The Success of the Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius hit the one-million sales mark today, making it the world’s first mass produced gas-electric hybrid car to do so. The Prius first went on sale a decade ago in Japan but is now sold all over the world. How exactly did the Prius become this successful of a car?
Efficiency
The Environmental Protection Agency named the 2008 Prius the most fuel-efficient car sold in the United States. The Prius is a hybrid, which means it switches between a gas engine and an electric motor engine at varying speeds. The energy the car produces while it moves is recycled and used to power the electric motor engine. The 2008 Prius gets 48 miles to the gallon.
The economy is down and gas prices are up, resulting in hard times for the American driver. The gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs of the 90s have become a liability at the pump. Drivers don’t have the money to pay $60-$100 at the pump two to three times per week to keep their cars running. A Prius is a fantastic option if you want to save at the pump and drive an environmentally friendly car.
Awards:
Some prestigious awards the Prius has won include:
- Motor Trend Car of the Year in 2004
- Car and Driver Magazine’s Ten Best list for 2004
- North American Car of the Year in 2004
- European Car of the Year in 2005
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