Prius sales climb

Toyota sold 260 units of the Prius hybrid in February. That's just two cars less than for the month of February 2008. With consumers resisting the impulse to purchase new cars, the price of petrol dropping considerably and the Prius just months away from being replaced with a new model, its sales performance defies belief.

Last year, the hybrid-drive pioneer sold 3413 units, a nine per cent improvement on 2007 and during the course of the year, Toyota sold its 10,000th model to David Balkin and partner Shannon Larkin (pictured).

Balkin is an IT manager who strives to reduce his carbon footprint wherever possible.

"Having a Prius is central to that strategy because we drive quite a lot," he said. The couple has been pleased to record a range of up to 900km between tank fills, so there's an economical advantage to owning the Prius as well.

At present, Toyota is offering substantial discounts on the Prius through its 'TOYOTATHON' March sales program. Private buyers can purchase 2008 stock at the current retail price, less a fleet discount that is normally only available to fleets of 100 cars or buyers who purchase at least 15 cars a year. Retail prices still apply to accessories and the buyer pays the standard dealer delivery charges, but the 'TOYOTATHON' sale is an opportunity to reap the advantages of an economical purchase price on an economical car.

Toyota dealers are also bound to better that deal on the Prius, we reckon, since there's a new model due around July (more here).

As for the Prius' improving sales record, at the rate of 3000 plus units sold a year -- and climbing -- the 20,000th Prius sold can be expected to happen much sooner than the decade it took for the first 10,000.