Hybrid sales help Toyota pip Hyundai to top spot

The increasing popularity of hybrid vehicles was a key factor in helping Toyota overtake its nearest rival Hyundai to become the top-selling new car brand here last year, according to Toyota Ireland chief executive Steve Tormey.

Figures released last week showed that 15,530 new Toyotas were registered in Ireland last year, 81 more than Hyundai. Despite the negative publicity surrounding its diesel models, Volkswagen came in third at 15,411, while Ford came in ...