Toyota to release more hybrid cars, new electric model

TOKYO (AFP) - Auto giant Toyota on Monday unveiled plans to unveil 21 new hybrid models and launch its latest all-electric vehicle this year in a bid to ramp up sales of environmentally friendly cars.

The firm said it would release the new auto models by the end of 2015 and "expects global sales of its hybrid vehicles to be at least one million units a year from 2013 to 2015".

Vice-Chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada said Toyota would continue focusing on hybrid technology.

"If we carry out hybrid technology (development), we can use it as elements of technologies for next-generation vehicles," Mr Uchiyamada told a news conference.