This car was one of the most influential vehicles in the world and has had a massive impact on some of the most popular cars on the road today.
The car that started the hybrid revolution is no more.
Toyota Australia has announced the Prius will be axed from its local line-up. The brand made the decision after only selling 26 so far this year and a further 77 in 2021.
The Prius hybrid was first launched in 2001 in Australia and spawned several variants, including the Prius C hatchback and Prius V seven-seater. All three models combined for more than 35,000 sales.
The petrol-electric car struck a chord with celebrities and the car buying public as it helped promote environmentally friendly petrol-electric cars.
The Prius never reached the heights of success in Australia compared to other countries – worldwide more than 1.2 million Priuses found a home.
It set the tone for the future success of Toyota’s hybrids, which are currently some of the best selling vehicles in the country.
In 2021 the Japanese brand sold more than 65,000 hybrids in Australia, this was led by the RAV4 Hybrid SUV and Corolla Hybrid small car.
The tech has been added to nearly every Toyota vehicle, with the HiLux ute and big LandCruiser and Prado 4WDs the only vehicles of note not using a petrol-electric combo.
Toyota Australia’s head of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley says these vehicles will continue the Prius’ legacy.
“When we launched the Prius in October 2001, it was difficult to predict the enormous impact that Toyota hybrids would eventually have on the Australian automotive landscape.” says Mr Hanley.
“The Prius blazed a trail by offering Australian motorists a more efficient and low-emissions motoring experience – traits that have resonated with buyers more and more over time,” he says.
Toyota is preparing to launch its first fully electric car and plans to introduce 30 EVs globally by 2030.
The Japanese firm is one of the few major car brands seriously investing in hydrogen power, too. A select number of Mirai Fuel Cell vehicles are being leased in Australia as the company evaluates their performance.
Originally published as Toyota cuts one of its most iconic cars
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