May 15th, 2008 by Liz Opsitnik
The Toyota Prius, which was first sold in Japan in 1997, is the world’s first gas-electric hybrid vehicle to hit the one million mark in sales.
Toyota says that 1.028 million Prius vehicles have been sold globally as of the end of April. The Prius is sold in 40 countries and regions.
The car, once popular with celebrities and eco-conscious drivers, is now gaining popularity because of high gas prices and concerns about pollution and the environment.
Toyota said introduction of the Prius has resulted in 4.5 million metric tons less of global warming gases compared with having standard gas engine cars on the road instead of the hybrid, reports the Detroit News.
If you are planning on buying a Prius though, expect to look a little harder than you would for a different model. Prius vehicles are flying off the lots and some dealers even have waiting lists for them.
U.S. dealer supplies of Priuses are at the lowest levels since 2006 right now. Expect to wait about two weeks for your Prius hybrid, due to waiting lists and a low supply.
Two weeks doesn’t seem that long to wait, considering the Prius is the world’s best-selling hybrid, according to the Detroit News. Prius sales increased 67 percent last month, even though it is one of the models in the Toyota line-up receiving a price increase.
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