Alliance to Save Energy Praises Toyota Hybrid

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Alliance to Save Energy Lauds Toyota for Making Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Prius Trendy Award-Winner

Link to Press Release

To: National Desk, Business, Auto and Consumer Reporters

Contact: Ronnie Kweller of the Alliance to Save Energy, 202-530-2203

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ -- "Kudos to Toyota for offering not only a fuel-efficient hybrid car, but also a hot, sexy, crowd-pleasing ride," said Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan, who is one of tens of thousands of eager consumers on the waiting list for the 2004 Prius.

The Alliance praised Toyota and its popular gas-electric hybrid for making fuel efficiency trendy. The car, with estimated combined mileage of 55 mpg, was just named the 2004 North American Car of the Year at the International Auto Show in Detroit and earlier Motor Trend Car of the Year.

"With oil prices exceeding $30 a barrel, it's terrific that American drivers can cut their gasoline bills and decrease our nation's dangerous oil dependence while driving a fun, cutting- edge set of wheels," Callahan said.

"We're anxious for the advent of a full range of fuel- efficient hybrid options, including SUVs, mini-vans, and pickup trucks," she added.

Ed LaRocque, Toyota's national marketing manager for Prius, commented, "Toyota is pleased and proud to win this award -- for the first time -- for the 2004 Prius. The award demonstrates that fuel-efficient hybrid technology has been accepted in the mainstream marketplace."

The Auto Show Car of the Year award is presented by a group of some 50 full-time American and Canadian automotive journalists.

Other recent accolades for the Prius include Automobile magazine "Design of the Year" and Car and Driver annual "Ten Best List." According to Toyota, the Prius has enjoyed the fastest sales start of any car in the company's history.

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The Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of prominent business, government, environmental, and consumer leaders who promote the efficient and clean use of energy worldwide to benefit consumers, the environment, economy, and national security.