MANILA: Toyota will stop selling internal combustion engine (ICE)-only versions of select models in Australia.

Per the Japanese carmaker’s local wing, the ICE-only models of the Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Camry, Kluger (Highlander in other markets), and RAV4 will be phased out in the region.

“Toyota has been implementing our HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) strategy over an extended period and remains committed to innovating across a diverse array of powertrains, which is the essence of our multi-pathway approach to decarbonization,” Toyota Australia Vice President (VP) Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said.

According to Toyota’s Australian arm, the move will expand its HEV-only family to nine models which includes the Yaris Cross, Corolla and Yaris hatchbacks, and the C-HR sport utility vehicle (SUV).

“This approach was central to global decisions, made in the earliest planning stages, that the 2024 new-generation C-HR and Camry models would be offered exclusively with hybrid powertrains,” he added.

Hanley noted that consumer demand for hybrid cars in Australia continues to grow and cited that in 2020 Toyota’s overall hybrid share near-doubled to more than one-quarter of its total sales — and it has continued to grow ever since.

Faced with the increasing demand, Hanley explained that Toyota Australia is confident in the future of HEVs as the dominant powertrain of choice for most passenger cars and SUVs.

“Toyota has more than two decades of experience in batteries, motors, and other electrification technologies with recognized benefits for fuel efficiency and emissions,” Hanley stated.

“We have also made significant local investments to educate consumers and promote broad acceptance and demand for hybrid-electric vehicles,” he continued.

“As a result, we are seeing more Australian motorists than ever embracing the practicality and smooth performance of this technology, as well as the fuel-saving benefits and lower CO2 (carbon dioxide) tailpipe emissions compared with equivalent petrol-only (gasoline-only) cars,” Hanley commented.

Toyota Australia’s VP for Sales, Marketing, and Franchise Operations shared that the company has now sold more than 430,000 HEVs in Australia.

Toyota HEV models in PH

Toyota Motor Philippines is also slowly updating its stable by introducing HEV variants to its locally-available nameplates. These include the likes of the Zenix multi-purpose vehicle, Yaris Cross, RAV4, Camry, Corolla Altis, Alphard, and Corolla Cross.

Photos from Toyota Australia

Also read:

Here’s what you can do with the upcoming Toyota Tamaraw

Toyota looks to snatch 6th Le Mans victory

Toyota helm says sorry over ‘certification’ mess