"This was particularly important to me," says Chief Engineer Terai. "Firstly, because customers have become used to a wide variety of choice in colour and execution for most of their purchases, and it's time for the automotive industry to catch up. And, secondly, because the ability to have very much your own AYGO is key to achieving the desirability that I wanted. Knowing that your car is somehow unique will make it all the more special to you."

Interchangeable parts on the exterior (the X-shaped front grille, rear bumper insert, front fender garnish and alloy wheels) and the interior (the instrument panel, centre console, air vents, shift know and gear lever surround) can easily be changed within a limited amount of time, even after several years of ownership.

Concept

The challenge was to ensure that customer choice remained as clear and simply structured as possible. To accomplish this, customisation was built on 4 pillars: Diversity, Simplicity, Affordability and Availability.

Thanks to a straightforward range of 3 grades, 3 special edition vehicles (which will be renewed on a regular basis), and 2 exterior and interior packs, customers will have a clear understanding of the many possibilities this simple customisation structure gives them to create the car of their choice.

Via this structured approach, delivery of new AYGO can be ensured within a short lead time, regardless of the customer's personal, exterior and interior customisation preferences.

Grades

Standard equipment on new AYGO is generous. All cars feature an AM/FM audio system with USB and AUX connections, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Hill Start Assist, fitted as standard.

'x-play' lies at the heart of the new AYGO grade strategy. This version is the basis for all customisation, and also forms the foundation for the special editions 'x-cite', 'x-clusiv' and 'x-pure'. Standard exterior finishes feature a piano black x-shaped front grille and a set of 15 inch steel wheels. On board, standard equipment includes audio system control switches mounted on the leather steering wheel, a height adjustable driver's seat and a speed limiter.

Equipped with a large canvas top and 15 inch silver alloys, the stylish 'x-wave' sits at the top of the new AYGO grade ladder. The interior features body-coloured inserts and partial leather seats. The standard AYGO audio-system is upgraded to the x-touch multimedia system, with a touch-screen, rear view camera and MirrorLink smartphone connectivity.

The grade offer is completed with the 'x' entry grade. With a matt black front grille treatment, it features all the standard new AYGO equipment, and rides on 14 inch steel wheels.

Packs

Customers wanting to give their new AYGO that extra touch without resorting to piece-by-piece personalisation can opt for one of the Exterior and Interior Packs.

One pack allows customers to change the colour of the x-shaped front grille and the rear bumper insert. The other consists of stickers to highlight the lower portion of the car, at the front, rear and sides.

With the interior packs it's possible to change the colour of the air vents and gear lever surround or alter the finish of the instrument panel, centre console and gear lever surround.

A COMPELLING PACKAGE

Whether through its design, equipment, potential for personalisation or efficient powertrain, new AYGO has the power once again to make its mark on the A-segment. When sales commence in the summer of 2014, it will add an interesting new perspective for customers looking for clever packaging, style and, above all, fun.

Special Editions 

With its Pop Orange body colour, piano black details and 15 inch bi-spoke glossy black alloys, 'x-cite' is the enfant-terrible of the new AYGO range. The most extrovert variant, it adds a sporty touch to the range.

'x-clusiv' brings an additional level of sophistication to new AYGO through the combination of a Midnight Black body colour and Super Chrome detailing.

'x-pure' comes in Cool White with Super Chrome exterior detailing, for a stylish and minimalist execution.

Endless skies 

New AYGO 'x-wave' is fitted with a large, power-operated canvas top with a generous 785mm x 730mm opening just one example of the additional equipment designed to suit a more demanding A-segment customer.

x-touch — The world at your fingertips 

Taking affordable multimedia systems into the next decade, Toyota x-touch offers new AYGO owners an unprecedented combination of on-board multimedia and smartphone connectivity.

x-touch uses a 7" full-colour touch screen fully integrated within the instrument panel. It is the first system in the segment to have a rear view camera fitted as standard.

The Toyota x-touch main menu has a simple, 5 icon structure, offering at-a-glance identification of all functions for an intuitive user experience.

The 'Audio Source' menu groups together AM/FM radio, optional DAB reception, music streaming via Bluetooth, and audio via AUX and USB, with the facility to display album cover art.

When Audio is turned off, a large digital clock featuring retro, 'flip-over' numerals is displayed, adding a playful touch to the system design.

Via the 'Phone' function, the driver can access contacts, make phone calls and use an on-screen send/receive function for text messages.

A new MirrorLink function can be activated through the 'Connect' menu. Once a compatible smartphone is connected, MirrorLink will replicate the phone's screen and compatible apps on the x-touch display. Smartphone functions can then be easily accessed via the system touch-screen itself.

'Car Information' groups together all on-board vehicle information, with trip computer displays including remaining fuel range, instant and average fuel consumption, elapsed journey time and past journey records.

Finally, a wide selection of compatible apps allows the driver to access navigation and social media channels.

The new Prius features a revised exterior design, improved interior sensorial quality, enhanced instrumentation and a range of affordable multimedia and advanced navigation systems: Toyota Touch, Toyota Touch & Go Plus and Toyota Touch Pro.

The Prius remains a front-runner in the field of technological innovation. Each generation has introduced new, high technology features to the segment ahead of their time.

The third generation Prius, launched in 2009, showcases a Head-up Display, projecting useful information onto the base of the windscreen, including vehicle speed, the Eco Drive Monitor and the status of the optional Pre-Crash Safety and Active Cruise Control systems.

A steering-wheel mounted Touch Tracer display switch allows the driver to control the audio system, the air-conditioning and the ECO Drive Monitor without the need to look down, or remove his or her hands from the wheel.

A Pre-Crash Safety system, which incorporates Adaptive Cruise Control, uses sensors located under the front grille to predict possible collisions and triggers a series of intelligent safety features. The system will automatically pre-tension seatbelts, activate an audible, Brake Assist alarm and, if a collision is unavoidable, activate automatic braking. This lessens the potential impact and damage if a collision occurs.

Intelligent Parking Assist enables the Prius to automatically manoeuvre into the chosen parking spot. Using ultrasonic sensors and a rear view camera, the system calculates the steering movements needed to reverse into a parking space. The driver has only to control the vehicle speed.

The third generation Prius also introduces the world-first combination of a solar ventilation system and remote controlled air conditioning. The former prevents the interior air temperature from rising when the Prius is parked whilst, in conjunction, the air conditioning may be activated remotely, using the large capacity hybrid battery to cool the interior for up to three minutes before occupancy.

Only 2 years after its launch, nearly 100,000 third generation Prius have been sold in Europe. And it continues to appeal to customers choosing Toyota for the first time. During the first half of 2011, 50% of European Prius sales were to customers coming to the Toyota brand from one of our competitors[1].

The new Prius, presented at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, features a new, more dynamic frontal treatment. The revised, Under Priority front bumper design places the emphasis on an enlarged lower grille, in keeping with the new face of the next generation Toyota family. A new, clear lens headlamp design features a revised LED lamp configuration, and daytime running lights have been incorporated in the bumper.

The door mirrors, which include redesigned indicator lamps, now have a power-folding function and the rear combination lamps have been redesigned to make the car instantly recognisable in the dark. The optional solar roof can be now ordered with a choice of a new 15" wheel design or the existing 17" alloys.

The new Prius will be available in a range of 8 exterior colours, of which two, Bordeaux and Dark Blue, are new.

On board, the sensorial quality of the Prius interior has been raised through the availability of a new, black interior, the addition of silver inserts to the air vents and centre console, a hybrid-blue push start button and the availability of new, high grade seat upholstery.

The centre console includes a newly designed arm rest which opens vertically and has an integrated open-type cup holder finished with a silver ring. Inside the arm rest, the USB and AUX connections are now located at the front of the storage space.

The multi-information display has been improved with a 16 gradation-step Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD), which gives a clearer and more three-dimensional display.

Driving support functions now include an EV indicator lamp and two new functions: Monthly Fuel Consumption Record shows the average fuel consumption of both the current and 5 previous months. Eco Savings allows the user to set a target fuel consumption (e.g. that of his previous car) and current fuel price. When the actual fuel consumption is lower than the preset target value, the meter displays the amount of money the user has saved during the month.

The new Prius' Intelligent Parking Assist system has been improved to allow even more efficient and faster parking manoeuvres. It is now able to recognize parking spaces even when there are no parking bay lines. In addition, monitor displays and voice navigation will guide the driver to the necessary starting point for the system to be activated when space sufficient for parking is detected.

The new Prius offers customers a unique range of multimedia equipment choices. Fitted as standard, Toyota Touch, a 6.1 inch, full colour, touch-screen interface, represents a new approach to convenient, affordable, on-board multimedia systems. It includes a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with streaming facility, a USB port, the facility to display iPod album cover art, a rear view camera, access to vehicle settings[2] and an Energy Flow monitor.

Toyota Touch & Go Plus builds on the Toyota Touch multimedia unit by adding numerous new, advanced technology features to Toyota's remarkable touch-screen multimedia system.

Equipped with 11 speakers, it features advanced voice recognition for navigation address input, one-shot destination entry, music search and play, and phone contact search and call. It also incorporates email send and receive, a text-to-speech message readout facility, a calendar and, through a Gracenote database, a 'Play More Like This' music function.

Enhanced satellite navigation mapping incorporates 3D city modeling and landmarks, and an additional Traffic Patterns database showing the average speed on road segments en route depending on time, day and month. The system includes 3 years free map and software updating.

Toyota Touch Pro is the most sophisticated satellite navigation system yet offered by Toyota. This premium quality multimedia system features a high-resolution 7.0 inch touch-screen interface with a 'home' screen, displaying the most relevant air-conditioning, audio and navigation information.

With a choice of 20 menu and guidance languages, the system covers the whole of Europe. It offers a comprehensive range of advanced features including voice recognition, automatic map zoom at intersections, 3D city model and landmark graphics, an on-line Points of Interest search facility and the projection of supplementary driver's navigational guidance in the head-up display.

The system also provides access to SMS messages and emails, and includes a 'text-to-speech' message readout facility. A rear camera with dynamic guidance lines to help manoeuvring in confined spaces is fitted as standard.

Toyota Touch Pro also incorporates DAB/DAB+/DMB digital radio as standard, making it compatible with a new advanced Transport Protocol Export Group (TPEG) traffic information service[3]. Based on a digital communication channel, TPEG represents a significant improvement over existing, RDS-TMC analogue systems because it can carry far more information[4].

Not only will its pin-point accuracy enable better navigation routing, but it will also supplement a basic traffic event and flow service with information on parking availability and fuel prices, adding additional information including speed limits and weather thereafter.

Each of the new multimedia systems can be combined with a JBL Premium Sound System featuring GreenEdge technology (standard on Toyota Touch Pro) which helps to maximize energy efficiency by reducing operational power requirements by up to 80% of those of a conventional on-board audio system.

The new Prius benefits from increased body stiffness, thanks to extra welding spots and reinforcements. This has allowed for the suspension to be tuned in a more forgiving manner, without losing dynamic ability. In addition, redesigned bracing has increased steering column rigidity, improving steering feel.

Sound proofing has been added to further limit the intrusion of wind and driving noise into the interior.

The latest Prius returns 3.9 l/100 km in the combined cycle, and generates CO2 emissions of only 89 g/km. Still the lowest emitting vehicle in its segment.

With global sales passing 2.4 million units, the Prius maintains a peerless reputation for reliability, durability and low cost of ownership. In the 2012 TÜV Report on long-term reliability and vehicle quality (published by Germany's leading technical inspection association), the Prius continues to show the lowest number of defects, once again ranking No 1 overall this year. In the two- to three-year old category, just 1.9% of the models tested showed any signs of defect (down from 2.2% last year).

An important facet of the Toyota full hybrid vehicle market expansion, the new Prius 2012 will now become the first full hybrid vehicle available as a complete stand-alone model range — Prius, Prius+ and Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

The three models will significantly expand the Prius customer base and subsequent sales: the Prius+ targeting growing European families who require the space and flexibility of a larger, seven-seat vehicle, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid appealing to a new group of environmentally conscientious early adopters thanks to its extended EV range of 23 km.

Prius+ and Prius Plug-in Hybrid both go on sale throughout Europe in the summer of 2012.

[1] According to internal studies

[2] Vehicle settings availability varies per grade

[3] Depending on DAB and TPEG availability

[4] Market dependant

The world's first mass-produced full hybrid vehicle, the Prius was launched in Japan in 1997, and in Europe in 2000. While rival manufacturers are only now introducing a first hybrid variant to their existing model ranges, the stand-alone Prius has already entered its third generation.

With global sales now passing 2.1 million units, the Prius maintains a peerless reputation for reliability, durability and low cost of ownership.

The Prius has been Japan's top selling car for 20 consecutive months, and has beaten the country's all-time sales record for any model. The previous record was held by the Toyota Corolla which, in 1990, sold 300,008 units. Exceeding this figure by some margin, Prius 2010 sales totalled 315,669 units.

Prius has been consistently ahead of its time in addressing not only CO₂ emissions, but also air quality. Even operating in normal drive mode, it generates significantly lower NO_X emissions that any comparable diesel or petrol vehicle. In EV mode, it generates zero CO₂, NO_X and PM emissions.

Internal Toyota studies performed with the third generation Prius show that during a typical city trip, when the average speed is below 30 km/h, more than 25% of the journey takes place with the engine off, resulting in considerable reductions in average fuel consumption and emissions.

Customer perceptions of full hybrid technology have evolved significantly over the last decade. And Prius, initially appealing through its unique concept, environmentally-friendly credentials and advanced technology, is now widely recognised as a true mainstream vehicle.

With interest in hybrid technology growing fast, a recent Toyota survey shows that hybrid drive is now a clear third choice after conventional petrol and diesel engines. It is no longer seen merely as an 'alternative' power source, but is recognised as an entirely mainstream powertrain option.

Nonetheless, the Prius remains a front-runner in the field of technological innovation. Each generation has introduced new, high technology features to the segment ahead of their time.

Amongst numerous new technologies showcased in the third generation Prius are a world-first combination of a solar ventilation system and remote controlled air conditioning, a head-up display, Touch Tracer switchgear and a pre-crash safety system.

Since being named 2005 Car of the Year by European motoring journalists, the Prius — and its Hybrid Synergy Drive^® powertrain - has gone on to win numerous awards. Most recently, it proved the most reliable car in the 2-3 year age category and was awarded Goldene TÜV-Plakette, in the 2011 German Auto Bild TÜV Report.

Moreover, in a detailed examination of a new car's winter driving capabilities, it was the winner of the Finnish magazine Tekniikan Maailma's 2010 Cold Weather test. This award is a clear testament to improvements in the cold weather efficiency of its full hybrid powertrain.

Prius will continue to lead Toyota's European full hybrid deployment strategy. With other Toyota HSD models introducing the benefits of full hybrid drive to a broadening customer base, the Prius will remain a showcase for new technologies and further advances in HSD powertrain design.

Prius Plug-in Hybrid — The Best of Both Worlds

The further development of electric cars as urban commuters is currently handicapped by a number of factors. On the technical side, inappropriately large, heavy and costly batteries are required to offer a satisfactory range. From the customer perspective, no adequate recharging infrastructure yet exists, and range anxiety remains a concern.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid addresses each of these issues, making it the most feasible short-to mid-term solution to the electrification of powertrains.

It offers customers a seamless transition from the Toyota full hybrid driving experience. Thanks to its alternative, on-board power source, it can be used as a conventional full hybrid beyond the electric driving range, and recharged from a domestic source when convenient.

The Prius Plug-in Hybrid represents a significant expansion of the Hybrid Synergy Drive^® system's capabilities. It fulfils the specific needs of urban-based customers with a significantly extended, fully-electric EV driving range for shorter journeys, while the hybrid powertrain's petrol engine awards the vehicle true long range capability, as in the standard Prius.

Its compact, high energy density lithium-ion battery pack gives the Prius Plug-in Hybrid a range of approximately 20 km at speeds up to 100 km/h when driven in EV mode. Rapid charging is a further lithium-ion asset the battery pack can be fully recharged from a standard, 230V household outlet in just 1.5 hours.

The vehicle's fuel efficiency is significantly enhanced by its extended EV range. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid returns a remarkably low fuel consumption figure of only 2.6 l/100 km — a reduction of 30% over that of the Prius. Furthermore, CO₂ emissions have also fallen to an unprecedented low of just 59 g/km.

With the goal of bringing the Prius Plug-in Hybrid to the market globally in 2012, some 600 vehicles are already involved in limited lease projects worldwide —one third of them in 18 European countries. The lease projects are designed to assess every aspect of real-world use, and verify the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid's overall environmental and technological performance before it goes on sale in the second half of 2012.

European lease project customer feedback is very encouraging. A majority of surveyed users have reported that the Prius Plug-in Hybrid exceeds their expectations, in many cases significantly. With the most frequent journeys of 50% of customers being less than 20 km in length, and 82% of them achieving a real life EV range of over 15 km, two thirds of daily users are fully satisfied with the vehicle's EV driving range.

Customers find the car easy to use, regardless of whether or not they have previous experience of full electric drive. 84% of them recharge the Prius Plug-in Hybrid at least once a day, and over 80% of them find the charging process simple, and are happy with the 1.5 hour charging time. Wherever possible, users prefer to charge the vehicle in a private location.

Since the Prius Plug-in Hybrid may be driven as a full hybrid once its maximum EV range has been reached, users report no feelings of range anxiety whatsoever. 75% of them find that they naturally drive in a more eco-friendly manner, 80% comment on the high comfort levels of PHV driving, and every user enjoys the silence and relaxation of driving in EV mode.

Prius+, the First Full Hybrid Seven-seater in Europe

Making its World debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show, the Prius+ represents a further expansion of the Prius family, broadening the appeal of the Toyota full hybrid's environmental credentials and advanced technology to the widest customer base yet.

Meeting the needs of growing, environmentally conscientious European families, the Prius+ is the first car to offer European customers the versatility of seven seats combined with a full hybrid powertrain.

As its name suggests, the Prius+ provides a significant increase in space and passenger accommodation, with three, independent, split/folding second row seats and a

50:50 split/folding third tier. Yet it sacrifices none of the traditional attributes found in the Prius DNA, such as the lowest fuel consumption of any seven-seater on the market.

On sale in the first half of 2012, the Prius+ is a new vehicle, designed from the ground up. Its exterior design hallmarks it as an evolution, rather than merely an elongated version, of the standard Prius.

The sleek, bold styling features an extended roofline with an integral, panoramic sunroof, retaining the iconic Prius triangle silhouette and awarding the Prius+ a low Cd 0.29 drag coefficient. The trapezoidal front incorporates sharp-edged headlamps, turbulence-minimising aero-corners and an enlarged lower grille for improved aerodynamics and engine cooling. Distinctive rear styling is highlighted by a practical, top hinged tailgate, intricate combination lamp clusters and a roof spoiler to further improve air flow.

The Prius+ showcases the latest generation of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain. It features the first lithium-ion battery pack to be incorporated within a non-plug-in Toyota full hybrid.

First appearing in the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the lithium-ion battery pack's compact dimensions make it ideal for installation underneath the centre console between the driver and the front passenger, offering no compromise to the seven-seat passenger accommodation or loadspace of the MPV-style interior.

As in the standard Prius, the Prius+ features three 'on-demand' drive modes to increase the capabilities of the full hybrid powertrain: An EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and emissions. An ECO mode maximises hybrid system efficiency and fuel economy. And a POWER mode boosts system performance.

The Prius Family — Expanding to Meet the Needs of a Broader Customer Base

Maintaining its environmental and technological leadership for over a decade now, the Prius remains the most advanced mass produced full hybrid vehicle on the market.

Having introduced the world to the benefits of Toyota's remarkable Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, Prius will now become the first full hybrid vehicle available as a complete, stand-alone model range.

The three models will significantly expand the Prius customer base and subsequent sales the Prius Plug-in Hybrid appealing to a new group of urban-based customers, the Prius+ targeting growing, environmentally conscientious European families who require the space and flexibility of a larger, seven-seat vehicle.

The world's first mass-produced full hybrid vehicle, the Prius was launched in Japan in 1997, and in Europe in 2000. While rival manufacturers are only now introducing a first hybrid variant to their existing model ranges, the stand-alone Prius has already entered its third generation.

With global sales now passing 2.3 million units, the Prius maintains a peerless reputation for reliability, durability and low cost of ownership.

Voted Car of the Year by European, Japanese and American motoring journalists, the Prius has won numerous highly prestigious awards. Its globally recognised Hybrid Synergy Drive® is one of the most successful powertrains in the history of the International Engine of the Year awards, with a total of 11 titles to date.

Prius has been consistently ahead of its time in addressing not only CO₂ emissions, but also air quality. Even operating in normal drive mode, it generates significantly lower NO_X emissions that any comparable diesel or petrol vehicle. In EV mode, with a range of up to two kilometres, it generates zero CO₂, NO_X and PM emissions.

Internal Toyota studies performed with the third generation Prius show that during a typical city trip, when the average speed is below 30 km/h, more than 25% of the journey takes place with the engine off, resulting in considerable reductions in average fuel consumption and emissions.

The last decade has witnessed a fall in the fuel consumption of its Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain of more than 23% and a reduction in CO₂ emissions of almost 26%. Yet system power has simultaneously increased by 30%. The latest Prius returns 3.9 l/100 km in the combined cycle, and generates CO₂ emissions of only 89 g/km.

Customer perceptions of full hybrid technology have also evolved significantly over the last decade. First generation Prius owners were won over by the car's unique concept and technological innovation. Second generation owners are enthusiastic early adopters of niche technologies, remaining passionate about the Prius product concept regardless of the opinions of others.

Third generation customers, however, recognise the Prius as a true mainstream vehicle with on-road performance and dynamic abilities which bear comparison with conventional D-segment competitors.

The new Prius features a new, more dynamic frontal treatment. The revised front bumper design places the emphasis on an enlarged lower grille, in keeping with the new face of the next generation Toyota family. A new, clear lens headlamp design features a revised LED lamp configuration, and daytime running lights have been incorporated in the bumper.

The door mirrors now have a power-folding function, the rear combination lamps have been redesigned and the new Prius is also equipped with new 15" wheel design.

On board, the sensorial quality of the Prius interior has been raised through a change of colour scheme from dark grey to black, the addition of silver inserts and an upholstery upgrade.

The centre console design has been revised, and the push start button colour changed to hybrid blue. The multi-information display has been improved with a 16 gradation-step Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) which gives a clearer and more three-dimensional display, and driving support functions now include an EV indicator lamp.

The Prius remains a front-runner in the field of technological innovation. Each generation has introduced new, high technology features to the segment ahead of their time.

The third generation Prius showcased a head-up display, Touch Tracer switchgear and a Pre-Crash Safety system. It was also equipped with the world-first combination of a solar ventilation system and remote controlled air conditioning. The solar powered ventilation prevents the interior air temperature from rising whilst the Prius is parked. In conjunction, the air conditioning may be activated remotely, using the large capacity hybrid battery to cool the interior for up to three minutes before vehicle occupancy.

The new Prius benefits from the addition of a unique range of advanced and affordable multimedia equipment choices being introduced to every vehicle in the new Prius family Toyota Touch, Toyota Touch & Go Plus, the new Toyota Touch Pro, and a new JBL Matrix Premium Sound System with GreenEdge energy-saving technology (see Prius Plug-in Hybrid Chapter for full details).

Prius will continue to lead Toyota's European full hybrid deployment strategy. With other Toyota HSD models introducing the benefits of full hybrid drive to an every broadening customer base, the Prius will remain a showcase for new technologies and further advances in HSD powertrain design.

The Prius' unique Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD) powertrain established a major industry milestone in sustainable mobility, and its name, meaning 'to go before' in Latin, quickly became symbolic of a car that was launched even before environmental awareness became a mainstream social concern.

Maintaining its environmental and technological leadership for over a decade, the multiple award-winning Prius is the world's best-selling hybrid with over 2.3 million units sold. Prius is now more popular than ever, and the third generation model, launched in 2009, has already sold over 1 million units.

Since 1997, Toyota Motor Corporation has sold more than 3.3 million full hybrid vehicles worldwide. This represents more than 80% of all global hybrid sales, and gives the company an unquestionable lead in the drive towards sustainable mobility. As concrete, tangible proof of HSD's environmental record, these sales have already contributed to a reduction in automotive emissions of some 21 million tonnes of CO₂.

Hybrid Synergy Drive® has been specifically designed to be modular and adaptable to diverse energy sources. Its application in the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and Toyota's ongoing research into Electric Vehicles (EV) and Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles (FCHV), offers the potential for even greater reductions in vehicle emissions in the immediate future.

Toyota's clear lead in hybrid technology has recently been reinforced by an independent study which establishes the company as being the most widely recognised amongst consumers as a manufacturer of hybrid and electric vehicles.

In a joint survey by Automotive Business Intelligence company EurotaxGlass's and UK-based marketing and research institute Harris Interactive, some 30% of those questioned demonstrated an interest in electric or hybrid vehicles, with Toyota standing out in all markets as the company with the highest brand awareness.

When asked to name an electric or hybrid brand, some 15% of survey participants cited Toyota, with only 6% naming the closest rival hybrid manufacturer. Moreover, Toyota's environmental flagship proves to be the single best known electric or hybrid model, with 16% of those questioned being aware of the award-winning Prius, and only 6% naming the closest rival vehicle.

Reinforcing Toyota's belief in the strong potential of the full hybrid technology, the study finds that European consumers are far more open to alternative powertrains than the latter's current market share might suggest.

Pre-empting this conclusion, the recent launch of the Auris HSD marked the start of a significant expansion in the company's full hybrid model range, which will see the launching of some 10 Toyota hybrids by 2015. Toyota aims to offer most of its European models with a Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain derivative as early as possible in the 2020s.

One important facet of this expansion in HSD vehicles, the 2012 Prius will now become the first full hybrid vehicle available as a complete, stand-alone model range — Prius, Prius+ and Prius Plug-in Hybrid. Respective CO₂ emissions of 89 g/km, 99 g/km and just 49 g/km1 represent unprecedented environmental credentials from an entire model range.

The three models will significantly expand the Prius customer base and subsequent sales the Prius Plug-in Hybrid appealing to a new group of environmentally conscientious early adopters, the Prius+ targeting growing European families who require the space and flexibility of a larger, seven-seat vehicle.