Toyota to launch Prius hybrid mini-van in Japan

Tentatively called the Prius Space Concept, Toyota announced that it will launch a mini-van version of its popular gas-electric hybrid vehicle in Japan this spring. The new mini-van will be a seven-seater and will cost approximately US$26,165. In the United States, the vehicle is called Prius V. In Japan, there will be another larger version with five seats but a larger interior. This larger vehicle will have a lithium ion battery located between the driver and the front passenger seat. Both versions will feature 1.8 liter gasoline engines and a fuel efficiency of 30 kilometers (km) per liter. Sales of Prius in Japan have slowed recently due to the end of a government subsidy for environmentally friendly vehicles. Worldwide, Toyota sales reflect the introduction of competitive electric cars, such as Mitsubishi’s IMieV and Nissan’s Leaf. Honda is also entering the market with a hybrid station wagon called the Fit Shuttle. (March 11, 2011)