Toyota hits the ten million hybrid milestone less than a year after hitting 9 million.

• Over Three Million Hybrids Sold in the U.S.

Toyota announced today that it has achieved more than 10 million cumulative units of hybrid vehicle (HV) sales, including plug-in hybrids, as of January 31. The latest milestone was achieved just nine months after total sales reached 9 million units at the end of April 2016.

Toyota Motor North America also saw its sales of hybrids and plug-in hybrids reach a cumulative total, exceeding three million units as of December 31, 2016.

“The Prius stands as an icon for sustainability and efficiency, and is a shining example of what you can achieve when you have the right idea to help solve a problem,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor North America. 

“Hybrids remain an important part of our lineup of vehicles, with over 246,000 units sold last year, and we have seen continued demand with the release of the RAV4 Hybrid variant of the popular compact SUV, accounting for nearly 13 percent of its total sales volume in 2016.”

Takeshi Uchiyamada, known as the father of the Prius and co-chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota said, “When we launched Prius, no one even knew what a hybrid was, but, thanks to early adopters, hybrids have ridden a wave of success into the mainstream.” He added, “We are grateful to each and every one of our customers who have helped us achieve this important [global] milestone.”

As of January 31, Toyota estimates that the use of Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, as an alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance has resulted in approximately 77 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions and has saved approximately 7.66 million gallons of gasoline (29 million kiloliters).

More than a numerical milestone, the results demonstrate the staying power of hybrid powertrain technology, which has emerged as a mainstream solution to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Toyota values activities to help reduce the environmental effects of automobiles.  This achievement builds on the belief that widespread adoption of more environmentally-friendly vehicles can make a significant positive impact worldwide.

Cars from ten Brands have been hailed best in class after round 1 of the UK Car Of The Year 2017 awards.

• Shortlist for UK Car of the Year 2017 announced – 12 cars from 56 entrants
• Winners in categories from small hatch to performance car, as well as luxury
• Hyundai, Toyota, Renault and SEAT all register first-ever wins in the annual awards
• Overall winner to be announced on 24th February 2017

Cars from ten different manufacturers have been hailed best-in-class after the first round of voting in the UK Car of the Year Awards 2017, supported by Cox Automotive, whose UK brands include Manheim and Motors.co.uk. With the winners of the 12 categories now decided, the successful models go on to battle it out for the title of UK Car of the Year 2017.

Winning their first UK Car of the Year Awards were Hyundai, Toyota, Renault and SEAT. In the Best Small Hatch class, the Hyundai IONIQ beat off stiff competition to win, while the latest generation of Toyota’s Prius was voted Best Family Car. 

Renault’s Scénic/Grand Scénic has been named Best MPV, and in the popular category of Best Crossover the SEAT Ateca took the honours.

The UK Car of the Year Awards 2017 proved fruitful for two German manufacturers, as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche claimed two prizes apiece. In the Best Executive Car category, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class took top spot, while the S-Class Cabriolet was hailed as Best Cabriolet. The Porsche pairing of the 718 Cayman and Boxster were voted Best Coupe and Best Sports Car respectively.

After winning the title of Best Luxury Car in 2015 with its Ghost, Rolls-Royce once again triumphed in the category with the Dawn. At the other end of the driving spectrum, Ford reclaimed the Best Performance Car crown with the Focus RS, having previously won the category in 2014 with the Fiesta ST. Best Estate Car was judged to be Volvo’s V90 and the new Large Crossover category was won by the Jaguar F-Pace.

The overall UK Car of the Year 2017 will be announced on 24th February 2017. Previous winners of the award are: BMW i3 (2014); BMW i8 (2015) and Mazda MX-5 (2016).

Full list of UK Car of the Year Awards 2017 category winners:

Best Small Hatch – Hyundai IONIQ

Best Family Car – Toyota Prius

Best Executive Car – Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Best Luxury Car – Rolls-Royce Dawn

Best Estate Car – Volvo V90

Best MPV – Renault Scénic/Grand Scénic

Best Crossover – SEAT Ateca

Best Large Crossover – Jaguar F-Pace

Best Coupe – Porsche 718 Cayman

Best Cabriolet – Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet

Best Sports Car – Porsche 718 Boxster

Best Performance Car – Ford Focus RS

The winners of the Next Green Car Awards 2016 have been announced, with the UK’s best green cars recognised

The winners of the Next Green Car Awards 2016 have been announced, with the UK’s best green cars recognised.

Winning models have been carefully selected across 10 awards categories, made up of nine vehicle sectors and a Next Generation award. 

An overall NGC Car of the Year 2016 champion has also been picked from the 10 category winners, all of which have been launched in the UK in 2016 or will be released in 2017.

All winning models have been judged against a range of environmental, performance and cost criteria, with Next Green Car's unique NGC Rating a primary factor in deciding which vehicles made it through to the shortlist.

With key environmental credentials established, other considerations such as suitability for purpose, impact on the market, and value for money are taken into account, to decide the winning and commended vehicles in each category.

Commenting on the winners of this year’s awards, Dr Ben Lane, Director at Next Green Car, said: “We are delighted to give recognition to 10 cars which best combine environmental and driving performance. 

Utilising state-of-the-art technology, the winners demonstrate that cars can be exhilarating to drive and impact less on the environment – all at affordable cost.

“To illustrate the range and capability of low emission vehicles now on the market, the average CO₂ emissions of the finalists across the 10 categories is less than 36 g/km, nine of the 20 models are pure-electric, six are plug-in hybrids, four conventional hybrids, with only one model not featuring any kind of electrification; reflecting the global trend in auto-tech.”

The winners of the Next Green Car Awards 2016 are as follows:

Citycar Award 2016

WINNER: Volkswagen e-up! – CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 22

NGC verdict: "Already one of the best city cars around, VW has made its e-up! even better with sharper looks and improved equipment. Fun to drive, cheap to run, and with zero tailpipe emissions, this little electric Volkswagen is an ideal urban runabout."

COMMENDED: Mahindra e2o – CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 22

Supermini Award 2016

WINNER: Renault Zoe Z.E. 40 –CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 25

NGC verdict: "Renault roots out range anxiety with its new Zoe Z.E. 40, offering 250 miles of range in a strong supermini package. Nicely designed and easy to use, the zero-emission Zoe now has more than enough range to persuade even the most anxious driver into an EV."

COMMENDED: BMW i3 94Ah – CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 23

Small Family Award 2016

WINNER: Hyundai Ioniq Electric – CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 22

NGC verdict: "It's tough to find any flaws with the Ioniq Electric. Hyundai has packed plenty of performance, practicality, range and value for money into the new model, making it a genuine winner that will tempt many buyers into their first electric car.”

COMMENDED: Renault Megane – CO2 96 g/km – NGC Rating 32

Large Family Award 2016

WINNER: Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid – CO2 37 g/km – NGC Rating 40

NGC Verdict: "Smooth, spacious, and stylish, the Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid offers plenty of kit and a comfortable driving experience. With its handy range in electric-mode, Kia's latest plug-in is likely to prove a popular family and company car."

COMMENDED: Toyota Prius – CO2 70 g/km – NGC Rating 27

MPV Award 2016

WINNER: BMW 225xe –CO2 46 g/km – NGC Rating 37

NGC verdict: "The only PHEV MPV on the market, BMW's 225xe manages to combine the practical capabilities of its 2 Series Active Tourer with its tried and tested plug-in hybrid power-train. The result is a brilliant family workhorse that costs very little to run."

COMMENDED: Renault Scenic – CO2 92 g/km – NGC Rating 34

Crossover Award 2016

WINNER: Toyota C-HR –CO2 86 g/km – NGC Rating 32

NGC verdict: "If you find the Prius tempting but a bit too staid, Toyota now offers the C-HR. Making the most of its market-leading hybrid system, the crossover is a frugal and stylish way to nip (and be seen) around town."

COMMENDED: Kia Niro – CO2 88 g/km – NGC Rating 33

SUV Award 2016

WINNER: Tesla Model X –CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 35

NGC verdict: "From its wrap-over windscreen and falcon-wing doors to its long-range electric drive, Tesla's Model X excels in providing a sophisticated 21st century driving experience.  Tesla's entry into the SUV market looks set to be just as successful as the Model S."

COMMENDED: Audi Q7 e-tron – CO2 48 g/km – NGC Rating 26

Executive Award 2016

WINNER: BMW 330e –CO2 44 g/km – NGC Rating 35

NGC verdict: "A plug-in version of a car synonymous with the compact executive class can only be a good thing. With the potential for cost savings, strong performance, well-balanced handling, and a refined interior, the BMW 330e is a welcome addition to the executive fleet."

COMMENDED: Mercedes Benz E 350e – CO2 49 g/km – NGC Rating 37

Sports Cabrio Award 2016

WINNER: Morgan EV3 –CO2 0 g/km – NGC Rating 18

NGC verdict: "With its unique blend of design, range and performance, Morgan's electric sports car provides all the thrills of the three-wheeler but with zero-emissions. The Morgan EV3 is an unconventional, but warmly welcomed addition to the electric car market."

COMMENDED: Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid – CO2 56 g/km – NGC Rating 46

Next Generation Award 2016

WINNER: Riversimple Rasa –NGC Rating TBC

NGC verdict: "Ultra-efficient, the Riversimple Rasa was designed on a clean sheet of paper, and it shows. No other car maker can touch Riversimple's dedication to efficiency, and the technology found on the Rasa is proof that such a car can be done and done well."

COMMENDED: Tesla Model 3 – NGC Rating TBC

NGC Car of the Year 2016

WINNER: Hyundai Ioniq –CO2 0-79 g/km – NGC Rating 22-29

NGC verdict: "The new Ioniq’s design philosophy is pitch-perfect in delivering a range of low emission, stylish and practical family cars. Full marks to Hyundai for offering a choice of three electric and hybrid powertrains, all of which combine performance with affordability.”

Commenting on the Car of the Year winner, Chris Lilly, Content Manager at Next Green Car commented: “The Hyundai Ioniq wins the NGC Car of the Year Award 2016 against some exceptional competition. While the last 12 months have seen a number of new models come onto the market, the Ioniq takes the prize for its quality design, practicality, and its low running costs.

“In addition, the Ioniq range has been intentionally designed from the outset to offer three different electric powertrain options: pure electric and conventional hybrid, with a plug-in hybrid due for release next year. 

The ability for customers to choose the electric powertrain that best fits their driving needs from across the Ioniq range is a great step forward, and a route we hope other manufacturers will follow.”

USA RECALL #2 - Toyota/Lexus recall Prius and Ct200h models for possible airbag weld cracks.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 482,000 Model Year 2010 - 2012 Prius; 2010 and 2012 Prius Plug-In Hybrids and 2011 and 2012 Lexus CT 200h vehicles. 

The involved vehicles are equipped with curtain shield air bags (CSA) in the driver and passenger side roof rails that have air bag inflators composed of two chambers welded together. 

 

Some inflators could have a small crack in the weld area joining the chambers, which could grow over time, and lead to the separation of the inflator chambers.  

This has been observed when the vehicle is parked and unoccupied for a period of time.  If an inflator separates, the CSA could partially inflate, and, in limited circumstances, one or both sections of the inflator could enter the interior of the vehicle.  If an occupant is present in the vehicle, there is an increased risk of injury.

All known owners of the involved vehicles will be notified by first class mail.  Toyota and Lexus dealers will install retention brackets on the curtain shield air bag inflators at no cost.  These retention brackets are designed to prevent the inflator chambers from entering the vehicle interior if separation occurs.

Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time.  

For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting 

http://www.toyota.com/recall 

and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site:

safercar.gov/vin.  

For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-25-53987.

Toyota announces cumulative global sales of it's Hybrid ranges have now topped NINE Million Units.

Toyota Motor Corporation is proud to announce that the cumulative figures for global sales of its hybrid vehicles reached 9.014 million units as of April 30, surpassing the 9 million unit mark (1). This latest million-unit milestone was achieved in just nine months.

Helping to mitigate the environmental effects of automobiles is a priority for Toyota. Based on the stance that eco-friendly vehicles can only truly have a significant positive impact if they are widely used, Toyota has endeavored to encourage the mass-market adoption of hybrid vehicles across the globe.

In 2015, Toyota added a hybrid model of the popular minivan, the Sienta and began selling the latest hybrid icon: the fourth-generation Prius. 

Overseas, Toyota introduced the Corolla and Levin hybrid models in China -- with locally-produced hybrid systems -- and added a hybrid model of the RAV4 to its ever-increasing hybrid line-up. As of the end of April 2016, Toyota is selling 33 hybrid passenger car models and one plug-in hybrid (PHV) model in more than 90 countries and regions.

Toyota announced the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 in October of last year, setting challenges that it will undertake in order to reduce the negative impacts automobiles have on global environmental health to as close to zero as possible, and to contribute to the creation of a sustainable society. In order to fulfill these challenges. 

Toyota is working to expand its lineup of hybrid vehicles even further and will work to contribute to the environment by achieving annual sales of 1.5 million units, and cumulative sales of 15 million units by 2020.

Toyota calculates that as of April 30, the use of Toyota hybrid vehicles (2) in lieu of conventional vehicles of similar size and driving performance has resulted in approximately 67 million fewer tons (3) of CO2 emissions  -- believed to be a cause of global warming. Toyota also estimates that its hybrid vehicles have saved approximately 25 million kiloliters of gasoline compared to the amount used by gasoline-powered vehicles in the same class.

Toyota launched the Coaster Hybrid EV in August 1997 and the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle, in December of the same year. Since then, Toyota hybrid vehicles have received tremendous support from consumers around the world.

Toyota has positioned hybrid technologies, which encompass all of the component technologies necessary for the development of environment-friendly cars and which facilitate the use of different fuel combinations, as core environmental technologies for the twenty-first century. 

Toyota is committed to continuing its work to enhance performance, reduce costs, and expand its product lineup to create vehicles that are ever-more popular with consumers.

^{1Including plug-in hybrid vehicles; Toyota data}

^{2Excluding the Coaster Hybrid EV and "Quick Delivery 200"}

^{3Number of registered vehicles × distance traveled × fuel efficiency (actual fuel efficiency in each country) × CO2 conversion factor}

Toyota gains a Guinness World Records™ title, setting a new record for the most vehicles in a hybrid parade.

Toyota broke a Guinness World Records™ title recently, setting a new record for the most vehicles in a hybrid parade. The official tally for the parade lap on the Alameda Air Field: 332 Prius owners in attendance.

California has a long and devoted history with Prius as the golden state accounts for 40 percent of the nation's Prius vehicles. Northern California is particularly well-known for its Prius population density.

“The Bay Area is home to hundreds of thousands of proud Prius owners, and we wanted to pay homage to the Prius this Earth Day,” said Pete Carey, vice president and general manager for Toyota Motor Sales. “We wanted to celebrate this revolutionary vehicle and the folks behind the wheel who’ve always been our early-adopters, thinking bigger about their carbon footprint and environmental impact.”

Today aside, Toyota and Lexus have double the hybrids on the roads than any other auto manufacturer. #PriusParade

USA SALES MARCH - Toyota/Lexus see sales drop off over March up to 2.7%, some models grow higher.

• TMS, Toyota, and Lexus divisions set March sales record in light trucks
• RAV4 up over 15 percent
• Lexus LUV sales up 9.5 percent

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported March 2016 sales of 219,842 units, a decrease of 2.7 percent from March 2015 on a volume basis. With two more selling days in March 2016 compared to March 2015, sales were down 9.9 percent on a daily selling rate (DSR) basis. 

Toyota division posted March 2016 sales of 189,644 units, down 2.7 percent on a volume basis and 9.9 percent on a DSR basis.   

"Trucks hauled the industry to see the best March in over a decade," said Bill Fay, Toyota division group vice president and general manager. "For the Toyota division, light trucks, mostly supported by record sales of RAV4 and Highlander, posted best-ever March and first quarter sales."

Lexus posted sales of 30,198 units, down 2.8 percent on a volume basis and 10 percent on a DSR basis. 

“Lexus continues to be well-positioned with our fresh LUV lineup to meet the increasing customer demand for crossover and utility vehicles in the luxury market,” said Jeff Bracken, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “Our NX posted its best-ever month, and the all new RX posted its best-month since launch. In addition, the new LX was up 45.7 percent”

March 2016 Highlights:

• Camry posts sales of nearly 37,000 units
• Corolla posts sales of 32,556 units
• TMS, Toyota, and Lexus divisions all post new March record for light truck sales
• RAV4 sales rose 15.1 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter
• Highlander up 14.6 percent; a best-ever March and first quarter
• 4Runner up 11 percent
• Tacoma up 11.3 percent for the month
• Lexus luxury utility vehicles up 9.5 percent for the month
• NX up nearly 25 percent for the month
• RX posts sales of 9,648 units, up over 5 percent for the month
• LX up almost 46 percent for the month
• 
  
  *Note:  Unless otherwise stated, all figures reflect unadjusted raw sales volume