The Toyota Prius (pronounced /ˈpriːəs/ ) is a full hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. It first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America. In May 2008, global cumulative Prius sales reached the 1 million vehicle mark, and by August 31, 2008, the Prius reached worldwide cumulative sales of 1.43 million units. As a top seller, the U.S. market made up more than half of the 1.2 million Prius sold worldwide by early 2009.
The Prius is the most fuel efficient gas car currently sold in the U.S. according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) also rate the Prius as among the cleanest vehicles sold in the United States based on non-CO 2 toxic emissions. The UK Department for Transport reported the latest Prius is the second least CO 2 -emitting vehicle on sale in the UK with 89 g/km.
1996 (prototype)
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 21 st 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.
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)
The first Prius, model NHW10, went on sale in December 1997. It was sold 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 vehicles to New Zealand and other countries.
2001–2003 (model NHW11)
The 2001–2003 Prius for the United States market was powered by a 1.5-liter 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. Japanese versions were faster but less powerful.
The engine and motor power were increased over the previous model. Air conditioning and a continuously variable transmission were standard equipment.
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. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) classified the car as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV).
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.
2004–2009 (model NHW20)
The Prius was completely redesigned into a mid-size liftback which is between the Corolla and the Camry in size, with redistributed mechanical and interior space that significantly increased the rear-seat legroom and luggage room to exceed that of many larger automobiles. The new model 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 ( C d ) of 0.26.
The Prius uses an all-electric A/C compressor for cooling to further minimize engine belt-driven engine accessories, an industry first. 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 stricter California 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 by California 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 and Bluetooth 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 by Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor, a joint venture with First Automobile Works.
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 that includes an elongated larger rear spoiler as well as larger, sharper-pointed 7-spoke 16" alloy wheels with plastic hub cap cover to protect it 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.
Crash testing
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 roll over 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:
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