New York Car Rental Specialists: ACTION CAR Rental

Toyota Prius Rentals and Toyota Prius History

We hear you loud and clear. It was a bold message to the world. In 1992, the Toyota Motor Corporation made a statement by creating its "Earth Charter," which outlined the need and the company's goals for low emission vehicles. Ahead of the times, Toyota was a pioneer for the industry when they began researching hybrid technology for a new line of vehicles. Fast forward over the decades and you'll see the outcome in your Toyota Prius rentals vehicle. What was once just a pipe dream for the previously deemed eco-extremists, is now a stylish, affordable, comfortable and necessary car. Reducing emissions and creating an eco-friendly line of vehicles is important across the globe, and Toyota, is leading the charge with the Prius. Drive the product of endless hours of research and design on your next Toyota Prius rentals excursion.

It all began with a concept

In the early years, hybrid cars were seen as impractical and unnecessary. One company however, saw things differently. Starting in 1994, Toyota compiled a project team, led by Takeshi Uchiyamada to examine the prospects of hybrid vehicles. Uchiyamada, now known as the chief engineer for Toyota's first model of Prius vehicles, the NHW10, was the brain behind the new hybrid engine chosen to power the Prius. Housing the THS hybrid system, the initial Prius was designed between 1993 and 1997. What happened next, in 1997, changed the car industry, Toyota Prius rentals, and the world forever.

Welcome to the dawn of a new era

Gas prices go up, emissions of large family vehicles increase, it gets hotter...the world suffers. Then, in October 1997, it was the dawn of a new era. In October 1997, the first Toyota Prius was officially unveiled for the world to see. Although many were confused by the combination of electricity and gasoline to power a vehicle, the skeptics were quickly quieted when the Prius officially hit the market in December 1997. Initially only available in Japan, Toyota sold nearly 20,000 Prius within the first year. As you will discover when you climb behind the wheel of the newest Toyota Prius rentals vehicle, bright things were ahead for Toyota.

A new millennium, a new country, a new Prius

When the clock struck midnight and the new millennium rolled in, so did the Toyota Prius. American soil had not been touched by the Prius for general sales until the NHW11 model was unveiled in 2000. More powerful, better mileage, and you guessed it, eco-friendly. The new Prius was an immediate hit with consumers and Toyota Prius rentals customers alike. Not only was the Prius a popular new car, but it also received a number of accolades including the Sierra Club's "Excellence in Environmental Engineering Award" and a nod by AutoWorld Magazine for having one of the auto industry's "10 Best Engines." In 2001, the Prius was named the "Best Engineered Car of 2001" by the Society of Automotive Engineers in Automotive Engineering International.

Join a growing number

It's never good to become just another statistic; unless you're joining the ever-growing number of Prius drivers. Whether you plan to purchase your own Prius, or to travel with Action Toyota Prius Rentals, become a statistic and save the environment. In 2002, Toyota announced more than 100,000 Prius sold worldwide. This number continues to rise each year. In 2007, Toyota announced worldwide sales of the Prius had rocketed to more than 750,000. As the automotive industry falls on hard times, one company continues to grow. From what seemed like a dreamer's idea, Toyota created a new industry and demand for vehicles that are fuel efficient and eco-friendly. Discover the crown jewel of the Toyota empire on your next Toyota Prius Rentals excursion.