Fleet World motoring editor Alex Grant has reported back from the launch that the Hybrid will take 60% of UK company car sales when it goes on sale from December 3rd. The boost in engine market share comes as CO2 emissions for the Hybrid drop to 87g/km for the Icon model, bringing benefits including zero VED and exclusion from the London Congestion Charge.

Although the 1.4 D-4D Active diesel will not see such significant market share relative to rivals’ sales mix, its predicted 25% share is up considerably on its predecessor, helped by the introduction of Stop & Start technology to give a combined cycle fuel consumption of 74.3mpg and 99g/km of emissions. This gives a significant improvement of 15.4mpg and 29g/km compared to the current Auris diesel, which does not use Stop & Start technology.

Finally, the petrol line-up, with the 1.33 Dual VVT-I petrol and 1.6-litre Valvematic, will take the final 15% of sales. The simpler new model line up, comprising four trim levels named Active, Icon, Sport and Excel, were developed in line with residual value experts, and have contributed to a 6% average increase in RVs for the new Auris range. Of these, Icon will be the biggest seller, at 50% of the range, and is the first time the volume trim level has included a hybrid version.

Ewan Shepherd, general manager Toyota/Lexus Fleet Services, commented on the predicted popularity of the Hybrid: ‘Aside from the tax savings fleets can make on the hybrid in comparison to the diesel derivative, for those fleets really serious about reducing their emissions, hybrid represents a bigger drop on CO2 as well as issues that affect air quality such as NOX and particulate matter (PM).’