Why Toyota Sells More Hybrids Than Anyone Else

Australia is riding an automotive sales crest on the back of the best quarter the Australian car industry has had. Although mandatory in Europe since 2014, Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) will now apply Euro 6 emissions standards here. Many vehicles already have Euro 6 compliance and your vehicle manual will list the emissions standard as part of the specifications.

Toyota’s electrified share reached a new high of 44% (of the electrified market) for the first three months, with total brand volume of 56,238 units in the first quarter. RAV4 Hybrid is the hot seller, but RAV4 as a range, sold 5070 units, to be number 2 behind Ford Ranger with 5661 sales. Although some Toyotas have had longer than usual lead times, these are starting to moderate and customers are able to take delivery sooner rather than later.

Toyota’s only full electric vehicle is the bZ4X, and is shared with Lexus and Subaru, so a hybrid is the go-to for those not yet ready for a full electric vehicle leap.

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Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing & Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the latest Hybrid Electric sales figures confirmed that last year’s official sales results reflected constraints on supply rather than the healthy underlying demand.

“Now that supply has vastly improved for Toyota, there are clear indications of a resurgence in Hybrid Electric demand here in Australia and also in markets like Europe and the United States,” Mr Hanley said.

“That’s because consumers increasingly regard Hybrid Electric models as providing practical, capable and affordable vehicles compared to petrol variants that help cut their carbon footprint while reducing fuel bills – and they retain strong resale values,” he said.

Mr Hanley said Toyota was particularly focused on further reducing customer wait times for popular models with many vehicles such as RAV4 Hybrid Electric models now averaging six months or less, while HiLux 4×4 is just four months and LandCruiser 300 Series has come down to seven months.

Toyota is holds 18.5% of the market, well ahead of the 7.8% Mazda and 7.4% Ford, but does not rest on its laurels. Lexus shares Toyota technology and benefits from its ability to use Toyota services centres if needed. By far, the largest number of hybrid vehicles sold in Australia have a Toyota badge. Toyota stuck to the hybrid technology, persevering when other brands tried and failed so to their credit, the Japanese giant deserves the top electrified podium spot.

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