The Prius That Shook.. - VFAQ Prius Site

were booming, and the United States government was
concerned that the CO 2 reduction target would stunt this
growth.
At the COP3 conference held in Japan's old capital Kyoto,
Toyota showed several Prius that were to be launched in
just a few days. The international environmental conference
that focused particularly on CO 2 reduction was the perfect
stage for the debut of Prius. Conference delegates were
offered rides in the vehicle. With twice the fuel economy
and half the CO 2 emissions as conventional cars, the Prius
was the target of much interest and curiosity by these
delegates.
Media from all over the world covering the COP3
conference asked for interviews from any available Toyota
Board member, and asked questions one after another.
"What is the difference between an EV and a hybrid?"
"We were expecting EVs to replace gasoline-engine cars. Why
did you think of a hybrid?" "How much profit do you make
on Prius?" "When do you plan to introduce Prius abroad?"
Toyota also showed the Prius at EVS 14 in mid December
immediately after the launch.
It was America's Big 3 auto makers who were most
shocked by this real-life Prius. They probably did not think
that it would move so quietly, smoothly, and
comfortably. The Big 3 affiliates at Kyoto did not hide their
astonishment. The gravity of their shock was 369