Toyota backs Hiyacar Bristol car sharing fleet with 25 Yaris Hybrids

Toyota is providing a fleet of 25 self-charging Yaris Hybrids to help launch a new car sharing initiative in Bristol.

The cars are being provided as part of a partnership agreement with peer-to-peer car rental business Hiyacar, following on from both companies having worked together in London.

Paula Cooper, director of Toyota GB's ConsumerOne, said the expansion of the service into Bristol reflects how the brand is transitioning from its traditional role as a carmaker “to become a provider and enabler of all kinds of mobility”.

Since its launch as a car sharing scheme in 2016, Hiyacar has grown to more than 100,000 members who can make use of vehicles in London and Brighton.

Hiyacar has appointed a supplier to ensure all the cars are sanitised after each booking.

Graeme Risby, chief executive and co-founder of Hiyacar, said: ‘‘By launching in Bristol, our goal is to connect drivers to a car, when and where they want it, in a sustainable way.

“For every car shared, 11 can be taken off the road and with Bristol’s drive for sustainability through community change, we’re hugely excited to see how we can work with the city, particularly with the support of our key partner, Toyota.”