Toyota and the environment

Toyota is fairly well known for having the best-designed hybrid-electric car, the Prius, which former Chrysler engineer Evan Boberg claimed in 2004 was the only car that actually saved fuel because of its hybrid design rather than coincidental features (such as lighter weight, efficient tires, and such). But Toyota's commitment goes much further. Their Australian unit's Earth Charter notes four principles:
Contribution towards a prosperous 21st century
Aim for growth that is in harmony with the environment, and to challenge achievement of zero emissions throughout all areas of business activities and set as a challenge the achievement of zero emissions throughout all areas of business activity.
Pursuit of environmental technologies
Pursue all possible environmental technologies, developing and establishing new technologies to enable the environment and economy to coexist harmoniously.
Voluntary actions
Develop a voluntary improvement plan, not only based on thorough preventative measures and compliance laws, but one that addresses environmental issues on the global, national and regional scales, and promotes continuous implementation.
Working in co-operation with society.
Build close and cooperative relationships with a spectrum of individuals and organisations involved in environmental preservation including governments, local municipalities as well as with related companies and industries.

No environmental statement is meaningful unless it is actually followed - which is one reason why many are so angry at Ford, which made many brash promises, yet continued to push gas mileage downwards and fought even the slightest changes in Federal fuel economy requirements in the US. In Australia, and probably elsewhere in the world, Toyota has a balanced scorecard which notes specific outcomes and measures of environmental action, and uses a plan-do-check-act cycle to carry them out.

Looking for the history of specific Toyota cars or trucks? Check this page!
Did you know we now have Toyota forums?

Click here for a list of Toyota plants in North America.

Click here for details on Toyota's quality and productivity initiatives.