First Generation Prius Hybrid Petrol-Electric Car

The Prius was the world's first mass-produced petrol-electric hybrid car. Developed as a result of Toyota’s 1992 Earth Charter, which set a corporate commitment to develop and market road vehicles with the lowest emissions possible, the Prius was designed as a reliable and efficient ultra-low emission vehicle (as defined by the American EPA).

Toyota launched the Prius in 1997. Over 120,000 of the first-generation model were sold, but at a price that was 50% of the cost of manufacturing the vehicle. The sedan body style of this model is rare in Europe, unlike the sleek lift-back version we are more used to seeing on our streets. Prius was chosen for the car’s name as it is Latin for before or prior.

The Prius was the world's first mass-produced petrol-electric hybrid car. Developed as a result of Toyota’s 1992 Earth Charter, which set a corporate commitment to develop and market road vehicles with the lowest emissions possible, the Prius was designed as a reliable and efficient ultra-low emission vehicle (as defined by the American EPA).

Toyota launched the Prius in 1997. Over 120,000 of the first-generation model were sold, but at a price that was 50% of the cost of manufacturing the vehicle. The sedan body style of this model is rare in Europe, unlike the sleek lift-back version we are more used to seeing on our streets. Prius was chosen for the car’s name as it is Latin for before or prior.