybrid electric.
When factoring in all electrified models, including battery electrics (11 per cent ) and plug-in hybrids (eight per cent ), Toyota says the low and zero emissions sector accounted for more than 47 per cent of all new car sales.
In contrast, higher emission, fossil fuel powered cars saw a sharp decline in popularity in January, with diesels dropping by more than 37 per cent year on year, and petrol cars dropping by almost 18 per cent.
Commenting on the January market figures, Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland, says January is typically the month that sets the tone for the full year of motor vehicle sales.
"We’re delighted to see Irish drivers continue to build on the gains made last year and make a concerted effort to move away from more polluting cars like diesels into lower emission, electrified options," he says.
“The Irish Government’s vehicle tax strategy is clearly working, and together with the growing consumer awareness of the urgent climate issues we are facing, Irish drivers are acting with the future firmly in mind. My hope is that with the efficiency and low emission advancements inherent in the forthcoming next generation of hybrid electric cars, plus our introduction of battery electric cars like the bZ4X this year, Toyota will continue to drive the change to low and zero emissions through the provision of a wide range of affordable, reliable and desirable models.”
For more information on 221 Toyota offers contact local Toyota dealer Tony Burke Motors, Ballybrit 091 480123 or email: [email protected].
