Toyota to Up Prius Production by 50-Percent to Meet Demand

Toyota Attains Best Average Fuel Economy of Any Full-Line Manufacturer

Good news for the green camp, hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs), and especially Toyota's new Prius, are experiencing record sales.

Hybrid-electric vehicles, especially Toyota's new Prius, are experiencing record sales. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The general acceptance of the new technology, spearheaded by Toyota with its first generation Prius and Honda with its Insight and Civic Hybrid, is fostering a number of new and upcoming models from various automakers.

Next on the scene will be Ford's Escape Hybrid, which uses Toyota technology, to be followed closely by the Lexus RX 400h, the first luxury hybrid. Shortly thereafter Honda will bolster its HEV ranks with the Accord Hybrid, which will be followed by Toyota's hybrid Camry. Nissan will incorporate Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system for its upcoming Altima

Other automakers are hoping for the same success with their hybrids as Toyota is having with the Prius. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

Hybrid as well, and the list grows and grows with every passing month.

Will market demand be able to keep up with the many new HEVs becoming available? If Toyota's Prius is any indication then there won't be too much of a problem selling everything that hits the market. According to Automotive News, Toyota announced at a press conference in Nagoya, Japan yesterday that it will increase production of its Prius from about 10,000 units per month to 15,000 in order to meet customer demand.

Much of the global allocation will be going to North America as 2005 model-year cars, as demand has been extremely strong.