Toyota Motor Corporation has reportedly become the first automotive firm to discontinue the manufacturing of passenger cars powered by diesel. Beginning 2019 onwards, claim company sources, the automaker will not be selling new diesel run cars in Ireland. The strategic move is likely to impact many of the vehicle purchasers in Ireland, who are either using the diesel cars or want to replace their existing models.

According to statistics, the sale of diesel cars in Ireland dropped 17% in 2017 until January last year. Toyota dealers in Ireland marked a sale of nearly 4,768 diesel vehicles in 2017. However, the company’s current sales of diesel cars are merely 20% of the total mix, as compared to 60% recorded two years back.

Apparently, Toyota’s present sales of hybrid vehicles contribute nearly 50% toward their overall vehicle sales, thereby encouraging the firm to focus more on the production & commercialization of hybrid car models for fulfilling the customer demand. Some of Toyota’s key officials have proclaimed that though the firm will halt the production of passenger cars this year, it will continue to manufacture other car models such as Land Cruiser, Proace, and Hilux, which incorporate diesel powered engines.

Sources affirm that numerous other renowned automobile firms across the globe are likely to follow suit post Toyota’s decision. Last week, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles firm had declared that it will remove all the diesel-powered engines from its passenger cars by 2022. The chief of Toyota Ireland, Steve Tormey, has apparently stated that this strategic move depicts the firm’s commitment toward manufacturing cars with zero emissions, which will contribute substantially towards green environment initiative put forward by the Irish regime.

The government of Ireland has appreciated the decision of Toyota and its efforts to contribute towards a pollution-free environment. Denis Naughten, the Environmental Minister of the country has also claimed that the nation has no option other than moving toward the creation of a zero-emission vehicle society & promoting a cleaner environment.