Toyota Prius sales continue to rise amongst high gas prices, and fear of global warming. Although it’s my belief its more about how people are affected by high gas prices than by people’s concern for the planet.

From Autodeadline.com:
“Toyota announced that worldwide cumulative sales of the Toyota Prius-the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle-have passed the 1 million mark, with approximately 1,028,000 units sold as of the end of April this year. Currently, Prius sales are robust in more than 40 countries and regions, particularly in Japan and North America.

Based on sales figures collected up to April 30, 2008, Toyota believes that Prius vehicles worldwide have contributed to a reduction in CO2 emissions by producing approximately 4.5 million tons less CO2 when compared with gasoline-powered vehicles in the same class and of similar size and driving performance.

The Prius was launched in Japan in 1997 and began selling in Europe, North America and other markets in 2000. In 2005, Toyota began first overseas production of the Prius in Changchun, China, and sales of Prius vehicles in South Korea are expected to begin in the latter half of 2009. ”

Source: Autodeadline.com