Success of Prius could inspire other car companies

Turning point for hybrid vehicles?

In May, the third generation of the Toyota Prius was launched in Japan. The car was immediately very well received by consumers. In June it accounted for a stunning 7% of all cars sold in Japan. Such a high market share is a rarity in the car market. One of the main selling propositions of the Prius is the concern for the environment. Its hybrid drive combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. It consumes only 3.9 litres per 100 km on average and produces only 89 grams of CO2 emission per kilometre.

If the success of the new Prius continues in other regions of the world, this could very well represent a turning point for hybrid vehicles. It is already the most popular hybrid and is leading the charge in the critical California passenger car market. It looks likely to force other car manufacturers to follow Toyota in its development of hybrid electric, low carbon vehicles.