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Toyota tests environment-friendly Prius on local roads

01/22/2008

Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. (TMPC) is taking the lead in efforts to protect the environment with its latest automotive products and corporate social responsibility projects.

As part of such efforts, TMPC is bringing the world-renowned environment-friendly hybrid car Toyota Prius to the country.

Recipient of prestigious international automotive awards, the Toyota Prius is known globally for its fuel economy capabilities and advanced technology. The car’s capability to use electricity to accelerate enables it to significantly reduce the amount of emitted pollution and maximize fuel efficiency.

The Prius is powered by a combination of electric and conventional internal combustion engines. Either the engine or the battery or both can power the vehicle, depending on conditions. This feature gives the vehicle the acceleration and power of a standard automobile, which has a larger gasoline-burning engine.

The Toyota Prius has an on-board computer that ensures its engine runs under the most efficient conditions.

The Prius is one of the first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicles in the world. The vehicle, which first went on sale in Japan in 1997, has won numerous awards in Europe, Japan, and North America for its state-of-the-art automotive technology.

Units of the Prius were recently brought to the Philippines so that the cars can be tested under local road and traffic conditions. Prominent personalities from the government, business community, media, and entertainment industry were tapped to test drive the Prius and give feedback regarding its performance and features.

The ongoing road tests of the Prius have so far generated positive feedback. Toyota’s hybrid car was commended for its reduced fuel-consumption technology and its capability to reduce pollution emitted to the environment.

Hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius have a significant impact on the environment. These vehicles have been proven to reduce air pollution emissions by reducing fuel consumption. Driving tests indicate that total air pollution of carbon monoxide are significantly cleaner for hybrid cars compared to conventional vehicles.