Not only has the Toyota Prius become the most popular hybrid car in the U.S., but the Prius also became the highest selling car overall in Japan in 2009, which marks the first time that a hybrid vehicle has clinched this top sales spot.
In 2009 three times the number of Toyota Prius models were sold compared to 2008, totally 208,876 units. About 10 percent of all new vehicles sold in Japan are hybrids, which is substantial compared to 2.8 percent of hybrids sold in the U.S. market.
As the Toyota Prius continues to be a hybrid sales leader around the world, a new generation of plug-in hybrid vehicles, such as the soon to be released Chevrolet Volt, are quickly heading to showrooms. Unfortunately, the plug-in version of the current Toyota Prius likely will not be available before the Volt.
Since the updated Toyota Prius reached showrooms in May 2009, it remained the highest selling vehicle in Japan month after month. Demand was so high that buyers found themselves on waiting lists just to get their hands on one. But the Prius’ blend of environmental and driving performance is not just what Japanese consumers crave as it continues to be the hybrid leader globally.
Although hybrids account for a smaller percentage of total auto sales here in the US, the news is no surprise to Toyota Midland dealers consistently see demand for the Prius everyday. With the improvements added for the 2010 model year, that demand is unlike to diminish anytime soon.
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Find Toyota Prius hybrid news on this blog.
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