Toyota Retains Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year title for a third year in the Fleet News Awards
Toyota has been honoured as the Fleet News Green Fleet Manufacturer of the Year, the first vehicle manufacturer to achieve this award three years in succession. Its success – in fact the fourth award in five years – was announced at a prize ceremony in London this week, along with a Best Mid-size SUV award for the all-hybrid RAV4.
In giving the award to Toyota, the judges commented: “Toyota’s holistic approach to the environment sets it apart from other manufacturers. Yes, it’s committed to hybrid, electric and hydrogen technology, but it is Toyota’s other activities, including zero landfill, utilisation of renewable energy, fleet localisation plan and pledge to recycle waste water at its production plants that make it a truly green company, not simply a manufacturer of green cars.”
This citation echoes the global goals of the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050, which targets zero emissions from the company’s production and business activities as well as its new products, and makes a commitment to promoting the conservation of natural resources, establishment of a recycling-based society and working in harmony with nature.
There was a further award for the all-hybrid RAV4, named Best Mid-size SUV. The judges remarked: “The new hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 impressed with its balance of running costs, practicality and efficiency. Compared to its predecessor, it has greater driver appeal thanks to improved comfort and refinement levels, plus the new hybrid powertrain is more responsive, making the car better to drive.”
The British-built Corolla Hatchback – another all-hybrid Toyota model – was also among the honours, being highly commended in the Best Lower Medium Car category.
Toyota’s world leading development of self-charging hybrid electric technology is delivering direct benefits to the UK’s fleet operators as carbon emissions and air quality become increasingly crucial considerations. It offers a wider range of hybrid models than any other manufacturer, extending from the Yaris hatchback to the RAV4 SUV and including the Corolla Hatchback and Touring Sports, Toyota C-HR crossover SUV, Camry saloon and pioneer of hybrid technology, the Prius. As well as being fuel and emissions-efficient, Toyota hybrids also have a proven reputation for hard-wearing, lasting quality and reliability – again, key qualities required by fleet operators and business motorists.
Stuart Ferma, General Manager Toyota and Lexus Fleet, said: “We’re proud to once again be recognised by Fleet News for our green leadership in our fleet business. We remain committed to giving our customers products and services that reflect today’s important environmental issues, and which also deliver the quality and reliability they require.”
ENDS
