Toyota's global hybrid sales reach 15 million units

It began in 1997 with the launch of just one model - the Prius, the world's first mass-market hybrid electric car.

That technological leap forward has evolved into a global phenomenon with hybrid electric vehicle sales totalling 15 million units across all Toyota brands.

This has been accomplished in 20 years since the Prius's turn-of-the-millennium debut here, with sales accelerating as Toyota increased the range of models available and continuously improved the performance of the technology. More choice, lower emissions and even better fuel economy have raised people’s awareness and acceptance of hybrid, moving it firmly into the mainstream.

Only this year, the Yaris became Toyota's top-selling U.K. hybrid, overtaking the Prius in terms of total sales. Its leading position is set to be strengthened this year with the introduction of the all new Yaris, equipped with Toyota's latest, fourth-generation hybrid system, which will deliver significantly greater zero emissions all-electric EV driving capability.

Today, U.K. customers have a choice of nine hybrid model ranges, covering the market spectrum from small hatchback to SUV. They include the Yaris, the British-built Corolla Hatchback and Touring Sports, the Corolla Saloon, the C-HR crossover, the Prius and the Prius Plug-in saloons, the seven-seat Prius+, the Camry mid-size saloon and the RAV4. The line-up will grow in 2021 with the introduction of the Yaris Cross, Toyota's new compact SUV. In 2020, Toyota will also launch the first plug-in hybrid version of RAV4.