Toyota Helps Strengthen the Brand's Position in California With Five New Models That Will Enhance the Automaker's Industry-Leading Average Fuel Efficiency

TORRANCE, Calif., March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As California drivers grapple with some of the highest average fuel prices in the nation, Toyota, already the most fuel-efficient full-line auto manufacturer in the United States, has strengthened its portfolio of efficient cars with five recently introduced vehicles that offer an average combined fuel economy of 44 mpg.

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The Prius Plug-in (EPA rated 50 mpg combined and 95 MPGe), offering extended electric range and eligibility for the State of California's High Occupancy Vehicle sticker (HOV lane), is making its way to first customers in the 15 launch states. The Prius c (EPA rated 50 mpg combined), with a starting MSRP of $18,950, will be on sale nationally March 12. The Scion iQ (EPA rated 37 mpg combined), Camry Hybrid (EPA rated 40.5 mpg combined for LE and XLE trim levels), and Prius v (EPA rated 42 mpg combined) all arrived to market in late 2011.

The proliferation of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive has helped the overall efficiency of Toyota's vehicle fleet while the iconic Prius has driven consumer awareness of the technology's benefits. Toyota hybrid technology has been particularly well-embraced by consumers in the Los Angeles area where 64% of all hybrid vehicles registered are Toyotas.  In fact, last year the Prius was the fourth best-selling vehicle in Southern California despite supply issues prompted by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

These five new models arrive to market with Toyota already enjoying a 12-percent improvement in Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and a 10-percent improvement in U.S. truck CAFE over the past five years.  As the State's average fuel prices are expected to climb, California dealers will be poised with an excellent supply of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive equipped models (especially the Prius Family models) to meet rising consumer demand in a region where 8 of the top 10 Prius selling dealerships are located. 

These five new Toyota and Scion models represent a broad range of leading-edge drivetrain and engineering technologies that help them achieve a high level of efficiency.  Hybrid Synergy Drive, extended electric vehicle range, generous use of lightweight high-strength steel, a focus on aerodynamics, and the use of efficient Continuously Variable Transmissions are among the measures employed that help these new vehicles attain a high level of fuel efficiency. 

According to the EPA class summary found on U.S. Department of Energy's www.fueleconomy.gov website, Toyota offers several models that achieve 2012 Best-in Class fuel economy EPA ratings (excluding PHEV and pure EV vehicles).  The Prius c leads the EPA's compact classification with 50 mpg combined.  The Prius Liftback's combined 50 mpg leads the EPA's midsize category, and the midsize station wagon class is led by the 42 mpg combined offered by the Prius v.  These segment classifications are determined by the EPA's measurement of a vehicle's interior volume.

Toyota and Scion branded vehicles also represent six of the site's Top 10 EPA-rated Fuel Sippers for 2012 (excluding PHEV or pure EV products), and occupy four spots in that list's top five.  Toyota family vehicles found on the U.S Department of Energy's Fueleconomy.gov Top Ten EPA-rated Fuel Sippers include:

• 2012 Prius c (ranked 1st, 53 city, 46 hwy)
• 2012 Prius (ranked 2nd, 51 city, 48 hwy)
• 2012 Prius v (ranked 4th, 44 city, 40 hwy)
• Toyota Camry Hybrid LE (ranked 7th, 43 city, 39 hwy)
• Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE (ranked 8th, 40 city, 38 hwy)
• 2012 Scion iQ  (ranked 10th, 36 city, 37 hwy)

Prius was named the Best Overall Value of the year for 2012 (Passenger Car category) by IntelliChoice, and continues to be the world's best-selling fuel-efficient vehicle, with more than 3.5 million vehicles sold worldwide.  Since its U.S. introduction in 2000, Prius – when compared to the average car – has saved American consumers an estimated $2.93 billion in fuel costs*, 1.1 billion gallons of gas* and 16.1 million tons of CO2 emissions*.

* Based on average EPA estimated combined mpg rating of Prius versus all MY 2001 to 2011 cars, 10,000 miles/year, and average U.S. gas prices including taxes. Fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage may vary. US Energy Information Administration

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SOURCE Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.