Backed by more than 10 years of on-road experience, the Prius this month has been named Green Engine of the Year 2008 at the International Engine of the Year Awards for the fifth consecutive time^. Adding to this success, it has also topped the J.D. Power & Associates 2008 Customer Satisfaction Index Study in the UK for the second time, receiving high marks for quality and reliability.
Toyota's hybrid technology combines a petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver the cleanest powertrain technology on the market. Hybrid technology can be applied to improve the efficiency of a variety of powertrains, whether they rely on gasoline, diesel, or alternative fuels. Hybrids offer lower vehicle emissions, exceptional fuel efficiency, seamless acceleration and quiet driving.
Toyota and Lexus presently have four hybrid models on the market in Europe, equipped with either the Hybrid Synergy Drive or Lexus Hybrid Drive systems. Cumulative world-wide hybrid sales are approximately 1.5 million units. Toyota has a global target of one million hybrid vehicles per year by the early 2010s, with European sales contributing more than 10% of this target.
Notes to the editors:
^Green Engine of the Year replaces the Best Fuel Economy category (awarded to Prius in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007)
Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA (TME) oversees the wholesale sales and marketing of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, parts and accessories, and Toyota's European manufacturing and engineering operations. Toyota directly and indirectly employs around 80,000 people in Europe and has invested almost 7 billion since 1990. In 2007, Toyota sold 1,238,638 Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Europe, enjoying its 11th consecutive record year of sales. For more information, go to http://www.toyota.eu.
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Cumulative Prius Sales in Europe Top 100000 Vehicles