Toyota & Lexus: Hybrid sales in Europe hit 20%

Toyota has revealed that sales of hybrid Toyota and Lexus cars have hit 20 per cent of total sales in Europe in the first quarter of 2013.

The ‘Green’ evangelists want to get us all driving electric cars to save the planet, but in the real world car drivers want a car that offers them all the practicality of a normal ICE car, but without the penalties of the poor range, high cost and inconvenience of an EV.

So, with ever-rising fuel costs, it’s no wonder car buyers are willing to pay a little more for a car that offers better economy at the pumps – which plays straight in to the hands of Hybrid pioneers Toyota.

The result is that Toyota and Lexus now see a full 20 per cent of their sale in Europe being hybrid cars in the first quarter of 2013, with sales of hybrid cars up a massive 82 per cent year-on-year.

That’s not because the Prius has suddenly become more popular, but because Toyota has managed to deliver more mainstream cars where the hybrid powertrain is an ‘option’.

Cars like the Auris Hybrid – with sales of 12.736 in the first quarter (up 69 per cent) – and the Yaris Hybrid (11,459) means Toyota’s decision to offer hybrid cars that don’t shout their green credentials has been a popular move. And with more Toyota and Lexus hybrids on the way, hybrid sales can only go one way.

Now all we need is Toyota to start using their hybrid experience to provide performance alternatives as well, and we’ll all be happy.