While GM may be triumphing in the US for plug-in hybrid sales (see story) thanks to its Chevrolet Volt model, in the UK, it is the Toyota Prius plug-in that is the leader of the pack.
The Japanese brand beat competition from GM-owned Chevrolet and Vauxhall, as well as Volvo, to be crowned as having the best selling plug-in hybrid in 2012, selling 470 models in the UK since the Prius Plug-in launched in July 2012.
Despite having a head start on the Prius model, the Chevrolet Volt and the Vauxhall Ampera, which launched in March and May respectively, the Prius Plug-in managed to beat both, building on Toyota’s already established reputation for hybrids.
The Prius Plug-in also beat diesel-electric Volvo’s V60 Plug-in Hybrid, which only launched in November with around 150 models available to UK buyers to start with.
The result marks a strong year for the Toyota’s expanding range of hybrids, sales of which grew 15.1 per cent compared to 2011, to 12,840 vehicles.
In 2012, Toyota welcomed three new hybrid models to its existing Prius and Auris Hybrid offerings. As well as the Plug-in version of the Prius, the carmaker also launched the Prius+, an MPV version of the Prius hatchback and the Yaris Hybrid.
A new version of the Auris Hybrid launched in December too, boasting fuel economy of 76.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 87g/km.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
January 07, 2013
Filed under: Toyota
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