Toyota promotes sale of environment-friendly vehicles

Global sales of Toyota Motor Corp.’s hybrid vehicles have exceeded four million units, as management continues to promote the mass-market adoption of these environment-friendly units.

In a statement on Friday, TMC said that its hybrid vehicles, since their launch in 1997, have led to approximately 26 million fewer tons of carbon-dioxide emissions, compared to what would have been emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

TMC said it remains committed to augmenting its hybrid vehicle product line-up and increasing the number of countries and regions in which it sells hybrid vehicles.

In the Philippines, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) has made available since 2007 the Prius, the world’s first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car.

In January this year, TMP launched the Prius c to the Philippine market as the latest addition to its Prius Hybrid line-up.

Toyota’s luxury line, Lexus, also has four full hybrid models: the LS600h, GS450h, CT200h and RX450h.

“The local introduction of hybrid vehicles reinforces TMP’s commitment to contribute to preserving the environment by making cleaner, fuel-efficient vehicles available to the Filipino consumer,” the company said.

“Recognizing the global environmental issues needed to be addressed, the Philippine government has various programs lined up, including providing support to environment friendly vehicles. Currently, there are several bills filed in Congress which aim to provide incentives to hybrid, electric and alternative fuel vehicles,” it added.

Since the global launch of TMC’s initial hybrid line-up in 1997 with the Coaster Hybrid EV and the Prius, Toyota has since expanded the use of its hybrid system on other vehicle types such as minivans, SUVs, rear-wheel-drive sedans and compact hatchbacks.