PONTIAC,
Mich., Jan. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Since
the unveiling and subsequent launch, the all-new Toyota Prius/Prius
Prime has earned high praise and accolades throughout the auto
industry. The vehicle responsible for starting the hybrid
revolution nearly 25 years ago earned one of the most coveted
awards in the automotive sector – the 2024 North American Car of
the Year.
The 2024 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the
Year™ (NACTOY) award winners were announced at M1 Concourse in
Pontiac, during a Jan. 4 press conference co-hosted by the Detroit
Auto Dealers Association (DADA) and Automotive Press Association
(APA). The NACTOY awards are voted on by a large, independent jury
of automotive journalists from the United
States and Canada.
Leading up to the event, the Toyota Prius/Prius Prime was a
finalist in the Car of the Year category, along with the Honda
Accord and Hyundai Ioniq 6. Scott
Neiheisel, general manager of the Cincinnati sales region, and Roseanne Larsen, assistant general manager in
Cincinnati, were on hand to
receive the iconic NACTOY trophy, on behalf of Toyota.
At Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) headquarters, in Plano,
news of the prestigious award spread quickly, as it marked the
second time Prius had earned North American Car of the Year honors.
Back in 2004, the second-generation Prius was named NACTOY Car of
the Year.
"We are thrilled the NACTOY jurors agree that the all-new Prius
and Prius Prime are exceptional vehicles. The unique
combination of sexy styling and industry leading efficiency put
Prius in a league all its own." Said Mike
Tripp, group vice president, Toyota Marketing. "After nearly
25 years, Prius continues to leave its mark on the world and offers
customers a great option to reduce their carbon emissions."
Throughout the judging process, the Prius/Prius Prime earned the
admiration of many of the journalist-jurors. Frequent compliments
revolved around appearance and fuel economy.
"The Toyota Prius and Prius Prime are not just handsomely styled
hatchbacks, they represent the future of the automobile by blending
traditional internal combustion with electric drivetrains," said
veteran journalist Matt DeLorenzo.
"Of particular note is the plug-in version which offers more than
40 miles of pure electric range, allowing most owners to skip
regular gas station visits."
The NACTOY Car of the Year Award represents one of the 17
industry awards earned by Prius/Prius Prime the past few
months.
About North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the
Year™
The awards are intended to recognize the most outstanding new
vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their
segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety,
handling, driver satisfaction, user experience and value. The
organization gives out three awards. They are: "North American Car
of the Year™," "North American Truck of the Year™," and the "North
American Utility Vehicle of the Year™." The awards are unique
because they are given by an independent jury of automotive
journalists from the United States
and Canada instead of by a single
publication, website, radio or television station.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in
North America for more than 65
years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation
mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than
1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in
North America who have contributed
to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars
and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's
14th plant in North
Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for
electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road
than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified
options.
For more information about Toyota, visit
www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Curt McAllister, Midwest Corporate
Communications
(313) 318-3906; Curt.McAllister@Toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America