Welcome back reader, after what I hope has been an enjoyable and fruitful break. For us, the New Year has well and truly kicked-off and we are now full steam ahead in our preparations for the Geneva Motor Show which starts in just six weeks!

We announced last week that we sold more than 808,000 cars in Europe last year, beating our sales target! Looking at the numbers for 2010, the sales of our hybrid vehicles once again took the spotlight. For three years in a row, we sold more hybrids than the year before. In 2010, we sold 29% more hybrid vehicles in Europe than 2009.

The strong performance of the Toyota and Lexus full hybrid family in Europe paves the way for us to welcome the all new Lexus CT 200h into the line-up. The new car, designed for the premium compact segment, is already quickly building its reputation. At the opening of the 89th European Motor Show last week in Brussels, the CT 200h was named the 2011 Clean Car of the Year in the fleet category.

A panel of judges coming from across the business spectrum in Belgium looked at nine nominees, all positioned in the more eco-friendly part of the market. The nominees were judged on some 10 criteria with the focus on Life Cycle Cost and overall environmental friendliness. The CT 200h excelled in almost all of the categories to pick up the prestigious award.

The Lexus CT 200h brings Lexus’ full hybrid technology to a wider and younger audience, right in the heart of the premium compact car market. The low CO2 emissions, just 87g/km, will help customers benefit from tax advantages and fuel economy.

If you have a chance during the rest of the week, please drop in at the Toyota and Lexus stands where we will feature our full hybrid vehicles and also a special edition Land Cruiser to celebrate its 60th birthday.

As for me, I can’t wait to test drive the CT 200h in the coming weeks!