Diesel do nicely? Not in our cars, says Toyota
AUTOMOBILE manufacturer Toyota has announced that it will phase out diesel engines from all its passenger cars this year and focus more on 'environmentally sustainable vehicles', led by self-charging hybrid electric cars.
Toyota – the number one seller so far this year in Ireland – is the first mainstream car brand to take immediate action away from diesel.
In an announcement on the eve of this year's Geneva Motor Show, Toyota said the new generation Auris will come with three powertrains, including two in hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) form. The other is a small (1.2-litre) petrol turbo-charged unit.
The company explained: “Similar to the decision taken in 2016 to introduce the C-HR without a diesel version, the new generation Auris will only be offered with petrol and HEV powertrains. Strong customer demand for HEV versions on its core models means Toyota will phase out diesel engines from all its passenger cars in 2018.
“In 2017, HEVs represented 41% of Toyota Motor Europe's total sales, rising +38% year-on-year to 406,000 units. In contrast, Toyota’s diesel mix on passenger cars was less than 10% in 2017.”
Toyota will continue to offer diesel engines in commercial vehicles such as the Hilux, Proace and Land Cruiser to meet customer needs.
Johan van Zyl, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, commented: “Toyota has been pioneering HEV technology for more than 20 years. For several years, HEV versions have been the dominant powertrain where offered. In our latest new model, the C-HR, HEVs accounted for 78% of sales last year.
“As part of our electrified vehicle strategy, we are progressively expanding our HEV offering with a second, more powerful 2.0-litre engine. Starting with the new generation Auris, this expanded HEV line-up is a natural reaction to our passenger car customers’ demands.”
Decline
In Ireland, diesel passenger car sales have seen a 17% decline year-on-year between January 2017 and January 2018, and Toyota Ireland’s diesel car sales are now at only 20% of its overall mix, compared to 60% just two years ago. In contrast, hybrid electric cars now represent almost 50% of Toyota Ireland’s car sales mix.
Giving Toyota Ireland’s perspective on the announcement, Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland, said: “I am proud to be in the driver’s seat of a company that is willing to make the difficult decision to lead the Irish market out of diesel and help deliver cleaner air quality for our future and that of our children’s children.
“The announcement is reflective of our ‘Built for a Better World’ brand purpose, and is another proof point of how serious we are to deliver alternative, cleaner mobility solutions.
“Similar to the Irish Government, Toyota too has a vision for a zero emissions society, which we believe can be a reality by 2050. Toyota’s self-charging hybrid electric cars are in electric mode for up to 55% of the time and have the best technology today to help achieve the move to full electrification.”
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, said: “I welcome Toyota’s leadership on this. As a country we have no option but to move towards a zero emissions vehicle society to help protect our environment, improve our health and to ensure the next generation doesn’t suffer from complacency or inaction now. Climate change requires all of us to make changes and Toyota’s initiative will significantly help lead us on our low-carbon journey.”