Prius Tops 50,000 Units Sold Worldwide

Tokyo―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.