Marque keen to lead on many fronts
Toyota New Zealand has declared it wants to be number one for new vehicle sales and also lead the way for reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) across its fleet and meeting the mobility needs of kiwis.
Neeraj Lala, chief executive officer, says he is optimistic the company will deliver a record number of sales this year despite some customers facing lengthy delays for the arrival of new vehicles.
But he also believes the company’s responsibility as a market leader should extend beyond selling cars and include areas such as sustainability.
“This moves beyond just introducing low-emission products, it is also the journey towards mobility and car sharing technologies, development of the hydrogen economy, and contributing technological innovation to alternative sectors such as the flourishing marine industry,” explains Lala, pictured.
“We are not being complacent on our bid for market leadership for a 35th consecutive year as we start to see our vehicle production return amidst global supply chain disruption.
“However, it is equally as important for Toyota’s business continuity that we continue to electrify our fleet and ensure that our carbon footprint for new vehicle sales is on a downward trajectory to meet our emissions objective.”
Toyota NZ sold 3,156 new Toyota and Lexus vehicles last month, with 34 per cent of those having some form of electrification. The company says its CO2 emissions for new vehicle sales year to date is 162g/km.
Lala notes there has been increasing consumer demand for hybrid version of vehicles following the introduction of the clean car discount, with the hybrid-electric RAV4 one of Toyota’s top sellers. The RAV4 sold 925 units in May, of which 46 per cent were hybrid-electric models.
Toyota’s other leading models last month were the Hilux with 937 sales and the Corolla clocking 307 registrations.
Lexus had 84 per cent of its sales in May with some form of electrification, which delivered the brand an average of 102gCO2/km.
Toyota says its used vehicle wholesales have also seen a shift to electrification, with hybrid electric cars accounting for 45 per cent of May’s sales and 43 per cent year to date.
“The transition to electrification has to be affordable, accessible and safe for all kiwis and this has always been our company’s goal,” adds Lala.
“We are forging partnerships with both the government and not-for-profit groups to ensure we navigate this just transition on our journey to achieving net zero by 2050.”
