Toyota has recorded its 400,000th hybrid sales in the European market. Although three-generations of Prius accounted for most of Toyota’s European hybrid sales, the 400,000th hybrid sold on the continent was an Auris Hybrid.
The keys to hybrid car number 400,000 were handed over to Valentine Nkwocha in Anderlecht, Belgium. The milestone-achieving Auris Hybrid is one of 20 purchased by IT consultancy firm CTG to be used as company cars.
“We are very proud to deliver our 400,000th hybrid in Europe to a customer in Belgium where we have a strong presence with our European headquarters, our R&D center, our parts and vehicle logistics operations,” said Michel Gardel, VP of Communication for Toyota Europe. “It shows that Belgian and European customers are not only ready to consider a hybrid vehicle purchase but for Toyota, they have been doing so in large numbers – in fact 10% of our sales in Europe were hybrid vehicles last year.”
Toyota began hybrid sales in Europe in 2000 with the first-generation of the Prius. Two more generations of the Prius have followed, and Toyota added the Auris Hybrid to its lineup in 2010.
Although the milestone is nothing to scoff at, it does show that Europeans aren’t quite as accepting of hybrids as Americans. The Toyota brand sold 150,000 hybrids in the United States last year, meaning it would take just over two and a half years to achieve the 400,000 unit mark, rather than the 12 years it has taken Europe.
