A new study of Irish motorists conducted by iReach has revealed that prospective new car buyers (41%) are intending to purchase a low CO2 emitting self-charging hybrid, over any other type of passenger vehicle for their next car within the next 12 to 18 months. This comes as diesel continues to decline with just under 15% preference of prospective buyers opting for the fuel choice.

The nationally representative survey of Irish new car buyers saw hybrid come out on top over diesel, petrol, full electric and plug-in hybrid, re-emphasising the important immediate role it has in improving environmental outlook. The findings reveal the shift from diesel in just three short years, due to the VRT rate that allows hybrid drivers to enjoy lower tax rates associated with low CO2 emitting vehicles.

The research supports Toyota’s ongoing vision that hybrid vehicles continue to remain the natural choice for drivers that wish to move away from diesel and create positive change for the environment.

The survey also indicated there may be some good news on the horizon for Ireland’s car motor industry at large with 19% saying they will likely purchase a new car in the next 18 months, representing a 21.8% year on year gain compared to the 15.6% stated intention in March 2020. This potential boost is likely driven by the massive growth in household savings last year driven by the Covid-related €9bn decline in spending.

When asked were they to buy a new car tomorrow, 17% of new car prospective buyers said they’d choose a Toyota, while the second-ranking brand choice garnered a significantly lower 7.6%. Toyota also ranked number one for price, resale value, lowest fuel consumption, build quality, brand reputation, and lowest environmental impact.
 
Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland, said, “The iReach study clearly indicates a fundamental mindset shift away from harmful NOx and CO2 emitting diesels, towards more environmentally sensitive electrified cars like hybrids and EVs. In the case of self-charging hybrid, we are proud to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future, and while EVs will be part of the overall ambition to zero emissions when the infrastructure, cost and renewable energy are aligned to mass market needs, hybrids offer many of the environmental answers right now. Toyota took the decision in 2018 to stop producing diesel passenger cars and, alongside the reduction in NOX, in the last two years, the hybrids we have sold will have saved over 100,000 tonnes of harmful CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere in their lifetime.”