Great work Toyota!
http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/10/10/1007.html
http://www2.toyota.co.jp/en/news/10/10/1007.html
Quote:
Toyota City, Japan, October 7, 2010—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that worldwide cumulative sales of the Toyota "Prius"—the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle—have passed the 2-million mark, with approximately 2,012,000 units sold as of the end of September1. Currently, Prius sales are robust in more than 70 countries and regions, particularly in Japan and North America.
The Prius was launched in Japan in 1997 and began selling in Europe, North America and other markets in 2000. The second generation was released in 2003 and the third generation in 2009.
The third-generation Prius employs the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with a motor speed reduction device. More than 90% of the THS II was redesigned for the third generation, which boasts a world-leading2 fuel efficiency of 38.0 km/L3 and driving performance on a par with that offered by a vehicle with a 2.4-liter conventional engine. Reflecting its name derived from "to go before" in Latin, the Prius, with four selectable driving modes and available advanced features such as a solar powered ventilation system, represents a pioneering, innovative step forward.
Based on sales figures collected up to September 30, 2010, TMC believes that the Prius worldwide has contributed to a reduction in CO2 emissions4 by producing approximately 11 million tons5 less CO2 when compared with gasoline-powered vehicles in the same class and of similar size and driving performance.
As part of its high-priority environment-management policies, Toyota has made a concerted effort to promote and popularize hybrid technology, chiefly through the Prius.
Toyota aims to put this flexible technology to best use, aiming to annually sell at least 1 million hybrid vehicles as early as possible in the 2010s.
Toyota City, Japan, October 7, 2010—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that worldwide cumulative sales of the Toyota "Prius"—the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle—have passed the 2-million mark, with approximately 2,012,000 units sold as of the end of September1. Currently, Prius sales are robust in more than 70 countries and regions, particularly in Japan and North America.
The Prius was launched in Japan in 1997 and began selling in Europe, North America and other markets in 2000. The second generation was released in 2003 and the third generation in 2009.
The third-generation Prius employs the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) with a motor speed reduction device. More than 90% of the THS II was redesigned for the third generation, which boasts a world-leading2 fuel efficiency of 38.0 km/L3 and driving performance on a par with that offered by a vehicle with a 2.4-liter conventional engine. Reflecting its name derived from "to go before" in Latin, the Prius, with four selectable driving modes and available advanced features such as a solar powered ventilation system, represents a pioneering, innovative step forward.
Based on sales figures collected up to September 30, 2010, TMC believes that the Prius worldwide has contributed to a reduction in CO2 emissions4 by producing approximately 11 million tons5 less CO2 when compared with gasoline-powered vehicles in the same class and of similar size and driving performance.
As part of its high-priority environment-management policies, Toyota has made a concerted effort to promote and popularize hybrid technology, chiefly through the Prius.
Toyota aims to put this flexible technology to best use, aiming to annually sell at least 1 million hybrid vehicles as early as possible in the 2010s.
There's no question that the Prius hybrid systems are more efficient, smoother-running, and more refined than the competing, small Honda IMA systems, but the popularity of the Prius goes beyond just that. This car, over time (particularly in the last 5-6 years) has gotten more glamorization from celebrities, environmentalists, and the entertainment industry than Pamela Anderson Lee's silicon job. 
And all other companies laughed at Toyota at its inception.
The Prius success is no surprise because Toyota did everything right.
The Prius far superior efficiency that no one else could touch. It's mid-size 4 door format (5-door hatch really) made it the first hybrid for the mass market. And it's unquestionable hybrid only styling.
It's a combination that no one else has perfected.
The Prius success is no surprise because Toyota did everything right.
The Prius far superior efficiency that no one else could touch. It's mid-size 4 door format (5-door hatch really) made it the first hybrid for the mass market. And it's unquestionable hybrid only styling.
It's a combination that no one else has perfected.
very nice! A prius is at the top of my "what would i buy now if i had to" list. Love the car inside and out...
Quote:
The Prius success is no surprise because Toyota did everything right.
The Prius far superior efficiency that no one else could touch. It's mid-size 4 door format (5-door hatch really) made it the first hybrid for the mass market. And it's unquestionable hybrid only styling.
It's a combination that no one else has perfected.
Yes, the Prius, particularly the new 3Gen model, has a great hybrid powertrain, but I'm disappointed in the lightening/thinning of the sheet metal and interior materials on the 3Gen model. The 2Gen, IMO, was noticeably more solid. However, the 3Gen model's handling, to its credit, has been slightly improved....the 2Gen, with its soft suspension and (admittedly) good ride comfort, rolled like a beach ball on corners.Originally Posted by -J-P-L-
And all other companies laughed at Toyota at its inception. The Prius success is no surprise because Toyota did everything right.
The Prius far superior efficiency that no one else could touch. It's mid-size 4 door format (5-door hatch really) made it the first hybrid for the mass market. And it's unquestionable hybrid only styling.
It's a combination that no one else has perfected.
Lexus Fanatic
I see no glamour in this car. But I do admire what the Prius model has accomplished in the automotive business (as of 2010).
I've driven the latest Prius extensively, although it's not my favorite car I marvel at the efficiency/reliability/refinement/comfort/value. Job well done for intended market, the car is a success by any automakers standard, simple as that. I like the styling and have no problem with perceived sheet metal thickness and/or structural integrity (and I drive a Mercedes and Lexus almost daily for comparison purposes). Performance is lacking for my demanding taste, but I am not a typical Prius buyer, so that doesn't matter given intended market.
I've driven the latest Prius extensively, although it's not my favorite car I marvel at the efficiency/reliability/refinement/comfort/value. Job well done for intended market, the car is a success by any automakers standard, simple as that. I like the styling and have no problem with perceived sheet metal thickness and/or structural integrity (and I drive a Mercedes and Lexus almost daily for comparison purposes). Performance is lacking for my demanding taste, but I am not a typical Prius buyer, so that doesn't matter given intended market.
Related Topics
- Toyota says Prius hybrid sales hit 1 million worldwide
- Toyota's U.S. chief says the future will be all hybrid
- Toyota May Add Flex-Fuel Capability to Its U.S. Hybrid Vehicles
- Toyota Prius Worldwide Sales Top 500,000 Mark
- In hybrids, it's Toyota vs. the world; if market develops, the technology will be a c