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Toyota Motor Corporation has announced that the Toyota Prius, the world's first mass-produced gas-electric hybrid vehicle, has surpassed one-half million worldwide cumulative sales with 504,700 units sold as of the end of April.
Toyota launched the Prius in late 1997 in Japan. Its popularity in Japan encouraged the launch of Prius in the U.S. in July 2000. The first-generation U.S. Prius was a low-volume unit (12,000 produced annually) that gained an immediate following, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers. The second-generation U.S. model was launched in the fall of 2003 as a 2004 model year. The all-new 2004 Prius came with larger dimensions, all-new styling, and featured Hybrid Synergy Drive, Toyota's newest hybrid technology.
So much for hybrids being a "money-losing fad", ha ha! Somehow I doubt we'll be seeing headlines for "500,000 Hummer H2 sales" anytime soon!
Of course, if supply kept up with demans, the Prius tally would be even higher. Personally, I'm really looking forward to the Prius-III with the 9 mile EV mode!
Toyota Prius Worldwide Sales Top 500,000 Mark
