Toyota to Double Hybrid Production to 1 Million Units

Toyota Motor Corp. will double its production of hybrid vehicles to 1 million units by 2011.

Currently, Toyota is the leader in low-emission vehicles with more than 10 hybrid models in its lineup. The car maker produced 500,000 hybrid units in 2009; 8-percent of its overall production. It’s planning for 800,000 hybrids this year alone and 1.1 million come 2012.

“Given that Toyota now produces about 90% of its hybrids at home, global output of such vehicles is expected to surpass 1 million in 2011 when those assembled in China, the US and elsewhere are included. ” the report said.

Along with increased production, Toyota will add a dozen more hybrids to its portfolio in the next few years. It will also increase the number of assembly plants. Toyota currently assembles hybrids at six domestic factories and four overseas sites, including China, Thailand and Australia.

“For the foreseeable future, the focus of Toyota’s (low-emission car) strategy will be on hybrids, not electric or fuel-cell cars,” said Yoshihiko Tabei, chief analyst at Kazaka Securities, adding the production volume reported by the Nikkei was in line with his expectations.

“Except for Honda, Toyota is facing little competition in hybrids and is set to put distance between itself and other automakers.” he added.

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Source: Green Car Congress

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