See all Motoring NewsToyota was Ireland’s most popular car brand in 2021. With 12.44% share of the passenger car market and four of its models in the top ten best-sellers list, Toyota sold 13,053 passenger cars, which represents more than a 30% year-on-year increase. 92% of Toyota’s sales were for its low emission self-charging hybrid electric vehicles.
In 2021, electrified vehicle options saw significant annualised growth, with battery electrics (BEVs) enjoying a 115% increase and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) increasing by 210% respectively. Both BEVs and PHEVs have typically lower volumes in comparison with that of self charging hybrids (HEVs). In 2021, HEVs increased by 63% from an already strong position built up over the last five years. In actual sales terms, HEVs were by far the most popular electrified vehicles with 16% overall market share, followed by BEVs at 8% and PHEVs at 7%.
Toyota, which predicted the demise of diesel some years ago, firmly believes that its hybrids play a vital role in swiftly and easily moving people away from these higher polluting vehicles, particularly as they are very affordable and don’t require plugging in to charge. In 2021 diesel models continued to lose market share and were down 8%, and account for just a third of the overall market, a significant decrease from the 71% share they had in 2015. Alongside this decrease, there is an evident tipping point when it comes to electrified models in Ireland. BEVs, HEVs, PHEVs and other electrified diesel options make up a total of 34% share in comparison with 33% of solely diesel.
Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland said, “It’s really heartening to see the continued growth in low emission, electrified car ownership in Ireland, as we move ever closer to a world where CO2 emissions will be a thing of the past. At Toyota, we are proud to play our own part in this transition through advancing battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell innovations while furthering the long term viability of hybrids which are set to become even more efficient in the soon to be launched 5th generation models. Given our 4th generation models can operate in full EV mode for up to 80% of the time in urban driving conditions, the future looks very promising for the next generation of Toyota hybrids.