Toyota is making a significant push towards achieving carbon neutrality in Australia. This push involves a major shift in their vehicle offerings, with the company phasing out non-hybrid variants of several popular models. This means that customers will no longer have the option to purchase gasoline-only versions of these vehicles.
Toyota cites strong customer demand for hybrids as the driving force behind this decision. However, some might speculate that strategic marketing also plays a role. The company predicts that by 2025, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will account for more than half of their total sales in Australia.
This hybrid-focused strategy translates to the removal of internal combustion engine (ICE) options from the Corolla sedan, Camry sedan, Corolla Cross, RAV4, and Kluger SUVs. These models join the existing lineup of exclusively hybrid offerings, which include the Yaris hatchback, Yaris Cross, Corolla hatchback, and C-HR crossover.
Interestingly, the Prius, a pioneer in the hybrid market, is no longer available in Australia and is not expected to return in the foreseeable future.
An exception to Toyota's hybrid-only approach is the Gazoo Racing (GR) performance lineup. These vehicles, including the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86, and GR Supra, are not currently compatible with electrification technologies.
The Toyota HiLux pickup truck, which recently received a mild-hybrid diesel engine option, will continue to offer non-electrified powertrains. This also applies to the Fortuner SUV (mechanically related to the HiLux), the entire Land Cruiser family (J70, J250, J300), and the HiAce/Granvia vans.
Toyota Australia's Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, emphasizes the consistent rise in demand for hybrids within the Australian market. "We've observed a steady increase in customer preference for hybrids," Hanley states. "This surge in demand has instilled confidence in our decision to position HEVs as the primary powertrain choice for most passenger cars and SUVs. This ultimately led us to adjust our offerings and phase out gasoline-only models."
Hanley further highlights that the HEV share of Toyota's Australian sales reached a record high of 33.5% in 2023, with a significant increase to 46.6% in the first half of 2024. "Our HEV sales have more than doubled so far this year, reaching 46,821 units compared to the same period last year. All our hybrid models continue to experience strong customer interest," Hanley adds. "Since the launch of the original Prius in 2001, we've surpassed the milestone of selling over 430,000 HEVs in Australia."
In a recent joint statement with Subaru and Mazda, Toyota reaffirmed its commitment to developing internal combustion engines. This multi-pronged approach involves the creation of new 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines designed for future compatibility with electrification and alternative fuels.