Toyota and Lexus Hybrids Top One Million Sales in the U.S.
TORRANCE, Calif., March 11, 2009 – – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA,
Inc., announced today that total combined Toyota and Lexus hybrid
vehicle sales in the U.S. have topped the one million mark.
The milestone was achieved with an industry sales-leading six Toyota
and Lexus hybrid vehicles including the Toyota Prius, the world’s first
mass-produced gas-electric hybrid and the all-time worldwide leader in
hybrid sales.
With the expansion of its hybrid technology to a diverse group of
vehicles, Toyota has commanded nearly 75 percent of all hybrid vehicles
sales in the U.S. over the past 10 years. Overall, cumulative worldwide
sales of Toyota and Lexus hybrids have exceeded 1.7 million vehicles
through January of this year.
“One million hybrids in less than nine years indicates how quickly
American consumers have accepted this important technology,” said Jim
Lentz, TMS president. “Toyota’s hybrid leadership will continue to
expand in the U.S. and around the globe. With 10 new hybrid models
between now and 2012 in various global markets, we plan to sell one
million gas-electric hybrids per year, worldwide, sometime early in the
next decade.”
Toyota pioneered modern gas-electric hybrid technology with the
launch of the Prius in late 1997 in the Japan market. Its popularity in
Japan encouraged the launch of Prius in the U.S. in July 2000. The
first-generation U.S. Prius was a low-volume vehicle (12,000 produced
annually) that gained an immediate following, particularly among
environmentally conscious consumers.
The second-generation Prius launched in the fall of 2003 as a 2004
model year. With larger dimensions, all-new styling, and Toyota’s new
Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, Prius became an instant hit. By 2005
Toyota was producing over 100,000 vehicles annually for the U.S.
market. Prius had propelled itself from a niche environmental car into
a mainstream vehicle for everyday driving needs. With more than 107,000
sales in 2005 Prius became the third-best selling Toyota passenger car
in the U.S. after the Camry and Corolla.
From its humble beginnings in the summer of 2000 through February
2009 more than 700,000 Prius have been sold in the U.S., making up more
than half of the 1.2 million Prius sold worldwide.
The successful launch of the Prius encouraged expansion of its
hybrid technology to existing models in both the Toyota and Lexus
lineups. In April 2005, Lexus introduced the crossover RX 400h, the
world’s first hybrid-powered luxury vehicle. Two months later Toyota
launched the Highlander Hybrid sport utility vehicle (SUV).
One year later in April 2006, the Lexus GS 450h made its debut as
the world’s first front-engine, rear-wheel drive, full-hybrid
performance sedan. April 2006 also marked the debut of the Camry
Hybrid, becoming the first Toyota hybrid to be built in the U.S.
For the third consecutive year, Lexus further expanded its hybrid
lineup in July 2007 with the launch of the LS 600h L luxury hybrid
sedan, the world’s first vehicle to feature a full-hybrid V8
powertrain. July 2007 saw the arrival of the second-generation 2008
Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV. The all-new Highlander Hybrid raised the
bar once again in the mid-size SUV segment with a complete redesign
that was improved, refined and expanded in nearly every metric of
comparison.
Ongoing improvement to its hybrid technology continues in 2009 with
the summer arrival of the second-generation 2010 Lexus RX 450h. The
all-new RX Hybrid will feature an updated version of Lexus Hybrid Drive
that will improve fuel economy by up to 20 percent while generating 27
more horsepower than its predecessor.
Spring 2009 will mark the launch of the all-new and vastly improved
third-generation Prius. The 2010 Toyota Prius will once again set new
standards for innovative hybrid design and technology, raising its
level of convenience features and performance to new heights, including
a combined EPA estimated fuel efficiency rating of 50 miles-per-gallon.
Finally, late summer of 2009 will see the launch of the 2010 Lexus
HS 250h, the world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle. The HS 250h
will be Lexus’ fourth hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its
lineup.
“For Toyota and Lexus, 2009 can easily be called ‘the year of the
hybrid’ with three new offerings including our seventh hybrid model
with the launch of the Lexus HS 250h,” said Lentz. “In addition to our
growing hybrid presence over the next few years, expanded hybrid
offerings from competitors will not only drive innovation and
improvement for consumers, it will continue to help improve the
environment and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, USA
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