High sights for Toyota: 1 million hybrids by 2011
Toyota has recently announced its plan to sell 1 million hybrid cars worldwide by next year. Over the years Toyota has been slowly increasing the amount of hybrids sold, but they definitely had a rough start. It took Toyota nearly 10 years, from 1997 to 2007 to sell one million hybrid cars. Then from 2007 to 2009 they sold 1 million more hybrids. In 2009, Toyota sold 500,000 hybrids worldwide. In 2010 Toyota NJ dealers predict the company will sell 750, 000 hybrids. Looking at these numbers Toyota’s goal of selling 1 million hybrids in 2011 is totally possible.
According to Yoshihiko Tabei, chief analyst at Kazaka Securities, “The focus of Toyota’s (low-emission car) strategy will be on hybrids, not electric or fuel-cell cars” to make their goal of selling 1 million hybrids a reality. Toyota is planning on expanding hybrid production to countries ranging from China and Thailand to the United States, typically receiving some form of state-backed incentives to build the fuel-sipping vehicles locally. This increase in the amount of building facilities and Toyota Service Centers will allow Toyota to develop 10 new hybrid models for markets all around the world, including a compact hybrid. These new models will add to an already impressive list of hybrid models that include, the Toyota Prius, which was Toyota’s flagship hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Highlander Hybrid, Lexus RX 400, Lexus HS250h, Lexus GS 450 , and Lexus LS 600. Currently these models are built at 6 building facilities and Toyota Service Centers in the United States and four overseas.
Jim Lentz, chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales is optimistic that the increase in hybrids will only bring good things. He says, “In addition to our growing hybrid presence over the next few years, expanded hybrid offerings from competitors will not only drive innovation and improvement for consumers, it will continue to help improve the environment and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.” Over the past couple of years, low emission hybrids have enjoyed a strong sales thanks to generous subsidies and tax breaks. Also, consumers have become more and more concerned with the environment, which has added to increased hybrid sales. Hybrids produce fewer smog-forming emissions, burn less fuel, and the batteries can be recycled at the end of their lives.
Another plus to the hybrids, in 2010 Toyota NJ driver have seen some recalls. But consumers can rest easy as Staten Island Toyota brakes service professionals at Hudson Toyota are ready to put the comprehensive fix on any affected models. Toyota said the problematic pedals are provided by CTS Automotive Products, a different supplier than the one providing pedals for Toyota’s hybrids. The assembly line for the Camry Hybrid remains online at Toyota’s Kentucky plant, while the non-hybrid Camry in the same plant has been idled.
