Toyota Prius 1997
Prius was first sold in Japan in 1997 and when it is available at all Toyota dealerships in Japan, making it the first hybrid car that is mass produced in the world. The car is then introduced worldwide in 2000 When the Prius is sold in 80 countries and regions, with the largest market remains Japan and the United States. In May 2008, Prius sales worldwide basis cumulative reach 1 million units, and in September 2010 reached 2 million units. As of October 2012, a total of 2.8 million Prius units have been sold worldwide. As of September 2011, the third-generation Prius, which was launched in 2009 has sold more than 1 million units worldwide.
Prius is Latin meaning "before". Prius (model years 2000-2003) certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (English: Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, SULEV) by the California Air Resources Board (California Air Resources Board, CARB). While the model 2004nya certified as a Zero Emission Vehicle Most Advanced Technology (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle, AT-PZEV).
In 2011, Toyota adds to Prius lineup with the extended family of variants of the Prius V, a wagon hatchback, as well as the Prius c subcompact hatchback form. Toyota also sells a hybrid version of the Prius plug-in in 2012 total sales of all units of the Prius until October 2012 reached 3.3 million units, 71.5% of the total sales of hybrid cars Toyota and Lexus combined (4.6 million units) since their launch in 1997
Toyota Prius by Toyota which produced is divided into several generations as below
The first generation (XW10; 1997-2003)
Toyota Prius (XW10)
In 1995, Toyota launched a hybrid concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show, with a series of tests which they did the following year. The first-generation Prius, with the code NHW10, was launched on December 10, 1997 at that time, the Prius is only available for the Japanese market, although there are some units that are imported into the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. this makes the launch of the Prius gasoline-electric hybrid cars were first mass produced in the world. The first-generation Prius body design was created by a California designer who was elected after winning competition from the Toyota design studios the other.
In the United States, the model was first sold NHW11 coded models. At that time, the Prius is positioned between the Corolla and Camry. At that time, the selling price of US $ 19,995. While the Prius has air conditioning and electric power steering as the completeness of the standard. The Prius is a hybrid car both produced in the American market after the Honda Insight. Battery Prius reasonably sized making large items that can be loaded capacity is limited.
Sales in Europe began in September 2000 In Australia alone, the Prius was introduced in the event the Sydney Motor Show in October 2001, though sales were not satisfactory to the model NHW20 (XW20) was launched.
The second generation (XW20; 2003-2009)
Toyota Prius (XW20)
In 2003, the Prius returned redesigned with new models as the automobile-sized mid-size liftback which is positioned between the Corolla and Camry. With mechanical components reorganized, the interior space is now much more widely available. Rear passenger leg room becomes more spacious with larger luggage. The second-generation Prius also has a more environmentally friendly engine and more aerodynamic body (with air friction coefficient of only 0.26. The scaling of this car, which led by chief engineer Shigeyuki Hori, led to 530 patents for this car.
The second-generation Prius uses the air conditioning compressor all-electric, the first time in the automotive industry. Combined with a smaller NiMH batteries darn lighter, this car is more economical and more powerful than the previous generation Prius. In the United States market , the Prius battery is guaranteed up to 2004 output of 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 10 years for the state of California and 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years in other states. The warranty for hybrid components is 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years old.
In 2005 to 2009, the second generation Prius manufactured by FAW-Toyota in the city Changcun for the Chinese market. According to available data, there are 2,152 Prius sold in 2006 and 414 units in 2007 Prius sales were low due to the Chinese market selling price is expensive, about $ 15,000 more expensive than in Japan and the United States because of high taxes and the number of parts that must be imported. In early March 2008, Toyota cut the price of the Prius to 8%, or about $ 3,000 to CN ¥ 259.800 (USD $ 36.500). Another reason that makes the Prius sales are very low public acceptance is still low and increased competition. Honda Civic Hybrid also exported to China starting in 2007
The third generation (XW30; 2009-present)
Toyota Prius (XW30)
The third-generation Toyota Prius launched at the North American International Auto Show 2009 in January. The sale starts on the Japanese market on 18 May 2009 Toyota also discount the price of the Prius in Japan of 2,331 million yen to 2.05 million yen making it more competitive to compete with the Honda Insight. The latest generation Prius body is also more aerodynamic with the air friction coefficient dropped to 0.25. This figure is still debated by General Motors because of the results they can for the model with 17-inch tires is about 0.3, from tests conducted in wind tunnels belonging to GM, Ford, and Chrsyler.
Prius fuel efficiency according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is 50 mpg-US (4.7 L / 100 km; 60 mpg-imp). Prius is the most fuel efficient car sold in America in 2009, based on these figures.
The Prius uses a 1.8L petrol engine that produces 98 hp (73 kW), and added power from the electric motor, the total Prius generates 134 hp (100 kW). Volume expansion cylinder engine produces greater torque, reducing engine speeds can eventually save fuel consumption at high speeds. In addition, the presence of an electric water pump (electric water pump), the Prius engine is the first automotive engine that does not require accessory belt, so that also plays a role in improving fuel efficiency. The electric motor and all the other hybrid components made smaller and more light, as well as disc brakes (disc brakes) were used in place of drum brakes (drum brakes).