Over 5 million Toyota and Lexus hybrids sold

Hybrid vehicles are increasing in popularity across Europe as customers realise the benefits of the reduced cost of ownership they offer, writes Trish Whelan. Hybrid vehicles also help improve air quality as they emit less NOx and no Particulate Matters compared to diesel vehicles.

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) have announced cumulative global sales of their hybrid vehicles has topped the 5 million unit mark as of 31 March 2013. Around 1.22 million sales of full hybrid Toyota and Lexus cars were sold around the world in 2012. In the first quarter of 2013, their combined hybrid vehicles in Europe increased by 82 percent year-on-year.

TMC now sells 19 different hybrid passenger car models and one plug-in hybrid model in around 80 countries and regions around the world.

Between now and the end of 2015, they will launch a total of 18 new hybrid models worldwide, including one fuel cell vehicle.

The recently launched Yaris Hybrid is pictured above.