Toyota Named "Greenest" Manufacturer

EPSOM, UNITED KINGDOM – October 16, 2009: Toyota has been hailed as the “greenest” manufacturer in the auto industry’s drive to bring down average CO2 emissions. According to research by cleangreencars.co.uk, Toyota is the first car maker in the UK to dip below the 130g/km level for mean carbon emissions across its model range.

This figure is significant, as it is the target set by the European Union for all car manufacturers to achieve by 2013. Analysing data from independent sources, including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and residual value expert CAP, cleangreencars.co.uk has calculated the average CO2 emissions from a new Toyota to be 129.15g/km.

Jay Nagle of cleangreencars.co.uk said: “It is highly significant that a major manufacturer has met the EU target. It means no mainstream car manufacturer has an excuse for failing to meet the target in future.”

Toyota has led the industry in bringing lower emissions technology to the marketplace, not least in the introduction earlier this year of its new, third generation full hybrid Prius. While Prius leads the way with official CO2 emissions from 89g/km, it is part of a model line-up that delivers cleaner performance and better fuel efficiency across the board. The application of Toyota Optimal Drive technologies throughout the Toyota passenger car range during the past year has produced a new generation of petrol and diesel engines, an engine Stop and Start system, and manual and automatic transmissions that contribute to lower CO2 output and more miles per gallon of fuel, without compromising the comfort, quality and driving pleasure Toyota owners expect.

As a result of these technical advances, Prius is joined by iQ, Aygo, Yaris, Urban Cruiser and Auris in offering motorists a choice of models with sub-130g/km CO2 emissions. And, of course, Toyota’s efforts to develop even cleaner, safer, sustainable transport does not stop here: the introduction of the full hybrid Auris late next year will mark the beginning of a new wave of hybrid versions of each of Toyota’s European models during the next decade, bringing average emissions down even lower.