East Coast Toyota held a short-lead press preview with the new-generation 2004 Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid sedan at Dolce Tarrytown House in Tarrytown, NY on Wed., Oct. 15, 2003.

At a time when many manufacturers are still promising a first-generation hybrid vehicle, Toyota is introducing the second-generation Prius.

Among its many features are:
 - An increase in size from a compact-class sedan to mid-size
 - Double the fuel economy of any other mid-size sedan
 - More Power! -- accelerates on a par with the Camry LE
 - 30% lower in emissions than the ultra-clean first-generation Prius
 - Mainstream styling
 - Practical hatchback configuration
 - Same $19,995 MSRP as the original Prius
 - Optional Smart Entry and Start system
 - Optional curtain/side airbags
 - Optional enhanced Vehicle Stability Control

Toyota believes this new Prius will have a broad appeal that goes beyond the "early adopters" who bought the original Prius.
Although the official on-sale date is October 17, nearly 10,000 orders have already been placed. The advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system in this new-generation Prius will be the basis of many future hybrid vehicles from Toyota and Lexus, including SUVs.

Contacts:

Ernest Bastien
corporate manager, vehicle marketing,
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Dave Hermance
executive engineer, regulatory affairs,
Toyota Technical Center

Text and Photos Courtesy:

Wade Hoyt
Northeast Public Affairs Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
9 W. 57th St., Suite 4900
New York, NY 10019
212-644-3424;
fax: 212-644-4871
whoyt@tma.toyota.com

Toyota Corporate Manager of Vehicle Marketing Ernest Bastien is being interviewed by a Japanese TV crew.