Contents

Introduction …………………………….. 1

What is mean by hybrid car?..................... 2

Best hybrid cars ………………………… 2

Background note ………………………...4

Marketing concept ………………………5

VERYUS DEVLOPMENT IN THIS

MODEL …………………………………8

1995–1996 (prototype)………………..9

1997–2001 (model NHW10)……………10

2001–2003 (model NHW11)…………11
] 2004–2009 (model NHW20)…………
13

2009– (model ZVW30)………………….17

Comparison of models………………..22

Sales……………………………………23

Awards………………………………….24

Competitors……………………………….26

CONCLUSION…………………………………27

INTRODUCTION:-
 Car is a precious and prestigious dream of every person. In
December 1997, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) of Japan
launched its hybrid vehicles in the world. It used the Toyota
Hybrid System (THS), which combined an internal combustion
engine fueled by gasoline with an electric motor. Prius achieved a
balance between high mileage and low emissions and was the
upshot of the company’s initiative to produce environment-friendly
automobiles and its goal of manufacturing the ‘ultimate Eco Car’.

The car conformed to Japanese regulations and standards

pertaining to environmental pollution. Having sold more than
1,00,000 units worldwide by 2002, it was the best selling hybrid
car model in the world. The company introduced further refined
models in 2000 and 2003. Toyota introduced Prius in the US
market and consumer preferences there. It developed varios
strategies specifically for this market based on its research
findings. The price of the new improved Prius was unchanged
from that of the original Prius. These initiatives helped Prius to
break successfully into the tough US market even though it was
based on a new concept of a hybrid car.

What are hybrid cars?

Hybrid cars use a gasoline or diesel engine to power
a motor. When the power of the motor is not
required to move the vehicle, the motor can shut off,
saving energy, or can be used to generate electricity
that is stored in batteries, and later used to power
the car. Breaking can also be used to store power in
the batteries, by using magnetic rather than friction
brakes. The simplest hybrids merely turn the motor
off when the car does not require locomotion, while
more advanced hybrids use the electric motor
wherever possible, and only engage the gasoline
engine when additional power is required or the
battery is low.

Best hybrid cars

The two hybrid cars that get the most attention
these days are the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. I
have several friends who own Toyota Prius hybrids -
and all of them are very satisfied owners. I can't say
I know many people with an Insight. One
aquaintance who has since moved out of town had a
very early model Insight and it was a very sporty car
but impractical for a family vehicle. Current model
Honda Insights don't seem to offer that much more
in the way of fuel efficiency over a standard car (and
are 15% less efficient than current Prius models), so
I'm not convinced the Insight is a viable fuel efficient
car.

More and more automakers are adding hybrid

capability to existing car lines. For example, Toyota
has added hybrid capability to some of its Camry,
Highlander, RX, GS, and LS models, Honda has
offered Civic and Accord hybrids for several years
(although the mileage for both vehicles has been
poor compared to other hybrids such as the Prius
and the very efficient Honda Insight), while Nissan
has joined the race with its Altima hybrid (which gets
fairly lackluster mileage too). Even the big Three are
in on the game, although they just don't seem to get
it - most of GM's hybrids (other than the Malibu) are
big trucks, which means you have to buy a big gas
guzzler to get the superior mileage a hybrid offers!
Ford offers the Escape and Fusion, and Chrysler
offers the Aspen Hybrid, another honking big SUV.

If you're looking for the best hybrid car, you are

probably looking at three main factors:

• Comfort and style - you want to feel, and look,

comfortable!
• Performance - you want to get top mileage (see
my Hypermiler page for tips on that)
• Reliability - you want a car that has a solid
history of good engineering and reliability.

Based on the above, I would say the Toyota Prius is

the best hybrid car. Hybrid car sales statistics
certainly bear this out - it has been the top selling
hybrid for most of its history. It also gets the best
mileage of any hybrid car, and Toyota recently re-
engineered it so it should be even better. And if my
three Prius-wielding friends are any indication, this is
a car that makes its owners very happy, and proud.

BACKGROUND NOTE OR
HISTORY:-
Toyota’s history goes back to 1897, when Sakichi Toyoda
diversified into the textile machinery business from his traditional
family business of carpentry. He invented a power loom in 1902
and founded the parent organization of Toyota, the Toyoda Group,
in the same year.
 Sakichi’s son Kiichiro, an engineer from Tokyo University,
was more interested in automobiles and engines than the family’s
textile business. In 1929, he traveled to US and Europe to study the
manufacturing processes in car factories there. After returning to
Japan, he spent his time studying car engines and experimenting
with better ways to manufacture them. In the early 1930s, Kiichiro
convinced his father to launch an automobile business and in 1933,
Sakichi established an automobile department with Toyoda
Automatic Loom Works. The first passenger car prototype was
developed in 1935.

Although the automobile venture was set up in the late

1930s, passenger car production began only in 1947. (During the
Second World War (1939-1945), the company was involved in
building military vehicles.) Toyota faced tough competition from
Ford and GM, which were the top car manufacturers in Japan at
that time. In 1950, after a major strike by labor unions, kiichiro
was forced to step down and his cousin Eiji Toyoda, who was also
an engineer from Tokyo University and valued aide of Kiichiro
was made managing director.

As of 2005, the company had production bases in 26

overseas countries and regions vehicle sales network in 170
countries and regions. It employed 2,60,000 employees worldwide.
On June 2005, katsuaki Watanabe become the company’s
President. Under the leadership of Chairman Okuda and President
Watanabe, the company’s net revenue reached 18.55 trillion yen
while its net income reached 1.17 trillion yen in 2005.

MARKATING CONCEPTS:-
According to analysts, Toyota’s success in both the local
and global markets was based on its gaining a competitive
advantage through implementation of innovative and path-breaking
ideas on its production floors. Toyota way recognized employees
as the company’s strength and attached great importance to
developing human abilities through training, coaching and
mentoring. The principles of “Respect for people” and
“Continuous Improvement” were at the core of the Toyota way.

Toyota’s guiding principles emphasized the need to innovate,

and ensured that the philosophy had support from the top
management. The policy deployment process at Toyota called
“Hoshin Kanri” ensured that the organization was adequately
directed and motivated to learn. The goal selling process was
objective and included inputs from across the organization.
Toyota’s performance measurement metrics were also more
process oriented than result oriented. This again supported the
culture of learning and the focus on improving processes was not
lost.

The development of Prius demonstrated the benefits of

knowledge creation. With the Prius project. Toyota beat its own
record of having the fastest development process in the world.
Though the Prius project used a completely novel design and
technology, Toyota was able to reach the production stage within
15 months. This was especially impressive as hybrid technology
was in a very crude stage at that time and Toyota had to carry out
both research and development activities for the Prius
simultaneously.

According to the US Bureau of Transportation

Statistics, there were 139 million passengar vehicles
in use in 2006. That means that even if we assume
that 95% of the hybrid cars sold in the last five years
are still on the road, still barely1% of all passenger
vehicles in the US are gas-electric hybrid cars -
about 1.06% to be more precise.
Hybrid car sales statistics have shown steady growth
over most of the last five years, but sales peaked in
early 2008 (at 45,000 vehicles) and showed a steady
decline in the second half of 2008 with sales starting
to recover somewhat in spring 2009. Considering the
spike in oil and gasoline prices up to about July of
2008, and their rapid decline once the economic
downturn hit later in 2008, it's not surprising that
sales show a peak followed by a steady drop.
Fortunately for hybrid car manufacturers, gasoline
price increases in the second through fourth quarters
of 2009 have been accompanied by a return to
higher hybrid car sales. Take a look at this chart,
which shows three data series: hybrid car sales
statistics by month, a 12-month moving average of
hybrid car sales, and average US gas prices per
gallon, from January 2004 to December 2009:
Hybrid cars are in some respects a luxury item: they
have a higher up-front cost than many gasoline-only
cars, and unless you drive a lot, their payback period
due to lower mileage costs is longer than most
people can afford. So when gas prices go up, more
people can cost justify a purchase, and when gas
prices fall and there's a major economic recession,
demand and prices plummet. The chart above shows
just that: the 12-month running average (red line)
peaked just before gas prices hit record levels, and
both monthly sales and average sales declined
steadily as gas prices fell and the economy tanked.
Now as gas prices rise (green line) moving into
2010, we see the running average for hybrid sales
starting to mvoe upward as well.

There are some bright lights on the horizon though.

Sales of Toyota's flagship hybrid, the Prius, fell
substantially in early 2009, but this is likely because
buyers were anticipating Toyota's release of its new,
better mileage, third-generation Prius. Indeed, for
November 2009, Prius sales were up 20.7 percent
over the same month in 2008, so people may have
been holding out for the next generation Prius. Still
others may be staying put until the first plug in
hybrids are made available. The Toyota plug-in Prius
made its North American debut at the Los Angelos
Auto Show on December 2 2009, but only 150
vehicles are expected to arrive in the US in early
2010, for demonstration/evaluation purposes. The
plug-in model will likely not hit the mainstream until
at least the 2011 model year in late 2010. Range of
the current model on electric charge only is a mere
13 miles.

Meanwhile, although Toyota has been plagued with

quality problems in recent months, including a recall
of their Prius models, the Prius continues to be the
leader in hybrid car sales, with about 47% of all
hybrids sold in the US being Prius models. In fact
Prius sales were more than double the next three
biggest Toyota hybrid models combined (Camry
Hybrid, RX Hybrid, and Lexus HS250).

VARIOUS DEVLOPMENT IN THIS

MODEL:-

`On January 16, 1992, the Toyota Motor Corporation announced the Earth Charter, a document
outlining goals to develop and market low emission vehicles.

In September 1993 Toyota R&D Executive Vice President Yoshirio Kimbara created G21, a
committee to research cars for the 21st century. On February 1, 1994, the first official meeting of
the G21 project team took place. The team determined the goal of G21 is to create a car that is
resource and environmentally friendly while retaining the benefits of modern cars. The
development effort was led by Takehisa Yaegashi, who was tasked with building a car that
bridged the gap between electric and gasoline powered vehicles.

1995–1996 (prototype)
In late 1994, the G21 team designed a concept car with a hybrid engine for the 1995 Tokyo Motor
Show. The vehicle was named "Prius," the Latin word for "prior" or "before." It was shown on
October 27, 1995. In late 1996, test driving began.

1997–2001 (model NHW10)

NHW10 (First Generation)

 Production 1997–2001

Assembly Takaoka, later Toyota City (Motomachi),Japan[9]

Class Compact car

Body style(s) 4-door sedan

Engine(s) Toyota Hybrid System

Gasoline: 1.5 L 1NZ-FXE DOHC I4

13.5:1 compression

43 kW (58 hp) @ 4000 rpm

102 N·m (75 lb·ft) @ 4000 rpm

Electric: 288 V motor

30 kW (40 hp) @ 940 rpm

305 N·m (225 lb·ft) @ 0 rpm

Wheelbase 2,550 mm (100.4 in)

Length 4,275 mm (168.3 in)

Width 1,694 mm (66.7 in)

Height 1,491 mm (58.7 in)

The first Prius, model NHW10, went on sale on December 10, 1997. It was available only in
Japan, though it has been imported privately to the United Kingdom, Australia, and New
Zealand. Many of these cars are now being exported as second-hand vehiclesto New Zealand
and other countries. The common battery failures and other mechanical problems are not
supported outside Japan.

To handle the voltage between the battery and electric motor, the semiconductor core inverter
unit was modeled on heavy-dutytransistors used by the Shinkansen bullet train. The first
production model NHW10 Toyota Prius was rolled out of Toyota's Takoka factory in Toyota City,
Aichi near Nagoya on December 1997, followed by the start of two years of Japan-only sales.[8]

Side view of the NHW10 Toyota Prius

As uncovered by engineer testing, the NHW10 Prius was vulnerable to reduced performance in
hotter climates and at higher altitudes; as a result, early examples featured an instrument-panel
indicator warning should the hybrid system be in danger of shutting down. This gauge, designed
in the shape of a turtle, was used until 1999.

The first generation Prius, at its launch, became the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric
hybrid car. Japan sales goals were 12,000 units annually, at a price of US$16,929per vehicle.
Rivals and analysts estimated that the first generation Prius cost as much asUS$32,000 to
produce, meaning that each NHW10 model was sold at a loss. The vehicle's introduction served
as Toyota's launch effort for a new generation of 'green' vehicles aimed at reducing air pollution
and increasing fuel efficiency. Toyota initially forecasted that hybrids will account for a third of the
world's auto market as early as 2005.

The NHW10 Prius styling originated from California designers, who were selected over competing
designs from other Toyota design studios.

2001–2003 (model NHW11)

NHW11 (First Generation)

Production 2000–2003

Assembly Toyota City (Motomachi),Japan[15]

Class Compact car

Body style(s) 4-door sedan

Engine(s) Toyota Hybrid System

Gasoline: 1.5 L 1NZ-FXE DOHCI4 VVT-i

13.0:1 compression

52 kW (70 hp) @ 4500 rpm

110 N·m (82 lb·ft) @ 4200 rpm

Electric: 273.6 V motor

33 kW (44 hp) @ 1040 rpm

350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @ 0 rpm

SULEV

Transmission(s) 1-speed planetary gear

Wheelbase 2,550 mm (100.4 in)

Length 4,308 mm (169.6 in)

Width 1,694 mm (66.7 in)

Height 1,463 mm (57.6 in)

Curb weight 1,254.2 kg (2,765 lb)

The 2001–2003 Prius for the United States market was powered by a 1.5 liter Atkinson cycle 4
cylinder gasoline engine, a permanent magnet AC electric motor, and a 274-volt nickel-metal
hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack. The gasoline engine developed 70 hp (52 kW) and 82 ft·lbf (111
N·m) of torque. The electric motor generated a maximum of 44 hp (33 kW) and 258 ft·lbf (350
N·m) of torque.

The NHW11 Prius became more powerful partly to satisfy the higher speeds and longer distances
that Americans drive. Air conditioning was standard equipment.

Interior.

The vehicle was the second mass-produced hybrid on the American market, after the two-
seat Honda Insight.[18] While the larger Prius could seat five, its battery pack restricted cargo
space. The vehicle interior featured a dash-mounted shift lever, and a small touch screen with a
hybrid powertrain display. This feature showed the vehicle operation regarding the interplay
between gasoline engine, battery pack, and electric motors, and could also show a bar graph of
fuel economy results.

In the United States, the NHW11 was the first Prius to be sold. The Prius was marketed between
the smaller Echo and the larger Corolla. The published retail price of the car
was US$19,995. TheCalifornia Air Resources Board (CARB) classified the car as a Super Ultra
Low Emission Vehicle(SULEV). Prius owners were eligible for up to a US$2,000 tax credit from
their gross income. In contrast with the prior generation model, Toyota executives claimed that
the company broke even financially on sales of the NHW11 Prius.

European sales began in September 2000. The official launch of the Prius in Australia occurred in
2001 after the Sydney Motor Show, although sales were slow until the NHW20 model arrived.

In 2006, Toyota recalled about 8,500 2001 and 2002 model year Prius vehicles due to an
incorrectly manufactured crankshaft position sensor.
In 2009, after being investigated by the California Air Resources Board, Toyota extended a
campaign nation-wide for owners of MY 2001-2003 Prius for starting problem caused by improper
working throttle body that led to electronic control module malfunction.

]2004–2009 (model NHW20)

NHW20 (Second Generation)

Production 2004–2009 (North America,Japan)

2004–present (China, Europe)

Model year(s) 2004–2009

Assembly Tsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City)

Kariya, Aichi, Japan (Fujimatsu)

Chengdu, Sichuan, China(Chinese domestic market only)

Class Mid-size car

Body style(s) 5-door hatchback

Engine(s) Toyota Hybrid System II

Gasoline: 1.5 L 1NZ-FXE DOHCI4 VVT-i

57 kW (76 hp) @ 5000 rpm

115 N·m (85 lb·ft) @ 4200 rpm

Electric: 500 V

50 kW (67 hp) @ 1200 rpm

400 N·m (295 lb·ft) @ 0 rpm

AT-PZEV
 Hybrid system net horsepower: 110 hp (82 kW)

Transmission(s) 1-speed planetary gear

Wheelbase 2,700 mm (106.3 in)

Length 4,450 mm (175.2 in)

Width 1,725 mm (67.9 in)

Height 1,490 mm (58.7 in)

Curb weight 1,317 kg (2,900 lb)

In 2004, the Prius was completely redesigned as a mid-size liftback, sized between
the Corolla and the Camry, with redistributed mechanical and interior space significantly
increasing rear-seat legroom and luggage room. The 2004 Prius is even more environmentally-
friendly than the 2001 model (according to the EPA), and is 6 inches (150 mm) longer than the
previous version. Its more aerodynamic Kammback body balances length and wind resistance
resulting in a drag coefficient ( Cd) of 0.26. The development effort, led by chief
engineer Shigeyuki Hori, led to 530 patents for the vehicle.

2006 Prius cut-away in a Toyota showroom in Paris

Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid prototype exhibited at the Automotive Engineering Exposition 2008, Yokohama
City, Japan

An Australian Federal Police Prius

The Prius uses an all-electric A/C compressor for cooling, an industry first, and also adds
an electric power steering system to further minimize engine belt-driven engine accessories.
Combined with a smaller and lighter NiMH battery, the NHW20 is more powerful and more
efficient than the NHW11. In the U.S., the battery pack of the 2004 Prius is warranted for
100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years. The warranty for hybrid components in California and the
seven Northeastern states that have adopted the stricterCalifornia emission control standards is
150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 10 years.

It is classified as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) and is certified byCalifornia Air
Resources Board as an "Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle" (AT-PZEV).

Among the Prius's options are Toyota's implementation of a Smart Key System (the feature can
be user-deactivated), DVD navigation on the MFD, Vehicle Stability
Control andBluetooth for hands-free calling. A new Intelligent Parking Assist system was
available in Japan and Europe since its launch.

Production of the Prius for the Chinese market began in December 2005 with a target of 3,000
unit sales by Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor, a joint venture with First Automobile Works. It was
reported that a total of 2,152 Prius were sold in 2006 and 414 in 2007. The relatively low sales
was blamed on high price, about US$15,000 higher than the equival

nt in Japan or the U.S., caused by high duties on imported parts. In early March 2008, Toyota cut
the price of Prius by up to eight percent or US$3,000 to 259,800 CN 元 (US$36,500). It was
thought that the sales dropped as a result of both a lack of acceptance and increased
competition. The Honda Civic Hybrid was imported to China from 2007.

Toyota's design and development efforts paid off during the 2005 European Car of the
Yearcompetition where the Prius won ahead of the Citroën C4 and the Ford Focus . The Prius is
the only hybrid car so far to have won this competition, where the usual winners are mainstream
hatchbacks and sedans/saloons from major European manufacturers.

Research plug-ins
From 2006 to 2009 Toyota tested 126 Prius models in the U.S., Japan and Europe that had the
NiMH battery replaced with a lithium-ion battery pack.

In July 2007, Toyota received both Japanese and American governmental approval to begin
testing plug-in hybrid models using a modified NiMH battery on public roads.The first plug-in Prius
in America went to South Carolina.Researchers at the Advanced Power and Energy Program at
the University of California, Irvine and the Institute of Transportation Studies at theUniversity of
California, Berkeley began testing two specially made Prius and analyzing driver behavior, study
air quality and energy use.

Model year changes

2005 (2006 US model year) introduced some minor cosmetic changes, such as a higher-
resolution liquid crystal display, as well as new optional features such as a backup camera,
advanced air bags and an upgraded audio system with an auxiliary input. In 2006 (2007 US
model year) the Prius added side-curtain air bags (standard on all models.) A Touring Edition was
introduced, with an elongated and larger rear spoiler as well as larger, sharper-pointed 7-spoke
16" alloy wheels with plastic hubcap covers to protect them from scratches when parking against
the curb. The Touring Edition also comes with a firmer European-style tuned suspension,
standard high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and integrated (non-HID) fog lights.

In 2005, Toyota had to fix a software glitch that caused the Prius engine to enter "limp" mode with
only-electric operation, following 68 stall complaints in the U.S. In June 2006, Toyota also
recalled about 170,000 Prius models from 2004-2006 due to a faulty intermediate shaft and
sliding yoke in the power steering system.

Crash testing results

NHTSA (United States) crash testing of the 2004 US model year Prius yielded a five-star driver
and four-star passenger rating in the frontal-collision test (out of five stars). Side crash results
were four out of five stars for both front and rear seats. The car scored four out of five stars in
rollover testing.

IIHS crash tests score the Prius "Good" overall in frontal collisions and "Good" overall in side-
impact collisions in models equipped with side airbags. A "Poor" score is given to models without
side airbags. Side curtain and torso airbags became standard on 2007 American models.

In 2004, EuroNCAP tested the Prius. It earned the following ratings: Adult Occupant:
Child Occupant: Pedestrian: .
2009– (model ZVW30)

ZVW30 (Third Generation)

Production Mar 2009–present

Model year(s) 2010–present

Assembly Tsutsumi, Japan (Toyota City)[48]

Chengdu, Sichuan, China[49](Chinese domestic market only)

Class Mid-size car

Body style(s) 5-door hatchback

Engine(s) Toyota Hybrid System

Gasoline engine:

1.8 L 2ZR-FXE I4 Dual VVT-i(Atkinson cycle)

Power: 98 hp @ 5,200 rpm

 Torque: 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm[50]

Transmission(s) 1-speed planetary gear

Wheelbase 2,700 mm (106.3 in)

Length 4,460 mm (175.6 in)

Width 1,745 mm (68.7 in)

Height 1,480 mm (58.3 in)

Curb weight 1379 kg (3,042 lb)

Toyota debuted the new Prius (2010 US model year) at the 2009 North American International
Auto Show, and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009. Its new body design is more
aerodynamic, with the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.25 Cd. An underbody rear fin helps stabilize
the vehicle at higher speeds.

The estimated fuel-efficiency rating using the U.S. EPA combined cycle is: 50 mpg-
US (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg-imp). The Prius was the most efficient car powered by liquid fuel available
in the U.S. in 2009, based on the official rating. Only the first-generation Honda Insight (2000–
2006) equipped with a manual transmission attained higher mileage. The official UK fuel
efficiency data for the Prius T3 is: Urban 72.4 mpg-imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg-US), Extra Urban
76.4 mpg-imp (3.70 L/100 km; 63.6 mpg-US), Combined 72.4 mpg-imp(3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg-US).

The 1.8-liter gasoline engine (previously 1.5 liters) generates 98 hp, and with the added power of
the electric motor, total horsepower is 134 hp (previously 110 hp). The larger engine
displacement allows for increased torque, reducing engine speeds (RPM), which increases fuel
economy at highway speeds. With an electric water pump, the Prius engine is the first production
engine that requires no accessory belts, which also further improves fuel economy. The electric
motors and other components of the hybrid powertrain are also smaller and more efficient. Toyota
estimates the new inverter, motor and transaxle are 20 percent lighter. Disc brakesreplace the
previous rear drum brakes.

Many motoring reviewers praised the 3rd generation for its improved handling in corners and
more supple ride over the previous
generation. http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/prius/2010/testdrive.html
Interior

For the Prius, Toyota used a new range of plant-derived ecological bioplastics made from the
cellulose in wood or grass instead of petroleum. The two principal crops are kenaf (a member of
the hibiscus family and related to cotton and okra) and ramie, commonly known as China
grass and one of the strongest natural fibres, similar to flax in absorbency and density. Toyota
says this is a particularly timely breakthrough for plant-based eco-plastics because 2009 is the
United Nations’ International Year of Natural Fibres, which covers kenaf and ramie.

In Japan, it is reported that Toyota cut the price of Prius from 2.331 million yen to 2.05 million yen
to compete with Honda Insight. Toyota filed over one thousand patents during the development of
the latest Prius. Toyota's goal is to sell about 400,000 units annually around the globe and
180,000 units in the U.S. by 2010. In May 2009 production was increased to 50,000 units per
month or 600,000 annual units to help meet higher than projected demand. In 2009, Toyota Prius
experienced two consecutive year over year sales decrease to 139,682 units in the U.S., from
181,221 units in 2007. In addition, Toyota Prius was launched in Malaysia on August 4, 2009.

In early 2010, Toyota considered adding a monthly production of 6,000 at the Motomachi factory,
in central Japan, the plant that built the first-generation Prius in 1997. However, as customers'
wait time in Japan shortened from eight months at launch to three months, and sales in the
United States dropped 40 percent in February 2010 from October 2009 following concerns about
Toyota vehicles' safety, Toyota had to reduce the monthly production by 10 percent to 45,000
units a month in March 2010.

In the US the Prius will have a starting base price of US$22,400 excluding destination charges,
and includes 15-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Stability Control and interior amenities including cruise
control, 6-speaker audio, Toyota's keyless entry/ignition Smart Key System and a unique Touch
Tracer Display designed to help the driver's eyes stay on the road when using the steering-wheel-
mounted climate and audio controls.
2009 Toyota Prius (Australia)

Sales of the Prius also started in the Philippines on June 22, 2009, for a SRP of Php 2.2 million
(approximately US$41,800) about half for import duties and other taxes, making it the first hybrid
vehicle available in the Philippines. The launching for the Latin American market took place
in Costa Rica on July 3, 2009. The Prius will be sold in Costa Rica for US$41,000 including tariffs
and all taxes.

The US Prius offers three optional packages:

 A Navigation Package that includes a voice-activated touch-screen DVD-

based navigation system and an 8-speaker JBL audio system with XM satellite
radio, MP3/WMA playback capability, Bluetooth and backup camera. The Prius in Japan is
equipped with G-Book as of May 18, 2009.
 A Solar Roof Package includes the Navigation Package and adds a power
tilt/slide moonroof along with a solar powered ventilation system that uses an electric fan to
help keep the vehicle cooler when parked under the sun by venting the interior's heated air
with the outdoors. The solar roof was originally intended to assist in charging the vehicle's
battery, but the system was configured to only power ventilation when it was found that the
battery-charging configuration created electromagnetic interference that affected the radio. A
new remote air-conditioning feature allows the driver to activate the air conditioner prior to
entering the vehicle.
 An Advanced Technology Package includes the Navigation Package while adding a Pre-
Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Parking
Assist.

Other options include Safety Connect, while LED headlamps come standard on the Prius V trim.
[69]

In May 2010, Toyota Prius was launched in India with a price from Rs.26.55 lakhs to Rs.27.86
lakhs (ex showroom Delhi).

Plug-in version
Further information: Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Prius Plug-in at the Frankfurt Motor Show

The Prius Plug-In Concept was shown at the October 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the
2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the 2009 LA Auto Show. According to Toyota a total of 500 Prius
plug-in hybrids (PHEV) will be sold to select customers, 350 will be delivered to customers in
Europe and Japan in late December 2009, along with 150 models to be released in the U.S. in
early 2010. These models will be sent to limited geographical areas and will contain special data
tracking devices designed to allow Toyota to monitor the car's usage for further development of
the plug-in hybrid system. Total all-electric range is 14.5 mi (23 km) with speeds up to 62 mph
(100 km/h). The lithium-ion battery was co-developed with Panasonic.

Toyota announced a target of retail sales for the PHEV in late 2011. Toyota indicates that it plans
to sell tens of thousands of plug-ins to the public.

Crash testing results

The IIHS rated the 2010 Prius as Good in every crash category except for "structure/safety cage,"
which was rated Acceptable. In EuroNCAP testing the Prius is given an overall rating of
, and rated 88% for adult occupant protection, 82% for child occupant, 68% for pedestrian, and
86% for safety assist.

Brake fix and radar cruise

Main article: 2009–2010 Toyota vehicle recalls

On February 9, 2010, Toyota announced a voluntary global recall of third generation

2010 Prius models manufactured from the current model's introduction through late
January. Affected models, including 133,000 Prius vehicles in the U.S. and 52,000 in
Europe, are to receive an anti-lock brake software update to fix brake response over rough
roads, following reports of delayed braking response on certain surface conditions. Apple
co-founder and Prius collector Steve Wozniak was also quoted by media outlets
regarding a possible cruise control issue on one of his several Priuses, where the steps for
"upping the speed" using the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system allegedly caused
unintended acceleration. Wozniak later maintained that he was misquoted, but did have
an individual vehicle and customer service issue, while auto journalists and other Prius
drivers suggested user error. On March 8, 2010, a publicized incident of alleged Prius
acceleration in San Diego was later suspected to be a hoax or not repeatable.

Comparison of models
Model code

NHW1 NHW1
Feature 0 1 NHW20 ZVW30
4-door 4-door 5-door 5-door
Hatchbac
Body style Sedan Sedan k Hatchback
First sales 1997 2000 2003 2009

Modules 40 38 28 28

Cells per module 6 6 6 6

Total cells 240 228 168 168

Cell voltage 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2

Voltage total volts 288 273.6 201.6 201.6

Capacity amp-hours 6 6.5 6.5 6.5

Capacity watt-hours 1728 1778 1310 1310

Weight kilograms (kg

Battery ) 57 50 45 44

Power kW(hp) 43 (58) 52 (70) 57 (76) 73 (98)

Gasoline
Engine at rpm 4000 4500 5000 5200
 Operating voltage 288 273 500 650

Electric
Motor Power kW(hp) 30 (40) 33 (44) 50 (67) 60 (80)

Combine
d Power kW(hp) n/a n/a 82 (110) 100 (130)

Sales

2006 Toyota Prius used by a car share agency.

The Prius is sold in more than 50 countries and regions, and has its largest markets in the United
States, Japan, and Europe. In May 2008, Toyota announced that its worldwide cumulative sales
of the Prius had passed the 1 million mark; worldwide cumulative sales reached 1.8 million Prius
in June 2010; and Toyota is expecting to reach the two million milestone by the boreal autumn of
2010.

As of December 2009 the U.S. accounted for almost half of the Prius global sales, with 814,173
Prius units registered since 2000. Cumulative Prius sales in Europe reach 100,000 in 2008 and
200,000 units by mid 2010, after 10 years on that market. The U.K. is one of the leading
European markets for Prius, accounting more than 20 percent of all Prius sold in Europe.

Toyota Prius became Japan's best selling vehicle in 2009 for the first time since its debut in 1997
as its sales almost tripled to 208,876 in 2009.In that year it overtook the Honda Fit, which was
Japan's best-selling car in 2008 excluding Kei cars. It led to analyst questioned that the increase
of sales of Prius might come at the cost of vehicles that could bring in higher margin. Competition
from lower priced hybrid like Honda's Insight also made Toyota difficult to capitalize on Prius's
success.
Annual sales worldwide and by region[96]
(in thousands)
North
Americ
Year World Japan a U.S.[97] Europe Other
1997 0.3 0.3
1998 17.7 17.7
1999 15.2 15.2
2000 19.5 12.5 5.8 5.6 0.7 0.01
2001 29 11 16 15.6 2.3 0.2
2002 28.1 6.7 20.3 20.1 0.8 0.2
2003 43.2 17 24.9 24.6 0.9 0.4
2004 125.7 59.8 55.9 54 8.1 1.9
2005 175.2 43.7 109.9 107.9 18.8 2.9
2006 185.6 48.6 109 107 22.8 5.3
2007 281.3 58.3 183.8 181.2 32.2 7
2008 73.1[98] 158.9

2009 208.9[98] 139.7 [62]

Awards
 1997–98 Car of the Year Japan
 2003 Scientific American names Toyota Motor

Corporation as "Business Leader of the Year"

("Scientific American 50"; December, 2003) for its
singular accomplishment in the commercialization
of affordable hybrid cars.
 Motor Trend Car of the Year, 2004

 Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2004.

 North American Car of the Year award for 2004.
Nominated in 2001.
 International Engine of the Year for 2004.

 "Best Engineered Vehicle for 2004"

by SAE's Automotive Engineering

International magazine.
 2005 European Car of the Year (406 points,

ahead of Citroën C4 with 267 points and Ford

Focus II with 228).
 2006 EnerGuide Award (Midsize)

 2006 Intellichoice Best Overall Value of the Year,

Midsize
 2007 Intellichoice Best in Class Winner :Best

Retained Value, Lowest Fuel, Lowest Operating

Costs, Lowest Ownership Costs
 Swiss government named Toyota Prius the

world's greenest car in a draft study of over 6,000

cars.
 Green Engine of the Year 2008 from International

Engine of the Year Awards.

 2008 Nominated for WhatGreenCar.com Car of

the Year Awards 2008, shortlisted for the UK's

top Green Car Awards
 JD Power and Associates "Most Dependable

Compact Car" for 2008 and 2009

 2009 Japan Car of the Year

 ABC News Top 10 Innovations of the Decade

 2010 Best Hybrid Car for the Money, U.S. News

& World Report

 RevvItUp The Car Blog's Car of the Decade
  2010 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Best Vehicle of
the Year
 Selected among Kelley Blue Book Top 10 Green

Cars for 2010

 Top Gear City Car Of The Year 2009

Competitors
 The 2009 (MY 2010) Honda Insight is a compact
that emphasizes affordability. The Honda Insight,
billed as the cheapest gasoline-electric hybrid on
the market, ranked as the top-selling vehicle in
Japan for April 2009—the first time a hybrid has
clinched that spot. When the Prius launched in May
2009 it took Japan's top spot while Insight sales fell
to third. Features such as 15" alloy wheels, 6-
speaker audio, cruise control and electronic stability
control while standard on the US-spec Prius II
(MSRP US$22,000) are optional on the Insight.
 2001–2005, and 2005–present Honda Civic
Hybrid, a derivative of the standard Civic sedan
model, equipped with a hybrid gas-electric
powertrain.
 2009 (MY 2010) Ford Fusion Hybrid, to compete
against the 2009 (MY 2010) Prius IV and V
May 21, 2008
Global Sales of the Toyota Prius Hybrid Top
1 Million
Toyota Motor Corporation announced on May 15 that its worldwide
cumulative sales of the Toyota Prius have passed the 1 million The Prius is one of Toyota's top sellers in
mark. The Prius hybrid is now sold in more than 40 countries and the United States, a fact that has helped
regions, but the market leaders remain Japan and North America. Toyota sell 1 million of the vehicles
In fact, North America has provided nearly 60% of all Prius sales, worldwide.
and reached 183,800 vehicles in 2007. That sales pace has Credit: Toyota
accelerated in early 2008, with 66,100 vehicles sold in North America in the first four
months, a rate that would result in nearly 200,000 sales if continued through the
entire year. In fact, Toyota sold 21,757 Prius hybrids in the United States in April,
setting a record for April sales and making the Prius the third most popular vehicle in
the Toyota line, trailing the Corolla and the Camry. See the Toyota press releases on
the Prius global sales and April U.S. sales.

While Toyota is enjoying the lion's share of benefits from the hybrid vehicle market,
Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. aims to profit from the next generation of plug-in hybrid
and fuel cell vehicles. In April, the company launched a joint venture with NEC
Corporation and its subsidiary, NEC TOKIN Corporation, to develop and mass
produce advanced lithium-ion batteries. On May 19, the new company, called
Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), began full operations. The new
company will invest $114.6 million over a three-year period in a manufacturing
facility that will start producing 13,000 batteries per year in 2009. At full capacity,
the plant will manufacture 65,000 batteries per year.

The batteries employ a compact laminated configuration with lithium-manganese

electrodes, which NEC TOKIN will manufacture at a separate facility through an
additional investment of $105.1 million over the next three years. AESC intends to
install the batteries in electric forklifts next year, and Nissan plans to use the
batteries in both a hybrid and an all-electric vehicle starting in 2010. Nissan claims
that the batteries deliver twice as much power as the nickel-metal hydride batteries
used in today's hybrid vehicles. In field tests exceeding 60,000 miles, the batteries
have demonstrated high performance without any safety problems, according to the
company. See the Nissan press release.

CONCLUSION:-
We can say that the Prius is the most stable
and the most loved model in the automobile sector all over
the world. It have more stability and start a new revolution in
the hybrid engineering by which the world is thinking about
the new types which are having the combination of speed
and style with the low emission of harmful gases in the
environment by which the motive of the global warming is
get achieved. And also it has a best sells record and long
and running life in the global market by which we can say
that it is the best selling car of the world. So this is the best
model designed by the Toyota Motor Corporations.