Toyota announced today that they have exceeded one million total hybrid sales of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the U.S. Toyota accomplished this feat with a fleet of six total hybrid vehicles from Toyota and Lexus, including the automotive industry's first gas electric hybrid, the Toyota Prius. The Prius has accounted for more than 700,000 of the total sales volume of hybrid vehicles for Toyota and Lexus in the U.S.
Toyota plans to introduce ten new hybrid models by 2012. With Toyota's focus on hybrids in the future, they will remain a strong competitor in this market segment. As Toyota Motor Sales President Jim Lentz said, "One million hybrids in less than nine years indicate how quickly American consumers have accepted this important technology... We plan to sell one million gas-electric hybrids per year, worldwide, sometime early in the next decade."
Toyota has constantly been expanding their hybrid lineup of vehicles over the past 10 years and will continue to do so in the years ahead. Toyota has always been a leader in hybrid technology. In 2005 they introduced the first hybrid powered luxury vehicle the Lexus RX 400h, followed by the Highlander Hybrid SUV. In 2006 they introduced the Camry Hybrid, the first hybrid produce by Toyota in the U.S. and by 2007 they had introduced the Lexus LS 600h luxury hybrid sedan.
This year, Toyota has further plans to introduce more hybrid vehicles. Look for the summer arrival of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h and the most anticipated launch of the all new Toyota Prius this spring. The Prius is expected to achieve up to 50 miles per gallon.
By late summer, Toyota plans to introduce the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle.
As the pioneer of the gas-electric segment it's no wonder why Toyota has been so successful. With a vast array of hybrid choices in nearly every vehicle category, they continue to lead the market in sales volume and the future for Toyota will lead to more hybrid vehicles on the market. Lentz said, "For Toyota and Lexus, 2009 can easily be called the year of the hybrid."
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
