Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in Europe achieved a 9% reduction in the average CO2 emissions according to the company’s latest sustainability report.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Emissions fell from 145g/km in 2008 to 132.2g/km in 2009 as a result of the company’s investment into technologies such as Toyota Optimal Drive and the increased popularity of Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) and Lexus Hybrid Drive (LHD).
With the start of production of the Auris HSD in the UK, Toyota marked the first local production of full hybrid technology in Europe. The vehicle boasts a best-in-class fuel consumption of 3.8l/100 km and emissions of 89gCO2/km.
As part of Toyota’s global Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) project, TME is leasing 200 Prius Plug-in-Hybrid Vehicles to selected partners in 18 European countries. The vehicle is equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged from a normal electricity socket and has an EV range of 20km. This results in emissions of just 59g CO2/km in combined cycle, the company said.
It added that the commitment to CO2 emissions reduction is not limited to vehicles, but also extends to production, logistics and sales operations. CO2 emissions from TME manufacturing companies have been reduced by 12.6% vs. FY 2008.
Production Parts Logistics have achieved a 17% reduction in CO2 emissions, Vehicle Logistics almost a 30% reduction, and service parts logistics an 8.8% reduction.
At its European parts distribution centre in Diest, Belgium, 80,000m2 of solar panel have been installed in the roof. There is also a sustainable retailer in La Rochelle, France, an eco friendly facility with solar panels providing energy, a ‘green roof’ capturing rain water and a natural heating and cooling system.
In 2009 Toyota employees and retailers were involved in over 150 community projects, resulting in social contributions of EUR4.2m.
Investments in Europe in FY 2009 were EUR229m which included the construction works for the expansion of the testing facilities of Toyota’s Research & Development premises in Zaventem, Belgium.
