Triple Crown For Prius

Double category wins for the third year at International Engine of the Year awards

For the third year in succession, the 1.5-litre petrol engine of the Hybrid Synergy Drive has won best 1.4-1.8-litre engine in the International Engine of the Year awards and has also been named ‘Best Fuel Economy’ for its application in the Toyota Prius. Hybrid Synergy Drive has won both categories every year since it was launched in the second generation Prius in 2004.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive was a decisive winner in both categories and drew praise from the international jury for “a brilliant technical achievement”. Other judges also noted the success of the Hybrid Synergy Drive in delivering “real world fuel economy”.

Thierry Dombreval, Toyota Motor Marketing Europe’s Executive Vice President and COO, said: “At a time when energy prices are soaring, Toyota’s commitment to Hybrid Synergy Drive® is receiving further acknowledgment with this prestigious award. This encourages us in our belief that the Toyota Prius is a real world solution for customers who want better fuel economy and low CO2 together with driving pleasure.”

In addition to the record-breaking third year of outright wins in these two categories, the Toyota Prius has also set another record with no fewer than 11 wins over its two generations:

TOYOTA PRIUS
International Engine of the Year Awards

• 2006 – Best Fuel Economy, Best 1.4-1.8-litre Engine
• 2005 – Best Fuel Economy, Best 1.4-1.8-litre Engine
• 2004 – International Engine of the Year 2004, Best New Engine, Best Fuel Economy, Best 1.4-1.8-litre Engine
• 2000 – Best Eco-Friendly
• 1999 – Best Eco-Friendly, Best 1.4-1.8-litre Engine

Since 1997, Toyota sold 613,300 hybrid vehicles around the world. In Europe, Prius sales have considerably increased, jumping from 8,136 units in 2004 to 18,886 in 2005 (+132 per cent), and are forecast to exceed 25,000 this year.

ENDS

Notes to Editors: the results of the International Engine of the Year Awards 2006 were decided by a panel of 61 automotive journalists from 29 countries.

The awards have been held since 1999 and reward the best engines available on the market. Every engine in mass-production installed in a production car on sale in more than one country is eligible. There are 12 categories to distinguish engines by size, fuel economy and performance.