Toyota Prius 2014 News

Icy winds and snow are blowing across Motown, dumping on the auto capital of the world at a time when American politicians are applying relentless pressure for a major shift in the way that General M

They are hybrids and the best-known is the Toyota Prius, though there is a range of Lexus hybrids up to the flagship LS600hL.

The Toyota Prius is heading for full-on brand status as it increases its cult following in the US. Toyota is working on a plan that would see all of its future hybrid models carrying the Prius badge.

The world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius, was launched in Japan in 1997. It reached North America, Europe and here in 2000. The company now makes hybrid minivans, SUVs, rear-wheel-drive sedans and other vehicles. Last month, Toyota announced the sale of its one millionth hybrid worldwide while Toyota Australia set a monthly record of 380 Prius sales. Toyota Australia's senior executive director of sales and marketing, David Buttner, said increased availability of the Prius, along with greater environmental consciousness was a key driver for sales. In Australia, the only hybrids we see are the Honda Civic, Toyota Prius and Lexus RX400h SUV and GS 450h saloon. The LS 600h comes later this year. Lexus is the luxury arm of Toyota. So far this year, only 2081 hybrids have been sold here out of a total market of 419,279 or just 0.5 per cent. Of these, 1290 (62 per cent) were bought by governments. The Queensland Government recently announced sales tax increases on new vehicles, but kept the level at 2 per cent for hybrids. It is one of the few state or federal government incentives for hybrids in this country. That compares with a raft of hybrid incentives in the US, Europe and the UK such as personal and company tax rebates, free parking and transit lane use regardless of occupant numbers. While hybrids are an economic boon in LA's stop-start and slow-moving traffic, they are no more fuel miserly than a diesel in moderate or highway traffic. Apart from fuel economy, the other selling factor is the lack of greenhouse gases. But diesels with particulate filters can be just as environmentally sound in certain conditions. Toyota has calculated that as of April 30, 2007, worldwide sales of its hybrid vehicles since 1997 have produced about 3.5 million fewer tonnes of CO2 compared with petrol-powered similar vehicles. However, some point out that the “whole-of-life” environmental impact of hybrids is affected by disposing every 10 years of the large battery with its lethal contents. Also, according to the latest NRMA running costs surve; hybrids not only have higher initial costs but also depreciate faster. Meanwhile, LPG car sales and conversions have outpaced Federal Government expectations, since the launch of their subsidy scheme last August. The scheme provides a $2000 rebate for private motorists, who convert a petrol-powered vehicle to run on LPG Autogas and a $1000 rebate for the private purchase of a new LPG vehicle. Despite more than $100 million in grants being paid out to more than 52,000 motorists, Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said the subsidy would continue until 2014.  

But the Toyota Prius is much more than a fashion statement. The hybrid green car, which can run on petrol and electricity, has just been named the most satisfying car to own in a poll of motorists. Showrooms have reported exceptional demand for the Prius, especially in London, where there is a two-month waiting list and where the car is exempt from the £8-a-day congestion charge. This is the first time the Japanese family car has been included in the annual league table of British motorists' satisfaction. Nine of the top 12 places were taken by Japanese models either those belonging to Toyota, its luxury arm Lexus or rival Honda. First place was shared by the Lexus IS and the Prius. Both scored 86.8 per cent against an industry average of 79 per cent. The Skoda was the only European manufacturer to make the top 12. Three of its cars ranked in the leading dozen. Hollywood actors who use the Prius include Leonardo diCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Jane Fonda, Harrison-Ford and Meryl Streep. In Britain, it is favoured by Tara Palmer-Tomkinson and the Liverpool footballer Harry Kewell. The late DJ John Peel also drove one. The Prius switches between petrol and electric power to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas blamed for global warming. With its electric motor and petrol engine, it averages about 65.7miles per gallon. Worst ranked out of 113 cars, was the Smart Roadster, followed by the Chrysler Voyager and Grand Voyager a past favourite. The poll was complied by global quality experts J.D Power in association with What Car? magazine. It was based on feedback from motorists after two years of ownership. What Car? editor Steve Fowler said the Toyota Prius clearly demonstrated that car owners think green is good. 'We know there's an increase in consumer interest in environmentally friendly cars here in the UK, and with the Prius topping the model rankings in the 2007 study, we may be seeing a trend emerging,” he said.