Toyota Ireland reports a significant growth in its hybrid car sales for 2016 compared to 2015, claiming there has been a recognisable shift in consumer interest towards choosing alternatives to diesel.
With sales of electric vehicles down 15 per cent in 2016, the limited distance which users can travel is not an issue for hybrid drivers, as the combination of both a petrol and electric motor means you never have to plug it in.
So far this year Toyota says it has sold 1,724 hybrid vehicles compared to 758 last year - a 140 per cent increase, meaning almost 13 per cent of total Toyota sales are now hybrid. Hybrid is available in six Toyota models including the Yaris, Auris, Prius and the RAV4. The new five-door Toyota C-HR crossover launching in November will also be available as a hybrid and is expected to further increase Toyota’s hybrid sales mix in 2017.
Sales from July show that 28 per cent of Auris and 23.3 per cent of Yaris models sold were hybrid, proving a transition towards consumers buying hybrid. Year to date, 22 per cent of Auris, 20 pre cent of Yaris and 10 per cent of all RAV4 sales are now hybrid.
Michael Gaynor, marketing director says as consumers continue to seek alternatives to diesel, Toyota is noticing a significant awareness and interest in hybrid, which is reflected in the sales this year.
"The latest figures prove the fact that more Irish consumers are interested in hybrid technology," he says.
Toyota is encouraging drivers to continue to experience the benefits that hybrid provides over diesel powered vehicles. It points out the following benefits of driving hybrid as follows:
- Up to 40 per cent better fuel efficiency: Because the hybrid system has the unique ability to recycle energy other cars waste, drivers benefit from fuel economy of up to 94mpg, providing up to 40 per cent better fuel efficiency than an equivalent diesel engine.
- Up to 30 per cent less maintenance costs: Hybrid owners will enjoy up to 30 per cent less maintenance costs when compared to a non-hybrid vehicle, due to a variety of reasons including the fact that hybrids don’t have a clutch and have less wear and tear on items like brake discs and tyres.
- Affordability: Contrary to some beliefs, Toyota hybrids are a lot more affordable than people think, with prices starting from €14,995 or €145 a month.
- Environmentally friendly: Combining a petrol engine and an electric motor means that Toyota hybrids emit from just 70g/km, which is incredibly low for a family car. In addition, Toyota hybrid emits much less NOX pollution and particulate matter, giving us better air quality.
