Toyota boss LOSES it at ‘electric car extremists’ after Greenpeace report ranks car company last
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Frustrated Toyota boss LOSES to ‘electric car extremists’ in rare interview after company was last in last place in environmental report
- Toyota marketing boss Sean Hanley gave a speech in Sydney this week
- At the end of the presentation, he was questioned about electric vehicles
- In a rare frustrated diatribe, he targeted critics of Toyota’s hybrid technologies
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One of Toyota Australia’s most senior executives has slammed “electric car extremists” in a rare speech, arguing that their tunnel vision risks ignoring other useful technologies.
Sean Hanley, Toyota’s sales and marketing chief, went on a rant as he wrapped up his carefully prepared presentation for the Australian debut of the new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid SUV in Sydney this week.
Mr Hanley was asked about the company’s stance on electric vehicles following recent criticisms, including a report from Greenpeace East Asia that claimed the company was at the back of the global pack on environmental credentials.
“We are fully behind some mandatory type of legislation around (emissions reductions). The one thing everyone agrees on… is that we need to move towards a carbon neutral position,” Mr Hanley told the crowd. drive.com.au.
Toyota Australia marketing boss has unleashed a diatribe against fanatical electric cars (stock image)
“Toyota isn’t arguing about that. That’s not a debate. Even with the most extreme point of view, we agree that you need to become carbon neutral. What we don’t agree on is… how and when you get there.’
A second Greenpeace Australia Pacific Report this year claimed Toyota lobbied against environmental measures in favor of its hybrid fossil fuel system.
Mr Hanley argued that every motorist had to be on board to achieve zero emissions and that today’s market demands more options than just battery-electric vehicles.
He said by 2030 every Toyota would have some form of electrification, but there would be other options beyond battery-only cars, including hybrid-electric, fuel-cell-electric and plug-in hybrid models. cleaner for the environment.
‘Carbon is the enemy, not the powertrain…the belief that in this country you can drive and be satisfied in 10 years’ time on all electric power’ [customers] is a very difficult proposition,’ he said.
He claimed Toyota had sold the hybrid electric Prius (pictured) in Australia years before electric cars were ‘trendy’
Mr Hanley continued his rant, saying Toyota was not lagging behind or blocking electric vehicles, citing several examples, including a hydrogen-powered bus the company had developed.
A frustrated Mr Hanley said Toyota had been selling hybrid electric cars since 2001 and contributed to reduced emissions in Australia for years before anyone, but that they would suddenly come into fashion.
In 2021, Australia recorded 20,665 sales of all-electric vehicles, a significant increase from 6,900 sold the year before.
Of these, more than half the Tesla Model 3 accounted for 58.5 percent of the market.