Toyota Prius Sales Surpass the 3 Million Milestone

Since being introduced in 2000, the Toyota Prius has become the benchmark for all hybrids in the U.S. market, with class-leading fuel efficiency and strong sales. So strong, in fact, that Toyota recently announced that 3 million Prius models have been sold worldwide, as the third generation of the vehicle has taken demand to new levels. Much of that success comes from the fact that the Toyota Prius is no longer a single nameplate, but almost a class of its own with four different models for drivers to consider.

While hybrid vehicles made up a niche market at the turn of the century, the Toyota Prius played an important role in changing drivers' perspectives and expectations. Sales rose over time as the Prius proved to be reliable and more fuel efficient than other hybrids on the market. The third-generation Prius, the most successful ever, is currently the third best-selling Toyota vehicle behind only the Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla, and it remains the top-selling hybrid in the United States. The Prius moved more than 21,000 U.S. units last month, up 10 percent over June 2012.

"Toyota has continually refined the gas-electric powertrain of the Prius, and today it breaks the 50-mpg barrier, meaning it can quickly bring savings to new-car buyers," said Terry Milligan, general manager of Landers McLarty Toyota, a Tennessee Toyota dealer located in Fayetteville. "Even with much more competition from other manufacturers, Toyota is still pushing the boundaries of hybrid technology, and the milestone of 3 million sales is a reflection of how well the Prius is meeting drivers' demands."

Beyond the original Prius Liftback, the expanded lineup for Toyota's leading hybrid now includes the Prius c, Prius v and Prius Plug-in. The smaller and more affordable Toyota Prius c is aimed at urban drivers in need of a compact car, and it returns up to 53 mpg in the city. Meanwhile, families can opt for the larger and more spacious Prius v, a wagon version that is comparable to a compact minivan but much more fuel efficient at 44 mpg in the city. For buyers who want to use even less gas, the Prius Plug-in hybrid can be charged from any standard outlet and pushes fuel economy to an estimated 95 MPGe combined in electric mode.

About Landers McLarty Toyota:

Landers McLarty Toyota made customer satisfaction their mission nearly 35 years ago, and consistently exceeds customer expectations in Toyota sales and service. They have thrived in Fayetteville's hometown atmosphere, where character and reputation really do make a difference. Landers McLarty's top sales, finance and service experts endeavor to make customers' buying and owning experiences comfortable and positive. Toyota fans can browse their inventory online at www.landersmclartytoyota.com or visit their Fayetteville, Tennessee, dealership in person at 2970 Huntsville Highway. The dealership can also be reached by phone at 855-673-2306 and found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/landersmclartytoyota.