TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that
the Prius, launched in December 1997 as the world's first mass-produced hybrid
passenger car, has surpassed the 50,000-unit mark in cumulative sales, according
to the latest figures from Toyota for Japan and overseas sales combined.
Ever since its debut, the Prius, with its groundbreaking
Toyota Hybrid System (THS) and advanced interior/exterior design and packaging,
has been hailed as a next-generation four-door sedan for the 21st century.
The Prius took this revolutionary technology even further by
coming out in May with a more finely honed THS and more responsive driving
characteristics, such as sharper acceleration, along with other improvements,
including cleaner emissions and better fuel economy.
Overseas, the Prius made its North American debut in July
this year, followed by a European launch in September, and has been selling well
in those markets thanks to its reputation for being gentle on the environment,
while still offering customers uncompromising driving performance.
To date, the cumulative total of registered Prius vehicles in
Japan has reached 45,067 units; for North America and Europe cumulative sales
are 5,180 vehicles (latest figures), resulting in a combined total of 50,247
units over three years.
Prius Cumulative Sales Totals Unit: 1 unit
Dec. 1997
1998
1999
Jan. - Nov. 2000
Dec. 1997 - Nov. 2000
Japan
323
17,653
15,243
11,848
45,067
Overseas
ó
ó
ó
5,180
5,180
North America
ó
ó
ó
4,631
4,631
Europe
ó
ó
ó
549
549
Total
(Cumulative)
323
(323)
17,653
(17,976)
15,243
(33,219)
17,028
(50,247)
50,247
