Toyota Kirloskar Motor and the Government of Andhra Pradesh has signed a MOU for the company to start the feasibility study towards introduction of “Prius PHEV” and “Small Electric Vehicle Commuter” into AP Govt.’s ambitious smart city project at Amaravathi.
The MOU is the commitment of Toyota and Govt. of AP to mutually work together to solve the grave issue of pollution ensuring smooth introduction of Plug-in Hybrid & Electric Vehicles in the state. This is in line with Toyota’s Environment Challenge 2050 to achieve zero CO2 emissions said the company in a statemnet.
The company further stated ,Toyota globally believes that the electrification of vehicles is required to reduce CO2 emissions. Toyota has been a pioneer in the electrified vehicle space with the Prius which is the first mass produced electrified car 20 years ago. Currently, Toyota’s electrified vehicles, and mainly the HVs that have become the most popular globally, are loved by customers all over the world. In 2017, Toyota’s cumulative sales of electrified units reached 11 million units. Toyota strongly believes that ‘PHV’ Plug in Hybrid is a realistic solution considering the charging infrastructure available in the country in current status.
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Speaking at the occasion, Nara Lokesh, Cabinet Minister for Information Technology, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Andhra Pradesh said “Toyota is a Global leader in electrified vehicles. We are delighted to sign a MOU with Toyota to explore the feasibility of introduction of ‘Prius PHEV’ and “Small EV Commuter”. We look forward to this association to introduce Toyota’s world-class electrified vehicles in the Smart City Project at Amaravati. We are confident that this will help us in moving forward to realise our aim to establish a Clean and Green Eco-system.”
Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Akito Tachibana, Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said “We would like to acknowledge the proactive support and cooperation extended by Govt of Andhra Pradesh in executing the feasibility study on introduction of Toyota’s electrified vehicles “Prius PHEV” and “Small EV Commuter” into AP Govt.’s ambitious smart city project at Amaravathi. Toyota sincerely appreciate Government’s ambitions to reduce the pressing issue of pollution in the country through electrification of vehicles. As a responsible auto manufacturer, we believe that we have a bigger role to play in the nation by addressing the problems of safety, energy security and emissions.”
Globally Toyota has been a leader in introducing alternate electric mobility solutions as HVs, PHVs, FCVs, to help reduce the CO2 emissions. Over 85 million tons of CO2 has been reduced by these electrified vehicles globally.
“We will continue our efforts to bring in the best technologies towards solving the national issues of rising pollution and fuel import with the right direction from Government” added Tachibana.