Plug-in Prius hybrid launched

Takeshi Uchiyamada, known as the ‘father of the Prius’ said he expects the latest plug-in hybrids to catch on with consumers much more rapidly than the original Prius at the launch of the second-generation Prius PHV in Japan. "Environmental awareness has become a bigger issue today than it was 20 years ago, and demand for environmentally conscious products has increased," Uchiyamada told reporters at the Prius PHV launch. Toyota expects to sell up to 60,000 plug-in hybrids a year, with over half the sales coming from the Japanese market. However, a similar target was set for the first-generation Prius PHV, which has only sold 75,000 units since its 2012 launch. This was due to its limited electric range of 26.4km. The latest PHV has a range of 68.2km, according to Japanese standards. The plug-in hybrid was launch as the Prius Prime in the US late last year and will be introduced to the European market in March. Used first-generation Prius PHVs became available in New Zealand last year through the Toyota Signature Class programme, and there are currently no plans to release the second-generation PHV in the country.