Max Mosley Invests In Hybrid Technology
FIAPresident Max Mosley has just taken delivery of a new generation Toyota Prius, the world’s most successful hybrid car. Mr Mosley, who, through his work withFIAand Euro NCAP, has been promoting the very safest motor vehicles, is now the proud owner of one that is also the very cleanest.
Toyota’s new Prius combines a powerful 1.5-litre petrol engine with an efficient electric motor to address both the need to protect the environment and the desire of drivers for performance. The seamless interchange between these two power sources – Toyota’s revolutionary, Hybrid Synergy Drive® – plus a host of other innovative features mean that the Prius is not only the most technically advanced but it is also the cleanest car on sale anywhere in the world.
Speaking about his decision to buy the car, Max said:
“I am always very interested in developments in automotive technology and the introduction of hybrids onto the market is one of the most significant developments of recent years.
“With the new Prius,Toyotahas developed a mainstream car which solves one of the industry’s technological conundrums: how to deliver low emissions and outstanding fuel economy without compromising driving performance. I was therefore very keen to buy one for my own use as soon as they became available in theUKand it has surpassed my expectations.”
The second generation Prius is a blend of futuristic design and technology that delivers D-segment levels of space, comfort and performance with B-class economy to today’s motorists. In addition to the ground-breaking hybrid technology, the car also boasts other “firsts” such as electric air conditioning system and full drive-by-wire control system as well as “bluetooth” telephone connectivity, touch screen and voice recognition functions. It is not intended to be an eco-car that sacrifices driving pleasure, comfort and space as a trade-off for low emissions. Instead, it goes a lot further by bringing the future of motoring into the present.
Mr Mosley’s purchase makes him one of the firstUKowners of the new Prius, a car that is fast becoming a resounding success inJapanand theUnited States.ToyotaexpectsUKsales of the new car to quadruple that of the outgoing model with 1,600 units in 2004.
ENDS
