Toyota started to develop hybrid technology in 1997 in Japan with the Coaster Hybrid EV model, debuted in August and the Prius - hybrid cars are the world's first mass production in December of that year.
The hybrid models in turn to North America, Europe and other markets in 2000. Second generation Prius launched in 2003, followed by the third generation in May 2009. August 2009, Toyota sold 2 million hybrid cars.
In 2011, Toyota expanded hybrid cars with the launch of the Lexus CT 200h, the first hybrid in the luxury compact segment.
Currently, Toyota has 16 hybrid models are sold in approximately 80 countries and territories around the world, to end in 2012, will be adding 10 new hybrid models are introduced, including six all-new models and 4 redesigned models.
Toyota estimates the number of hybrid cars are being used has helped about 18 million ton reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, compared to cars using traditional fuels of similar size and equivalent performance.
- By Tan Dung
