The most popular Toyota hybrid vehicle has been its Prius series, accounting for 70 per cent of the total sold. 2012 was the biggest year for the hybrid model; with 1.2 million hybrids sold, it was the first year that the million hybrid sale mark was superseded around the world.
Assisted by government subsidies and tax incentives due to its low environmental impact, roughly 17 per cent of vehicles sold in Japan in 2012 were hybrids.
Meanwhile, Toyota and Lexus, (Toyota’s luxury brand) sold 678,000 hybrids, contributing to three-quarters of the total hybrids sold.
The US only contributed to three pre cent of total global Toyota hybrid sales, selling just 327,000 hybrids, with China old 17,300.
Europe is still the most popular market for hybrids, where diesel engines dominate. But in emerging markets, the vehicle is still an expensive choice because they are usually imported and use mainly imported parts.
