INTERVIEW
Hybrid registration figures were increasing, especially at the start of the year, even before confinement. But the acceleration observed in the midst of the coronavirus crisis is spectacular, according to data collected by the firm AAA Data and revealed by Europe 1. During the first ten days of June, the number of registrations almost reached 10,000 for cars hybrids, an increase of 89% over the same period last year. This now represents 15% of the automobile market. If we add the 5% of electric cars sold at the beginning of June, one vehicle in five is now classified in the category of "electrified" vehicles.
The Japanese manufacturer Toyota has been a benchmark in this sector for 20 years and as such dominates the French market. Its CEO, Frank Marotte was the guest this Wednesday of Europe 1. He confirms the clear resumption of his sales in this sector and bet a lot on the sales of opportunities to accelerate even more the phenomenon, which he sees notably carried by a future fall in prices. Interview.
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Toyota remains the pioneer of the hybrid with the release of its Prius in the early 90s. Even at home, where you sell almost only the hybrid, you continue to break records?
"Indeed, the month of June is quite exceptional in terms of overall activity. Much higher than we could have imagined a few weeks ago during confinement. The change of mentality is taking place and c "This is great news. The government, in its assistance plan, has helped a lot in the ecological transition necessary for the automobile sector.
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On the side of 100% electric cars is it also an increase in sales?
"Yes, this is also the case since premiums which can go up to € 7,000 for an electric vehicle boost demand. They reduce the gap between the price of thermal vehicles and those of low-cost or hydrogen electric vehicles. Nevertheless, the pure electric market remains relatively confidential by its price level and by the supply available on the market. While the hybrid is much more accessible and therefore concerns many more potential consumers. "
The change of mentality seems to be taking place. But the day the bonuses are cut, do you think it will last?
"This is what we hope. Conversion bonuses can boost change. Communication from manufacturers will also contribute, as well as the supply effect. Toyota had made available its patents for the all of its hybrid vehicles. So we can only welcome the fact that other manufacturers are also coming to these technologies which we believed in 20 years ago. As the offer is increasing, prices are also going down. the availability of batteries to power this entire virtuous circle remains. It is also the subject of the government's plan which has been reinforced. France and Germany and other governments in Europe are determined to accelerate the provision of volume of batteries in Europe. "
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Can we imagine that the autonomy of cars also increases with this ever-increasing demand?
"Technology progresses from generation to generation. Autonomy is an axis of development and research. As for Toyota hybrids, the new Yaris which will be released in September will allow, in urban areas, to run at 80% with its electric motor. The previous one went up between 50 and 60%. All-electric vehicles, the new generation of Mirai for example, will have a range approved up to 650 kilometers. So all this progresses. "
Are the sales figures for used vehicles also up sharply?
"Yes, and that's a very good thing. The ecological transition involves new vehicles. But we know very well that the used vehicle represents double in terms of number of buyers. With our 20 years of history in the hybrid, Toyota is the brand that has the most hybrid vehicles in terms of used on the market. And we can clearly see in recent weeks that the appetite for this type of used vehicle is quite strong. lower price it concerns a wider base of potential consumers. "