Toyota hybrid sales top 2 million worldwide

Toyota Motor Corp. said global sales of its gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles have topped two million units in 12 years since the leading Japanese automaker released the Prius in 1997, the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. As of August 31, Prius sales reached 2,016,900 units, Toyota said. The company aims to boost its annual hybrid sales to one million units in early 2010, by expanding its line-up of such eco-friendly vehicles. In a move to achieve the goal, Toyota will launch the SAI, its second hybrid-only model after the Prius, in late December. The sedan is expected to be more expensive than the Prius, but cheaper than the HS 250h sold under Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus. Toyota currently sells 13 hybrid models in some 50 countries and regions, including Japan. (September 4, 2009)