According to the latest year on year comparison, self-charging hybrid (HEV) cars have seen significant growth across the country in 2018* with a 58% increase in Connacht, 83% increase in Leinster, 76% increase in Munster and 54% increase in Ulster (Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal) compared to the same time-period in 2017.

Toyota announced earlier this year that, in line with its Built for a Better World brand promise, it is ceasing production of diesel passenger cars this year to focus on more environmentally sustainable vehicles, led by self-charging hybrid.

“It’s fantastic to see such significant hybrid growth across the country, and not just in the most populated cities. In the past, some commentators have tried to dismiss hybrid as being relevant only to city driving, but the percentage growth numbers paint a very clear story of how hybrid is being embraced in both urban and more rural environments.

“With our new game-changing self-charging hybrid models coming in 2019, including the return of the iconic Camry after a 14-year absence, we expect hybrid to go from strength to strength and the trend of rural adoption of hybrid to accelerate quicker and further than where it is today.”