Toyota the world’s biggest seller of hybrid vehicles has sold Millions Hybrids Worldwide

Japanese giant Toyota, the world’s biggest seller of hybrid-electric vehicles has sold more than 6 million hybrid vehicles globally since it first launched a series-production hybrid in 1997. In August 1997, in Japan, Toyota launched the Coaster Hybrid EV, with the world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle, but the company didn’t become synonymous with hybrids until a few months later, when the first generation of the Toyota  Prius went on sale in December, that same year.

View Westboro Toyota Prius inventory here.

According to Toyota, 6 million hybrid vehicles sold since 1997 have helped reduce CO2 emission by approximately million tons that than would have been emitted by gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

Since then, Toyota has consistently developed its hybrid vehicle lineup and ambitious plans and goals. In 2013, this giant automaker, declared to surpass U.S. rules, intended to double fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions.

Also, automakers agreed in 2011 to a plan by President Barack Obama targeting an industrywide increase in Corporate Average Fuel Economy, CAFE, to 54.5 miles per gallon of gasoline by 2025. Bob Carter, the automaker’s U.S. senior vice president, said that increased sales of hybrids and other alternative powered autos will help Toyota comply with that rule.

The 54.5 CAFE goal isn’t equivalent to window sticker-labels intended to show actual fuel economy for new cars and trucks. The window-sticker average for all autos sold in the U.S. last year rose 1 mpg to an all-time high of 24.8 mpg, based on data compiled by University of Michigan researchers Michael Sivak and Brandon Schoettle. On a U.S. CAFE basis, the average was 30 mpg in 2013, also the best ever, said Sivak.

Toyota will release 15 new or revamped hybrids worldwide between August 2013 and 2015 and a fuel-cell sedan next year to lift efficiency, Carter said.

“With our wide-ranging lineups and lead in hybrid vehicles, we think we are in the pole position on CAFE,” he said.

“A lot of people think we can get there mostly with advanced ICEs, ”Robert Bienfeld, U.S.  senior manager of environmental and energy strategy for Tokyo-based Honda, said in an interview. “A lot depends on consumer response. Inexpensive gasoline is going to be challenging.”

Vote in Support of Local Non-Profits During Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Campaign!

Each year, Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good Program invites the public to select worthy non-profit organizations to receive a brand-new Toyota vehicle. The 2013 program recently accelerated into high gear, and Toyota is urging 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to apply online right now explaining how a new vehicle would support their work. Based on individuals’ votes received later this year, Toyota will give away two cars per day for 50 days to selected organizations!

Westboro Toyota thinks this is a great way for Westborough residents and those of our surrounding cities and towns to let their favorite non-profit organizations know they’ve got your support!

Up to 2,500 applications from non-profit organizations across the country are being accepted through Aug. 5. On Aug. 19, Toyota will select 250 finalist organizations, which will receive promotional materials to help raise awareness for their organizations during the voting period and in their work beyond. Then, on Oct. 1, voting will begin and continue for 50 days straight on Toyota’s Facebook page—and you’ll get two votes per day to select two separate winning organizations.

“Each day, the two winners will be eligible to choose a Highlander, Prius, Sienna, Sienna Mobility or Tundra, which will also come with a six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty from Toyota Financial Services. The remaining three runners-up every day will earn a grant of $1,000 from Toyota to recognize their efforts and encourage further good work,” Toyota explained.

Since 2011, Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good has helped organizations during good in their local communities, such as those that transport disabled adults and help restore homes following catastrophic disasters like Superstorm Sandy, Toyota explained.

Westboro Toyota urges any local non-profits that are interested in applying for a new vehicle to post photos highlighting your work in the community. This can help raise your social profile and garner additional support for your cause!

One Massachusetts-based charity, All Hands Volunteer, has already benefited from this philanthropic initiative—it got a new Toyota Tundra that came in mighty handy with clean-up efforts following Superstorm Sandy, which hit the Northeast hard. “Within 48 hours…, our volunteers were in the new truck driving south toward Staten Island to help affected families,” said David Campbell, executive director of the organization, which used its vehicle to help clear homes after the devastating storm. “By establishing 100 Cars for Good, Toyota helps identify groups like ours with huge needs for vehicles. It makes so much more possible.”

So, what are you waiting for: Nonprofits, apply for Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program today! And local residents, cheer on your favorite charity by voting once the polls open on Oct. 1.

Are you in the market for any of the vehicles showcased in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good campaign? Stop by right now during our Summer Savings Event, which draws to a close on Aug. 5, for a great deal on a brand-new Highlander, Prius, Sienna or Tundra!