Toyota Charges Into the New Year with EV Momentum
Toyota started 2013 on a high note. After a year of strong hybrid sales, the automaker brought serious momentum into the new year—especially in the electric and hybrid vehicle segments.
Record-Setting Hybrid Sales
In 2012, Toyota sold more than 327,000 hybrid vehicles in the United States alone. That included over 236,000 Prius family models. Even better, these numbers marked a 73% increase from 2011. Prius sales alone helped Toyota secure more than 60% of the U.S. hybrid market.
At the same time, Toyota didn’t just rely on one model. Sales of the Camry Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid surged as well. This multi-model success reinforced Toyota’s leadership in fuel-efficient technology.
Plug-In and EV Expansion
Toyota also made big strides in plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle sales. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid closed out the year with nearly 13,000 units sold—placing it among the top-selling plug-in vehicles in the U.S. That success signaled growing consumer interest in vehicles that combine electric drive with extended range.
Moreover, Toyota introduced the RAV4 EV, its all-electric compact SUV. Developed in partnership with Tesla Motors, the RAV4 EV brought zero-emission power to the crossover segment. Although its rollout was limited, it showed Toyota’s commitment to testing new EV technologies in real-world conditions.
Global Impact, Local Growth
Globally, Toyota surpassed 1.2 million hybrid sales in 2012, adding to its total of more than 4.6 million hybrids sold worldwide since 1997. In the U.S., the company continues to invest in hybrid manufacturing and innovation, supporting jobs and reducing emissions at the same time.
Because of this success, Toyota’s hybrid leadership not only strengthens its brand—it also pushes the entire industry toward cleaner alternatives.
Looking Ahead
As the EV and hybrid market heats up, Toyota aims to keep pushing boundaries. With more fuel-efficient models in development and continued investment in battery technology, 2013 may be even greener than the year before.
