This is the 14th month in the running for the Toyota Prius to be declared the best selling car in Japan.  Sales of this hybrid car in its third generation maxed 31,876 units in June and the Prius has been maintaining its first position for the last 14 months.  Worldwide sales have reached 1.79 million and the Prius is currently the top selling hybrid to hit the global car market.

If the waiting lists for the Toyota Prius are to be believed, the demand is far greater than the rate of supply in Japan.  The waiting period is as high as three months.  There was a brief period in 2009 when the top position of the Prius (at the time in its second generation) was usurped by the launch of the Honda Insight.  The Prius was introduced in 1997 and since the launch of the third generation, it has taken over the first position in the highest sales of its units and it seems like it is here to stay for a long time to come, with its never ending waiting lists.

The Toyota Prius has won the highest award against its rival the Honda Insight at the New York Auto Show, and in Japan, has also been declared the Car of the Year 2010.  The car has a 37 HP electric motor running in the Atkinson cycle and an engine with a 99 HP running at 5,200 rpm with a 105 lb-ft at 4,000 torque.

One of the reasons attributed to its high sales is the tax breaks and the special subsidy given by the Japanese government for cars that are environmentally friendly.  Japanese customers also are leaning towards buying hybrid vehicles over the others, which is helping boost sales of the Toyota Prius.

There were some issues over quality with Toyota in Japan recalling almost 92,000 units of its Crown and Lexus models since October.  Some Prius units too were recalled for issues relating to braking software problems, sticking gas pedals and floor mats that were defective.  In spite of things looking bleak, Toyota is feeling optimistic with the high demand for the Prius and is looking forward to a long stint in the market for hybrid cars.

If you are looking for a new or used Toyota Prius, please get in touch with your requirements.  We feel it would be a great investment not only for yourself but for contributing to pollution free society.

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