Over 90% of Toyota sales are self-charging hybrid vehicles. Arriving in May is the all-new bZ4X,the marque’s first battery electric SUV, says Steve Tormey, Chief Executive at Toyota Ireland

WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO MEET THE GOVERNMENT’S ROADMAP TO EV ADOPTION?

We need to look broadly at all options that provide low or zero emissions driving. The ambition of having one million electric vehicles on Irish roads by 2030 is challenging, not least because of the demand on precious resources but also because the national grid may be under pressure to support that figure with renewable energy.

Toyota is committed to decarbonising transport in Ireland and is passionate about new innovations in alternative fuel technologies, such as fuel cell technology. We believe this will be an important part of the mix, and Toyota has already developed a second-generation hydrogen fuel cell electric car, the Mirai, which will arrive to Ireland in 2022.

HOW WAS TRADING FOR TOYOTA THROUGH 2021?

In Association with

We had a fantastic year in 2021, and undoubtedly the demand on hybrid and sustainable motoring has led this. We have the widest range of self-charging hybrid cars, and in 2021 we launched the RAV4 Plug-in hybrid, which has best-in-class electric range. We also launched our new Yaris Cross hybrid which can drive in electric mode up to 80% of the time in urban areas. We are constantly investing in carbon-reducing vehicles, like future generations of self-charging hybrids, solid state batteries, and hydrogen fuel cells.

WHAT WAS TOYOTA’S MOST POPULAR MODEL IN 2021?

The Corolla continues to be Ireland’s favourite self-charging hybrid, and our most popular model in 2021. The Corolla family has something for everyone, from the smart and dynamic Corolla Hatchback, to the family favourite Corolla Saloon, and the stunning Corolla Touring Sports.

WHAT EXECUTIVE MODEL DO YOU RECOMMEND?

The updated Toyota Camry hybrid platinum edition, launched in 2021, is a showstopper. Available in two grades, Sol and Platinum, it is great value and renowned for its head-turning design credentials, dynamic driving experience, and stunning interiors.

WHAT NEW MODELS ARE ON THE WAY FROM TOYOTA IN 2022?

We have a very exciting year ahead of us, with the arrival of our first battery electric SUV – the all-new bZ4X – in May 2022. This is the first model in Toyota’s new bZ – Beyond Zero – family of zero-emissions battery electric vehicles.  In April, the all-new Toyota Aygo X is arriving, a crossover unique in the A-segment. Our second electric van, the Proace City EV, is also arriving early in 2022, and to end the year on a high we have the arrival of the Corolla Cross hybrid SUV in Q4.

HOW IS TOYOTA POSITIONED IN THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE SEGMENT?

We lead the market in hybrid sales, with 92% of our 2021 mix being self-charging hybrid. We have the largest range of hybrid electric vehicles in Ireland and a car to suit all customers’ needs, from the Yaris hybrid all the way up to our Highlander hybrid SUV.  Toyota is ready to launch up to 30 new BEVs by 2030, and our Lexus brand will be 100% EV by 2030 too.