Toyota New Zealand has reached a major milestone, selling 100,000 hybrid vehicles. The company says this fleet is saving an estimated 120,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Chief Executive Neeraj Lala Hardy described the achievement as “a crucial marker in Toyota’s broader sustainability strategy.”
Toyota NZ Achieving Key Sustainability Targets
“It’s a critical step toward our goal of reducing our CO2 emissions by 46 per cent by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 across our operations and vehicle fleet,” Hardy said.
He added that consumer demand for hybrid vehicles has grown alongside technological improvements. “Our hybrid vehicles continue to get better, with greater efficiency without sacrificing performance,” he said.
Implementing a Full-Lifecycle Sustainability Strategy
Toyota is pairing its hybrid growth with wider sustainability investments, including battery recycling, vehicle reuse initiatives, and an expanded range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
“We’re taking a full-lifecycle approach to sustainability, from how we source and ship our vehicles, to how we power, service and eventually recycle them,” Hardy said. “It’s about catering to the diverse needs of our customers and communities while simultaneously reducing our environmental impact, now and into the future.”
Coastal Shipping Pilot to Reduce Supply Chain Emissions
The company is trialling new ways to cut supply chain emissions. Toyota completed its first direct import into Port Nelson, delivering vehicles to Bowater Toyota in Nelson and Blenheim Toyota last June.
Andrew Davis, Toyota’s Chief Strategic Officer, said the pilot could reduce South Island supply chain emissions by 14 per cent.
“This is about improving our customer service by driving smarter logistics and lowering our CO2 footprint. It’s a small first step, but it’s part of our ongoing strategy to make our operations more sustainable,” Davis said.
Toyota estimates that, if scaled, up to 1,000 vehicles a year could be moved by coastal shipping instead of road freight.
“Direct shipping gives us a smarter way to get vehicles into the hands of our customers faster, with fewer emissions. It’s a win-win.” Bowater Toyota Chief Executive Tony Bowater said.