The number of hybrid vehicles on offer in the UK is set to double over the course of the next 18 months after manufacturers launched a host of new versions at the Frankfurt show, which opened today (Tuesday).
There are currently six hybrids on sale in the UK (two from Honda and four from Toyota/Lexus), but fleet managers will benefit from a wider choice once versions from Lexus, Peugeot, Toyota and Honda hit the market from early next year.
Toyota and Lexus both revealed new hybrid versions at the show – Toyota the Auris hybrid with claimed sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, and Lexus the LF-Ch concept car which will bring the brand into the premium lower-medium sector.
While Toyota/Lexus has pioneered petrol/electric hybrids, Peugeot will usher in a new dimension when its first diesel-electric hybrid goes on sale in early 2011. The 3008 Hybrid4 will offer CO2 emissions of 99g/km, 200bhp and four-wheel drive.
Honda didn’t attend the show, but will reveal further details of its sporty CR-Z hybrid coupe at next month’s Tokyo show.
Hybrid launch timeline:
- 2010 (early): Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid trial to begin with selected fleet customers.
- 2010 (early): Honda CR-Z on sale.
- 2010 (second-half): Toyota Auris HSD on sale.
- 2011 (spring): Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 on sale.
- 2011 (early): Honda Jazz hybrid on sale.
- 2011: Lexus LF-Ch
For full coverage of the Frankfurt show, see the next issue of Fleet News (September 24).
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