Johannesburg – Toyota’s approach to the electric vehicle race remains cautious, with its Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) continuing to attract buyers across southern Africa, including Eswatini.
The company argues that hybrids are not only more affordable but also a cleaner alternative compared to fully electric cars. While battery electric vehicles (EVs) are often praised for having zero emissions on the road, Toyota insists the production of their batteries leaves a far greater carbon footprint.
Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota, has long warned against pushing the automotive industry into an all-electric future. He believes that moving too quickly could trigger mass job losses, destabilise car manufacturers and even push some into bankruptcy. He has pointed to Jaguar as an example of how the shift has challenged established brands.
Toyota reports that since the launch of the Prius in 1997, it has sold about 27 million hybrids globally. The company says these vehicles account for the same carbon footprint as nine million electric cars, proving that hybrids are still the more practical and sustainable choice when production and battery manufacturing are factored in.
Koji Sato, Toyota’s current chief executive, recently hinted that the company will also continue to keep performance models alive, suggesting cars like the Supra, Celica and MR2 could remain part of the brand’s future.
In South Africa, the Corolla Cross Hybrid remains the country’s best-selling SUV and is available in three models:
- 1.8 HEV XS at R494 400
- 1.8 HEV XR at R545 200
- 1.8 HEV GR-S at R561 700
Each comes with a six-service or 90 000km service plan, a three-year or 100 000km warranty, and an eight-year warranty on the hybrid battery.
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