The milestone was achieved a mere eight months after total sales reached 9 million units at the end of April 2016. Toyota Motor North America also saw its sales of hybrids and plug-in hybrids reach a cumulative total, exceeding three million units as of 31 December 2016.

This is demonstrably more than a numerical milestone. It validates the continuing power of hybrid powertrain technology, originally mocked by competitors, Nissan, the Detroit Three and BMW and Mercedes come to mind, which has emerged as a distinctive way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants – AutoCrat.