Toyota is the name that most consumers think of when considering buying an electric or hybrid car, the latest research shows.
A study conducted by research firm Harris Interactive on behalf of car market intelligence firm EurotaxGlass’s, revealed that the Japanese car maker was the name most likely to be mentioned when respondents to the survey were asked to name an electric or hybrid brand. More than 5,000 consumers from across Europe took part in the ‘Is the customer ready and willing to buy electric vehicles..?’ survey, with 30 per cent professing an interest in electric or hybrid vehicles.
When asked to name an electric or hybrid brand, some 15 per cent cited Toyota, with only six per cent naming the closest rival hybrid manufacturer.
Of course, Toyota does not have a fully electric vehicle on sale, and is best known for its first hybrid car, the Prius-the best selling hybrid in the world. The survey found that the Prius, first launched in 1997, was the single best known model within the EV and hybrid sector, with 16 per cent of those questioned being aware of the iconic model.
The Japanese car maker has already sold more than three million hybrid worldwide. Building on this success, the firm has ambitious plans for its award-winning hybrid technology, and plans to introduce 10 new hybrid models by the end of 2012.
According to the manufacturer, the electric vehicle sales are still handicapped by vehicle price, driving range and the lack of charging infrastructures, as such it plans to move on to plug-in hybrid technology next- a technology it sees as the most feasible short to mid-term solution to the electrification of powertrains.
A Prius Plug-in Hybrid is set to launch in Europe by 2012.
