The exclusive distributors of Toyota in the UAE, Al-Futtaim Motors has witnessed tremendous increase in sales of Toyota hybrid range – Prius and Camry – in the first half of 2017. The Toyota Prius 2017, launched in the UAE in February 2017, posted an impressive increase of 535% in sales compared to the same time last year. Similarly, the Camry Hybrid recorded an increase of 430% for the same time period.
The UAE government’s green initiatives are also paving way for public adaptation of hybrid and electric vehicles. More than 1,000 hybrid Camrys are being used by various taxi operators across UAE including Dubai Taxi Corporation and Metro Taxi. Also, the fact that 2017 Prius is the most fuel frugal hybrid currently in the market, with fuel efficiency of 26 km/liter and an EPA rating of 54mpg in urban conditions, do not hurt its case. Because of such support from government and proven track record of delivering best fuel efficiency in an uncompromising package, the Prius is witnessing such a widespread public approval in the UAE market.
Savings on fuel is not the only ace that the Toyota hybrid range has up their sleeves. Their impact on enthronement is significantly less drastic compared to their gasoline counterparts. According to Toyota’s spokesperson, switching from a gasoline powered car to Prius will enable consumers to save 1 ton of CO2 emission in just one year. If taxi fleets are converted to hybrids, then they have potential of lowering fuel cost by 30% and reducing their carbon footprint by 30% as well at the same time.