Toyota is planning to expand its hybrid range with the addition of more powerful models with a sportier character, starting from next year.
Johan Van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, announced the news during the Frankfurt Motor Show, saying that the decision was made after listening to customer feedback.
Hybrids currently make up for 40 percent of Toyota’s sales in Europe, with Western Europe being close to almost 50 percent. Toyota is looking into simplifying its current engine range together with the addition of the new hybrid versions.
“The Auris currently has two gasoline engines, two diesels and one hybrid, but the hybrid version accounts for 60 percent of sales. Do we need all these engines or can we replace some of them with a second hybrid powertrain?” Van Zyl said.
The first example of the new high-performance hybrids is the Toyota C-HR Hy-Power concept that debuted in Frankfurt, a design study with sportier details inside and out.
Toyota will add this second hybrid option to all of its core models in Europe according the official statement. “One will provide the benefits of efficiency and fuel economy, as established in the current hybrid systems on offer. The second will build on these qualities, adding more power and a more dynamic driving character,” said the statement, with the company promising to reveal more details early next year.
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