Toyota celebrates 10 years of Prius, expects next model to be built in U.S.

2010 Toyota Prius

As per the company”s previous plans, Toyota is getting set to produce the Prius on American soil. It will however be, the next generation of the storied hybrid. Originally, Toyota was to produce the Prius in its Mississippi plant, but instead opted to build the Corolla there, after American production of that car ceased with the closing of NUMI, a former joint venture in California with GM.

“The main components for the Prius — such as the motor and battery — are not mature enough for local production,” Executive Vice President Atsushi Niimi said. “We expect that they’ll be ready with the next remodeling.”

The company has yet to pin point an exact location for American production, but Niimi says that it will do so in due time.

Toyota today celebrated the 10th anniversary of its popular hybrid model. The Japanese automaker has sold over 1.8 million units in the world to date, with nearly 900,000 in the U.S. alone.

Click here for our review on the 2010 Toyota Prius.

Review: 2010 Toyota Prius:

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– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters