The Toyota Prius [ˈpri.əs] is a hybrid electric midsize car
developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The Prius
first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced
hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the 2008 Prius is the most fuel efficient car sold in the U.S.[4] According to the UK Department for Transport, the Prius is tied with the diesel MINI Cooper D as the second least CO2-emitting vehicle behind the Volkswagen Polo 1.4 TDI.[5]
The Prius has won several awards from magazines, engineering groups, and consumer groups.
