The world’s first mass produced petrol-electric hybrid has sold over 2m units since its debut in 1997.
Toyota has recently announced that its hybrid car – the Prius – took to the market over ten years ago in Japan (1997), North America and Europe (2000), has so far shifted over 2m units.
According to the car manufacturer, customer demand remains high and they intend to “annually sell at least 1m hybrid vehicles as early as possible in the 2010s”.
Selling well
The figures are based on sales collected up to September 2010 of Toyota’s original Prius as well as 2nd and 3rd generation models of the Prius.
The current model of the Prius employs the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) designed with a motor speed reduction device.
More than 90pc of the THS II was redesigned for the third generation, which boasts a fuel efficiency and driving performance on par with that offered by a vehicle with a 2.4-liter gas-powered engine.
The 3rd generation Prius also features selectable driving modes and available solar powered ventilation system.
