Toyota and Lexus sell 4m full hybrid motors

Date: 22/5/2012

More than four million Toyota and Lexus full hybrid vehicles have now been sold around the world.

While a total of 423,000 were sold in Europe, the figure for the UK reached 94,000 - suggesting a significant number of people may be realising the environmental benefits of purchasing these motors.

According to Toyota, its full hybrid motors have reduced CO2 emissions by around 26 million tonnes compared to what would have been emitted by similar petrol or diesel-powered motors.

Now, it wants to expand its eco-friendly range and work to reduce costs and improve the performance of these vehicles.

The Toyota Prius was the world's first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle and was launched in Japan in 1997 before going on sale in Europe and North America in 2000.

It emits 89g/km of CO2 and was described by the Evening Standard as driving "like an ordinary car," as well as being big enough for a family.

Posted by Nick Anderson