Sales of the consummate gasoline/electric Toyota Prius hybrid reached a milestone mark of more than one million worldwide, Toyota announced today. Since the Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, then in Europe and North America in 2000, total cumulative sales through April 2008 hit 1,028,000 units, with—believe it or not—most units being sold in North America.
Toyota says it believes that, compared to emissions of straight gasoline-powered vehicles, this many Prius hybrids on our earth’s roadways have done their eco-friendly part, resulting in a 4.5 million ton reduction in CO2 emissions—that nasty stuff environmentalists and other people who like to breathe believe to be a big cause of global warming.
In their quest to build and sell even more fuel efficient vehicles, Toyota also offers other hybrids, such as the Camry and Highlander, and various Lexus models, like the GS 450h and LS 600h sedans and RX 400h luxury crossover SUV. They’re not alone in their efforts, though, as more and more manufacturers are aiming to do the same with their own brand of gasoline/electric hybrid technology, from compact cars to midsize sedans and SUVs.
