Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Introduction …………………………….. 1
1995–1996 (prototype)………………..9
Comparison of models………………..22
Sales……………………………………23
Awards………………………………….24
Competitors……………………………….26
CONCLUSION…………………………………27
INTRODUCTION:-
Car is a precious and prestigious dream of every person. In
December 1997, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) of Japan
launched its hybrid vehicles in the world. It used the Toyota
Hybrid System (THS), which combined an internal combustion
engine fueled by gasoline with an electric motor. Prius achieved a
balance between high mileage and low emissions and was the
upshot of the company’s initiative to produce environment-friendly
automobiles and its goal of manufacturing the ‘ultimate Eco Car’.
BACKGROUND NOTE OR
HISTORY:-
Toyota’s history goes back to 1897, when Sakichi Toyoda
diversified into the textile machinery business from his traditional
family business of carpentry. He invented a power loom in 1902
and founded the parent organization of Toyota, the Toyoda Group,
in the same year.
Sakichi’s son Kiichiro, an engineer from Tokyo University,
was more interested in automobiles and engines than the family’s
textile business. In 1929, he traveled to US and Europe to study the
manufacturing processes in car factories there. After returning to
Japan, he spent his time studying car engines and experimenting
with better ways to manufacture them. In the early 1930s, Kiichiro
convinced his father to launch an automobile business and in 1933,
Sakichi established an automobile department with Toyoda
Automatic Loom Works. The first passenger car prototype was
developed in 1935.
MARKATING CONCEPTS:-
According to analysts, Toyota’s success in both the local
and global markets was based on its gaining a competitive
advantage through implementation of innovative and path-breaking
ideas on its production floors. Toyota way recognized employees
as the company’s strength and attached great importance to
developing human abilities through training, coaching and
mentoring. The principles of “Respect for people” and
“Continuous Improvement” were at the core of the Toyota way.
`On January 16, 1992, the Toyota Motor Corporation announced the Earth Charter, a document
outlining goals to develop and market low emission vehicles.
In September 1993 Toyota R&D Executive Vice President Yoshirio Kimbara created G21, a
committee to research cars for the 21st century. On February 1, 1994, the first official meeting of
the G21 project team took place. The team determined the goal of G21 is to create a car that is
resource and environmentally friendly while retaining the benefits of modern cars. The
development effort was led by Takehisa Yaegashi, who was tasked with building a car that
bridged the gap between electric and gasoline powered vehicles.
1995–1996 (prototype)
In late 1994, the G21 team designed a concept car with a hybrid engine for the 1995 Tokyo Motor
Show. The vehicle was named "Prius," the Latin word for "prior" or "before." It was shown on
October 27, 1995. In late 1996, test driving began.
13.5:1 compression
The first Prius, model NHW10, went on sale on December 10, 1997. It was available only in
Japan, though it has been imported privately to the United Kingdom, Australia, and New
Zealand. Many of these cars are now being exported as second-hand vehiclesto New Zealand
and other countries. The common battery failures and other mechanical problems are not
supported outside Japan.
To handle the voltage between the battery and electric motor, the semiconductor core inverter
unit was modeled on heavy-dutytransistors used by the Shinkansen bullet train. The first
production model NHW10 Toyota Prius was rolled out of Toyota's Takoka factory in Toyota City,
Aichi near Nagoya on December 1997, followed by the start of two years of Japan-only sales.[8]
As uncovered by engineer testing, the NHW10 Prius was vulnerable to reduced performance in
hotter climates and at higher altitudes; as a result, early examples featured an instrument-panel
indicator warning should the hybrid system be in danger of shutting down. This gauge, designed
in the shape of a turtle, was used until 1999.
The first generation Prius, at its launch, became the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric
hybrid car. Japan sales goals were 12,000 units annually, at a price of US$16,929per vehicle.
Rivals and analysts estimated that the first generation Prius cost as much asUS$32,000 to
produce, meaning that each NHW10 model was sold at a loss. The vehicle's introduction served
as Toyota's launch effort for a new generation of 'green' vehicles aimed at reducing air pollution
and increasing fuel efficiency. Toyota initially forecasted that hybrids will account for a third of the
world's auto market as early as 2005.
The NHW10 Prius styling originated from California designers, who were selected over competing
designs from other Toyota design studios.
13.0:1 compression
SULEV
The NHW11 Prius became more powerful partly to satisfy the higher speeds and longer distances
that Americans drive. Air conditioning was standard equipment.
Interior.
The vehicle was the second mass-produced hybrid on the American market, after the two-
seat Honda Insight.[18] While the larger Prius could seat five, its battery pack restricted cargo
space. The vehicle interior featured a dash-mounted shift lever, and a small touch screen with a
hybrid powertrain display. This feature showed the vehicle operation regarding the interplay
between gasoline engine, battery pack, and electric motors, and could also show a bar graph of
fuel economy results.
In the United States, the NHW11 was the first Prius to be sold. The Prius was marketed between
the smaller Echo and the larger Corolla. The published retail price of the car
was US$19,995. TheCalifornia Air Resources Board (CARB) classified the car as a Super Ultra
Low Emission Vehicle(SULEV). Prius owners were eligible for up to a US$2,000 tax credit from
their gross income. In contrast with the prior generation model, Toyota executives claimed that
the company broke even financially on sales of the NHW11 Prius.
European sales began in September 2000. The official launch of the Prius in Australia occurred in
2001 after the Sydney Motor Show, although sales were slow until the NHW20 model arrived.
In 2006, Toyota recalled about 8,500 2001 and 2002 model year Prius vehicles due to an
incorrectly manufactured crankshaft position sensor.
In 2009, after being investigated by the California Air Resources Board, Toyota extended a
campaign nation-wide for owners of MY 2001-2003 Prius for starting problem caused by improper
working throttle body that led to electronic control module malfunction.
Electric: 500 V
AT-PZEV
Hybrid system net horsepower: 110 hp (82 kW)
In 2004, the Prius was completely redesigned as a mid-size liftback, sized between
the Corolla and the Camry, with redistributed mechanical and interior space significantly
increasing rear-seat legroom and luggage room. The 2004 Prius is even more environmentally-
friendly than the 2001 model (according to the EPA), and is 6 inches (150 mm) longer than the
previous version. Its more aerodynamic Kammback body balances length and wind resistance
resulting in a drag coefficient ( Cd) of 0.26. The development effort, led by chief
engineer Shigeyuki Hori, led to 530 patents for the vehicle.
The Prius uses an all-electric A/C compressor for cooling, an industry first, and also adds
an electric power steering system to further minimize engine belt-driven engine accessories.
Combined with a smaller and lighter NiMH battery, the NHW20 is more powerful and more
efficient than the NHW11. In the U.S., the battery pack of the 2004 Prius is warranted for
100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 8 years. The warranty for hybrid components in California and the
seven Northeastern states that have adopted the stricterCalifornia emission control standards is
150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 10 years.
It is classified as a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) and is certified byCalifornia Air
Resources Board as an "Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle" (AT-PZEV).
Among the Prius's options are Toyota's implementation of a Smart Key System (the feature can
be user-deactivated), DVD navigation on the MFD, Vehicle Stability
Control andBluetooth for hands-free calling. A new Intelligent Parking Assist system was
available in Japan and Europe since its launch.
Production of the Prius for the Chinese market began in December 2005 with a target of 3,000
unit sales by Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor, a joint venture with First Automobile Works. It was
reported that a total of 2,152 Prius were sold in 2006 and 414 in 2007. The relatively low sales
was blamed on high price, about US$15,000 higher than the equival
nt in Japan or the U.S., caused by high duties on imported parts. In early March 2008, Toyota cut
the price of Prius by up to eight percent or US$3,000 to 259,800 CN 元 (US$36,500). It was
thought that the sales dropped as a result of both a lack of acceptance and increased
competition. The Honda Civic Hybrid was imported to China from 2007.
Toyota's design and development efforts paid off during the 2005 European Car of the
Yearcompetition where the Prius won ahead of the Citroën C4 and the Ford Focus . The Prius is
the only hybrid car so far to have won this competition, where the usual winners are mainstream
hatchbacks and sedans/saloons from major European manufacturers.
Research plug-ins
From 2006 to 2009 Toyota tested 126 Prius models in the U.S., Japan and Europe that had the
NiMH battery replaced with a lithium-ion battery pack.
In July 2007, Toyota received both Japanese and American governmental approval to begin
testing plug-in hybrid models using a modified NiMH battery on public roads.The first plug-in Prius
in America went to South Carolina.Researchers at the Advanced Power and Energy Program at
the University of California, Irvine and the Institute of Transportation Studies at theUniversity of
California, Berkeley began testing two specially made Prius and analyzing driver behavior, study
air quality and energy use.
In 2005, Toyota had to fix a software glitch that caused the Prius engine to enter "limp" mode with
only-electric operation, following 68 stall complaints in the U.S. In June 2006, Toyota also
recalled about 170,000 Prius models from 2004-2006 due to a faulty intermediate shaft and
sliding yoke in the power steering system.
IIHS crash tests score the Prius "Good" overall in frontal collisions and "Good" overall in side-
impact collisions in models equipped with side airbags. A "Poor" score is given to models without
side airbags. Side curtain and torso airbags became standard on 2007 American models.
In 2004, EuroNCAP tested the Prius. It earned the following ratings: Adult Occupant:
Child Occupant: Pedestrian: .
2009– (model ZVW30)
Gasoline engine:
Toyota debuted the new Prius (2010 US model year) at the 2009 North American International
Auto Show, and sales began in Japan on May 18, 2009. Its new body design is more
aerodynamic, with the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.25 Cd. An underbody rear fin helps stabilize
the vehicle at higher speeds.
The estimated fuel-efficiency rating using the U.S. EPA combined cycle is: 50 mpg-
US (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg-imp). The Prius was the most efficient car powered by liquid fuel available
in the U.S. in 2009, based on the official rating. Only the first-generation Honda Insight (2000–
2006) equipped with a manual transmission attained higher mileage. The official UK fuel
efficiency data for the Prius T3 is: Urban 72.4 mpg-imp (3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg-US), Extra Urban
76.4 mpg-imp (3.70 L/100 km; 63.6 mpg-US), Combined 72.4 mpg-imp(3.90 L/100 km; 60.3 mpg-US).
The 1.8-liter gasoline engine (previously 1.5 liters) generates 98 hp, and with the added power of
the electric motor, total horsepower is 134 hp (previously 110 hp). The larger engine
displacement allows for increased torque, reducing engine speeds (RPM), which increases fuel
economy at highway speeds. With an electric water pump, the Prius engine is the first production
engine that requires no accessory belts, which also further improves fuel economy. The electric
motors and other components of the hybrid powertrain are also smaller and more efficient. Toyota
estimates the new inverter, motor and transaxle are 20 percent lighter. Disc brakesreplace the
previous rear drum brakes.
Many motoring reviewers praised the 3rd generation for its improved handling in corners and
more supple ride over the previous
generation. http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/prius/2010/testdrive.html
Interior
For the Prius, Toyota used a new range of plant-derived ecological bioplastics made from the
cellulose in wood or grass instead of petroleum. The two principal crops are kenaf (a member of
the hibiscus family and related to cotton and okra) and ramie, commonly known as China
grass and one of the strongest natural fibres, similar to flax in absorbency and density. Toyota
says this is a particularly timely breakthrough for plant-based eco-plastics because 2009 is the
United Nations’ International Year of Natural Fibres, which covers kenaf and ramie.
In Japan, it is reported that Toyota cut the price of Prius from 2.331 million yen to 2.05 million yen
to compete with Honda Insight. Toyota filed over one thousand patents during the development of
the latest Prius. Toyota's goal is to sell about 400,000 units annually around the globe and
180,000 units in the U.S. by 2010. In May 2009 production was increased to 50,000 units per
month or 600,000 annual units to help meet higher than projected demand. In 2009, Toyota Prius
experienced two consecutive year over year sales decrease to 139,682 units in the U.S., from
181,221 units in 2007. In addition, Toyota Prius was launched in Malaysia on August 4, 2009.
In early 2010, Toyota considered adding a monthly production of 6,000 at the Motomachi factory,
in central Japan, the plant that built the first-generation Prius in 1997. However, as customers'
wait time in Japan shortened from eight months at launch to three months, and sales in the
United States dropped 40 percent in February 2010 from October 2009 following concerns about
Toyota vehicles' safety, Toyota had to reduce the monthly production by 10 percent to 45,000
units a month in March 2010.
In the US the Prius will have a starting base price of US$22,400 excluding destination charges,
and includes 15-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Stability Control and interior amenities including cruise
control, 6-speaker audio, Toyota's keyless entry/ignition Smart Key System and a unique Touch
Tracer Display designed to help the driver's eyes stay on the road when using the steering-wheel-
mounted climate and audio controls.
2009 Toyota Prius (Australia)
Sales of the Prius also started in the Philippines on June 22, 2009, for a SRP of Php 2.2 million
(approximately US$41,800) about half for import duties and other taxes, making it the first hybrid
vehicle available in the Philippines. The launching for the Latin American market took place
in Costa Rica on July 3, 2009. The Prius will be sold in Costa Rica for US$41,000 including tariffs
and all taxes.
Other options include Safety Connect, while LED headlamps come standard on the Prius V trim.
[69]
In May 2010, Toyota Prius was launched in India with a price from Rs.26.55 lakhs to Rs.27.86
lakhs (ex showroom Delhi).
Plug-in version
Further information: Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Prius Plug-in at the Frankfurt Motor Show
The Prius Plug-In Concept was shown at the October 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the
2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and the 2009 LA Auto Show. According to Toyota a total of 500 Prius
plug-in hybrids (PHEV) will be sold to select customers, 350 will be delivered to customers in
Europe and Japan in late December 2009, along with 150 models to be released in the U.S. in
early 2010. These models will be sent to limited geographical areas and will contain special data
tracking devices designed to allow Toyota to monitor the car's usage for further development of
the plug-in hybrid system. Total all-electric range is 14.5 mi (23 km) with speeds up to 62 mph
(100 km/h). The lithium-ion battery was co-developed with Panasonic.
Toyota announced a target of retail sales for the PHEV in late 2011. Toyota indicates that it plans
to sell tens of thousands of plug-ins to the public.
Comparison of models
Model code
NHW1 NHW1
Feature 0 1 NHW20 ZVW30
4-door 4-door 5-door 5-door
Hatchbac
Body style Sedan Sedan k Hatchback
First sales 1997 2000 2003 2009
Modules 40 38 28 28
Electric
Motor Power kW(hp) 30 (40) 33 (44) 50 (67) 60 (80)
Combine
d Power kW(hp) n/a n/a 82 (110) 100 (130)
Sales
The Prius is sold in more than 50 countries and regions, and has its largest markets in the United
States, Japan, and Europe. In May 2008, Toyota announced that its worldwide cumulative sales
of the Prius had passed the 1 million mark; worldwide cumulative sales reached 1.8 million Prius
in June 2010; and Toyota is expecting to reach the two million milestone by the boreal autumn of
2010.
As of December 2009 the U.S. accounted for almost half of the Prius global sales, with 814,173
Prius units registered since 2000. Cumulative Prius sales in Europe reach 100,000 in 2008 and
200,000 units by mid 2010, after 10 years on that market. The U.K. is one of the leading
European markets for Prius, accounting more than 20 percent of all Prius sold in Europe.
Toyota Prius became Japan's best selling vehicle in 2009 for the first time since its debut in 1997
as its sales almost tripled to 208,876 in 2009.In that year it overtook the Honda Fit, which was
Japan's best-selling car in 2008 excluding Kei cars. It led to analyst questioned that the increase
of sales of Prius might come at the cost of vehicles that could bring in higher margin. Competition
from lower priced hybrid like Honda's Insight also made Toyota difficult to capitalize on Prius's
success.
Annual sales worldwide and by region[96]
(in thousands)
North
Americ
Year World Japan a U.S.[97] Europe Other
1997 0.3 0.3
1998 17.7 17.7
1999 15.2 15.2
2000 19.5 12.5 5.8 5.6 0.7 0.01
2001 29 11 16 15.6 2.3 0.2
2002 28.1 6.7 20.3 20.1 0.8 0.2
2003 43.2 17 24.9 24.6 0.9 0.4
2004 125.7 59.8 55.9 54 8.1 1.9
2005 175.2 43.7 109.9 107.9 18.8 2.9
2006 185.6 48.6 109 107 22.8 5.3
2007 281.3 58.3 183.8 181.2 32.2 7
2008 73.1[98] 158.9
Awards
1997–98 Car of the Year Japan
2003 Scientific American names Toyota Motor
Midsize
2007 Intellichoice Best in Class Winner :Best
Competitors
The 2009 (MY 2010) Honda Insight is a compact
that emphasizes affordability. The Honda Insight,
billed as the cheapest gasoline-electric hybrid on
the market, ranked as the top-selling vehicle in
Japan for April 2009—the first time a hybrid has
clinched that spot. When the Prius launched in May
2009 it took Japan's top spot while Insight sales fell
to third. Features such as 15" alloy wheels, 6-
speaker audio, cruise control and electronic stability
control while standard on the US-spec Prius II
(MSRP US$22,000) are optional on the Insight.
2001–2005, and 2005–present Honda Civic
Hybrid, a derivative of the standard Civic sedan
model, equipped with a hybrid gas-electric
powertrain.
2009 (MY 2010) Ford Fusion Hybrid, to compete
against the 2009 (MY 2010) Prius IV and V
May 21, 2008
Global Sales of the Toyota Prius Hybrid Top
1 Million
Toyota Motor Corporation announced on May 15 that its worldwide
cumulative sales of the Toyota Prius have passed the 1 million The Prius is one of Toyota's top sellers in
mark. The Prius hybrid is now sold in more than 40 countries and the United States, a fact that has helped
regions, but the market leaders remain Japan and North America. Toyota sell 1 million of the vehicles
In fact, North America has provided nearly 60% of all Prius sales, worldwide.
and reached 183,800 vehicles in 2007. That sales pace has Credit: Toyota
accelerated in early 2008, with 66,100 vehicles sold in North America in the first four
months, a rate that would result in nearly 200,000 sales if continued through the
entire year. In fact, Toyota sold 21,757 Prius hybrids in the United States in April,
setting a record for April sales and making the Prius the third most popular vehicle in
the Toyota line, trailing the Corolla and the Camry. See the Toyota press releases on
the Prius global sales and April U.S. sales.
While Toyota is enjoying the lion's share of benefits from the hybrid vehicle market,
Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. aims to profit from the next generation of plug-in hybrid
and fuel cell vehicles. In April, the company launched a joint venture with NEC
Corporation and its subsidiary, NEC TOKIN Corporation, to develop and mass
produce advanced lithium-ion batteries. On May 19, the new company, called
Automotive Energy Supply Corporation (AESC), began full operations. The new
company will invest $114.6 million over a three-year period in a manufacturing
facility that will start producing 13,000 batteries per year in 2009. At full capacity,
the plant will manufacture 65,000 batteries per year.
CONCLUSION:-
We can say that the Prius is the most stable
and the most loved model in the automobile sector all over
the world. It have more stability and start a new revolution in
the hybrid engineering by which the world is thinking about
the new types which are having the combination of speed
and style with the low emission of harmful gases in the
environment by which the motive of the global warming is
get achieved. And also it has a best sells record and long
and running life in the global market by which we can say
that it is the best selling car of the world. So this is the best
model designed by the Toyota Motor Corporations.