Japanese car giant Toyota has released its 2009 sustainability report as it looks to reduce the impact it has on the environment. The report covering April 2008 – March 2009 shows that the company is achieving year-on-year reductions in CO2 emissions and step up its use of green energy.
Over a 17% reduction in total CO2 emissions was recorded during the year, from 588,066 tonnes to 485,230 tonnes, by Toyota’s production, logistics and sales operations in Greater Europe. In total 14 facilities in 11 countries are now powered solely by 100% renewable energy.
Fleet-average CO2 emissions on new Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in Europe shrunk by almost 4% from 150.7 g/km to 145.3 g/km. The reduction in tailpipe emissions is attributed in part to the introduction of advanced environmental technologies, such as Toyota Optimal Drive, Hybrid Synergy Drive and Lexus Hybrid Drive. In FY 2008, compact, low-emitting vehicles comprised almost one-third of Toyota brand sales in Europe.
New investment in Europe was accelerated by the start of production of locally-built models: the all-new Toyota Avensis at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in November 2008; and the new Verso at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey in March 2009.
The manufacturer has even taken the step of no longer printing the sustainability report!
