Global demand for Toyota's hybrid vehicles is accelerating rapidly, with one million being sold in the past 18 months alone - more than one per minute.

By contrast, it took almost 10 years to sell the first one million Toyota hybrids and two years and three months to sell the second million - a milestone reached in September 2010.

The global total of Toyota hybrid sales to the end of February was just over 3 million, which includes more than 2.1 million Prius and 210,000 Hybrid Camry.

Toyota in Japan calculates that its worldwide sales of hybrid vehicles* since 1997 have contributed greatly to the reduction of CO₂ emissions, which are considered to be a cause of global warming.

It says these vehicles have generated approximately 18 million fewer tons** of CO₂ than would have been produced by petrol-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

Toyota New Zealand executive director Paul Carroll said responding to environmental issues whilst providing a range of fun to drive vehicles for customers is a priority for the company.

He said: "Customers are increasingly turning to hybrid vehicles in the face of rising fuel costs and a desire for more sustainable low cost motoring. As the leader in hybrid technology, Toyota is well placed to meet consumer needs both now and in the future."

In New Zealand there are over 3,400 Prius on the road and Hybrid Camry which launched just last year accounts for a further 451.  Luxury brand Lexus boosts for a further five hybrid models available in New Zealand.

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Toyota sells 16 hybrid models in approximately 80 countries and regions around the world.

It plans to introduce 10 new-model hybrid vehicles by the end of 2012, including six newly launched vehicles and four vehicles that have been redesigned.

In New Zealand, customers are offered the Toyota Prius and Hybrid Camry.  In the luxury market there are five hybrid vehicles: the Lexus GS 450h, RX 450h and LS 600hL.  From April 1^st the recently launched Lexus CT200h, luxury compact sports hybrid is also available for sale.

Toyota's hybrid sales began in Japan in 1997 with the launch in August of the Coaster Hybrid EV. This was followed in December by Prius, with just 323 sales in that first month.

Prius sales began in Australia in 2001. The second-generation Prius, equipped with the Toyota Hybrid System II, was the first model introduced in New Zealand  in 2003 with an emphasis on delivering both power and economy.

The third-generation Prius, introduced in 2009, has the lowest emissions of any vehicle on the market at just 89 grams/km and ultra-low fuel economy of 3.9 litres/100km.***

Over time, Toyota has expanded the use of its hybrid system to minivans, SUVs, rear-wheel-drive sedans and other vehicles.

Australian motorists have bought more than 16,000 Prius hatches and more than 7,000 Hybrid Camry sedans.

* Excluding the Coaster Hybrid EV, Dyna Hybrid, Toyoace Hybrid and Quick Delivery 200.

**Number of registered vehicles × distance travelled × fuel costs (actual fuel efficiency in each country) × CO₂ conversion factor.

*** Fuel consumption and emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02.

Toyota global hybrid vehicle sales (000s)

Note: Includes Lexus. Based on TMC data. Numbers are subject to rounding.

Toyota's hybrid vehicle chronology