Toyota Prius hits 1 million milestone in U.S.

Toyota announced Wednesday that it had sold the one millionth Prius hybrid in U.S., as rising fuel prices have further stimulated demand, the Detnews reported.


"Since the Prius went on sale eleven years ago, not a year has gone by when it hasn't been the No. 1-selling hybrid vehicle in the U.S," said Bob Carter, Toyota vice president and general manager.


According to Autodata Crop, Toyota sold nearly 43,000 units in the first quarter this year, up 52 percent than a year ago. Last year, the company sold more than 140,000 units in U.S. And its worldwide sales topped 2 million in October 2010.


Toyota sold nearly 159,000 Priuses in 2008, when gas price peaked at 4.14 dollars per gallon in July 2008.


Supply shortage has been reported by some Toyota dealers due to brisk sales and factory outage in Japan, as last month's earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused production, supply and transportation problems that continue to hurt the country's car makers. The company reopened two plants on March 28 that produce Prius and Lexus models.


According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Toyota Prius, powered by a gasoline engine and an electric motor, gets 51 miles per gallon while driving in the city and 48 miles per gallon on highways, ranking as the most fuel-efficient car in the U.S., aside from electric vehicles.


Moody's Investors Service reportedly warned on Wednesday it may put the auto giant under review for possible downgrade due to the likely financial impact from the devastating quake.
(Source:http://news.xinhuanet.com)