Toyota finds success in the clean transportation market

Toyota has sold more than 8 million hybrid vehicles

Japanese automaker Toyota has announced that it has sold more than 8 million hybrid vehicles throughout the world, making it one of the leading forces in the clean transportation space. Nearly 20 years ago, Toyota introduced its first hybrid concept car, the Prius, which had initially had a difficult time traveling more than 1,600 feet. Toyota's hybrid technology has evolved quickly, however, and the Prius quickly became a staple of the clean transportation world.

Prius had struggled to find traction, but quickly won the favor of consumers in many parts of the world

In December 1997, Toyota introduced the first production model of the Prius, which was equipped with a combustion and electric engine. Initially, the vehicle was only sold in Japan, but made its worldwide debut in 2000. By 2007, Toyota had successfully sold 1 million of its hybrid vehicles. While the automaker struggled to find a foothold in the clean transportation market in the Prius' early years, Toyota has managed to generate significant momentum in the market of drivers that are becoming more environmentally conscious.

Toyota shows interest in hydrogen fuel cells

Following the success of the Prius, Toyota has become more interested in clean transportation. As such, it has launched its new clean vehicle, the Mirai, which is equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell. Currently, the vehicle is only available in Japan, with limited releases coming in other markets in the near future. The fuel cell vehicle operates without producing any harmful emissions and can travel more than 300 miles before needing to be refueled.

Toyota continues to establish a powerful foothold in the clean transportation space

While Toyota has begun to focus on fuel cell vehicles, it is not abandoning the Prius. The automaker has plans to unveil the latest iteration of the Prius at an upcoming auto show in Germany. The updated vehicle model is likely to be more efficient and will be more capable of traveling for greater distances. The Prius and Mirai will serve to help Toyota establish an even stronger presence in the clean transportation world.