Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.,
unveiled the all-new 50-mile-per gallon rated third-generation Prius hybrid
vehicle today at the 2009 North American International Auto show.
Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered
superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than one million owners
worldwide for more than 10 years.
The midsize third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage
ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be
quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features
such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking
Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument
panel.
An Eco-Icon
The first-generation Prius entered the market in 1997
as the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The name Prius, "to go before" in
Latin, became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental
awareness had become a mainstream social issue.
From the beginning, Toyota's full-hybrid system was developed in-house and
has become a driving force behind advanced vehicle technology. The company's
exclusive Hybrid Synergy Drive System was introduced in 2004 on the
second-generation Prius. Since then, more than 670,000 have been sold in the
U.S.
In designing the new, third-generation Prius, Toyota engineers combined a
careful refinement of existing systems with an aggressive measure of new
technology necessary for the future of automobiles. More...