Toyota calculates that as of 31 July 2015, its hybrid vehicles have resulted in savings of around 58 million tons of CO2 emissions, compared to the performance of the same number of equivalent, petrol-powered vehicles. It also estimates that its hybrids have saved 22 million kilolitres of fuel, compared to the amount used by petrol vehicles of the same size.

Since launching Prius in 1997 (from 2000 in the UK), Toyota has been gradually adding models to its range, from the Yaris Hybrid supermini to the recently announced RAV4 Hybrid. Since 2010 the line-up has included the British-built Auris Hybrid, Europe’s best-selling hybrid model.

As of this month, Toyota sells 30 different hybrid passenger cars (including Lexus models) in more than 90 markets around the world. In the UK the line-up comprises the Toyota Prius, the seven-seat Prius+, Prius Plug-in, Yaris Hybrid and Auris and Auris  Touring Sports Hybrid, together with the Lexus CT 200h, IS 300h, NX 300h, GS 300h and 450h, RX 450h and LS 600hL.

The best-selling model YtD July 2015 was the Toyota Auris Hybrid with 6,628 sales, followed by the Toyota Yaris Hybrid with 6,070 sales. The best selling Toyota hybrid model overall 2000-2015 is the iconic Toyota Prius with a total 66,406 sales, followed by the Auris Hybrid with 33,762 sales. 

Hybrid remains Toyota’s core technology in its development of alternative powertrains, notably in Mirai, the world’s first production hydrogen fuel cell saloon. Its hybrid know-how has also been successfully applied to motor sport, with the Toyota TS040 Hybrid claiming the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship.