Key Findings:
73% of 18-29 year olds believe emissions from diesel cars are creating a problem on Irish roads
Almost 60% of younger drivers plan to buy electrified model for next car purchase
Hybrid and Electric vehicles now hold more than 30% of the market share – higher market share than diesel which is below 23%
Almost a quarter of younger people (18-29) said Toyota would be their first preference when purchasing a new car
New research* commissioned by Toyota Ireland reveals that almost 60% (59.5%) of 18-29 year olds in Ireland would buy an electrified model** for their next car purchase, ahead of petrol (24%) and diesel (17%). 27% of 18-29 year olds plan to buy a new car in the next 1-2 years, and a further 21% plan to buy a second-hand car, with fuel consumption (44%), price (77%) and build quality (46%) ranking as the top three most important factors to take into account when making their next purchase.
70% of all age groups surveyed believe hybrid will still be relevant in ten years’ time, with almost three quarters (73%) of 18-29 year olds believing emissions from diesel cars are creating a problem on Irish roads. Similarly, 76% agree hybrid cars are an innovative way to move forward in the way we drive, further demonstrating the importance of sustainability to younger drivers.
Despite the increasing interest in electrified driving, especially among young drivers, diesel still makes up 23% of the Irish car market***, compared to hybrid and electric vehicles at 30% combined, and petrol at 33% - much higher than Europe’s diesel car market which is 12% on average****. Toyota Ireland has the widest range of hybrid vehicles on the Irish market. This comprehensive choice plays a vital role in moving drivers away from diesel and has an immediate effect on reducing CO2 and NOX emissions.
Toyota’s continued commitment to innovation and electrified driving is reflected in the research findings, with 68% of those surveyed agreeing Toyota is leading electrified driving through its hybrid offering, and 14% saying they would opt for a Toyota for their next car purchase. With 46% saying they believe Toyota is doing the most as a car brand to positively impact the environment and offset climate change, it comes as no surprise that Toyota was named the Number 1 car brand for reputation in Ireland, coming in fifth place out of 100 Irish Brands.*****.
Zoë Bradley, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Toyota Ireland said:
“The research shows the continued and growing interest in hybrid vehicles and affirms the role they play in moving Ireland to a more sustainable mode of motoring. That said, there’s still work to be done in moving more people away from diesel models. At Toyota Ireland, we pride ourselves on innovation and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of customers.
We continue to expand and address the needs of Irish drivers offering an extensive electrified range of Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid and fully electric vehicles designed to suit all lifestyles. It’s encouraging to see this reflected in the findings, as well as the recent Reptrak findings which placed us the fifth most reputable organisation in Ireland and the leading car brand for consumer trust.”
You can listen to Zoe discuss the future of EVs in Ireland on Newstalk's, Breakfast Business With Joe Lynam.