Toyota Goes Electric with New Prius Hybrid Vehicle

23 August 2000

    CHICAGO - Eddie and Cindy Bedford of Naperville are doing their part to help 
the environment... by driving a car.  The Bedfords were selected by Toyota Motor 
Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (TMS) as a test family for the new Toyota Prius, the new 
gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle.

    "Cindy Bedford was an interesting choice," explains Toyota of Naperville
Internet Sales Manager, Jay Jones.  "She's a schoolteacher, and she used her
Prius to teach her students about advancements in new, environment-friendly
technology."

    The Prius retails for $20,450.  It can be purchased over the Internet by
logging on to http://www.toyota.com and following the link to prius.toyota.com .
Toyota dealerships handle the transactions.

    "We have a Prius available for test drives.  Toyota of Naperville has sold
5 so far," says Jones.  "The people who buy them love them."  TMS national
manager for Prius marketing, Mark Amstock, adds, "We've pointed out that the
vehicle dispels many of the myths of 'environmental vehicles' because it
requires no change of lifestyle for the owner."

    One thing owners would have to get used to is filling up their gas tanks
less frequently.  The Prius gets 45 miles per gallon on the highway, and 52
mpg in the city.  The vehicle maintains optimum fuel efficiency by using the
technologically-advanced, computer-actuated Toyota Hybrid System.  Based on
Japanese standards, this system automatically switches between gasoline and
electric power modes -- or a combination of both.  Capable of speeds over
80 mph, the Prius derives propulsion from a low-emission, highly-efficient
1.5 liter, 58 hp gasoline engine and a permanent magnet electric motor
producing a maximum 40 hp.  The Prius never needs charging.  It automatically
recharges its on-board battery pack during braking and deceleration, making it
ideal for urban stop-and-go driving.

    "Another benefit to driving a Prius is that you can get a tax deduction,"
says Jones.  "Because of the incredible fuel economy and ultra-low emissions,
the federal government allows a qualified clean air deduction up to $2,000."
    On sale in Japan since 1997, the Prius has been a sales success with more
than 25,000 vehicles on the road to date.  The Chicago region ranks third in
the nation for Prius orders.