Toyota hybrid milestones include 1,000,000 sold in U.S.
o Total combined sales of six different Toyota and Lexus hybrid models in the U.S. have topped the one million mark. Through January, cumulative worldwide sales of Toyota and Lexus hybrids exceeded 1.7 million vehicles. From its launch in 2000 through February 2009, more than 700,000 Prius have been sold in the U.S., making up more than half of the 1.2 million Prius sold worldwide.
o This year will see the launch of the second-generation 2010 Lexus RX 450h, the new 2010 Lexus HS 250h, and the third-generation 2010 Prius.
o Toyota has launched and promoted its first dedicated hybrid sales sub-program within the Toyota Certified Used Vehicles program. The new Toyota Certified Used Hybrids program includes inspection of the hybrid control unit and the hybrid battery as part of a 14-point addition to the standard 160-point quality assurance inspection.

Toyota vehicles earn top ratings in 2009 environmental vehicle guide
For the eighth consecutive year, Toyota vehicles appear in more categories than those of any other brand in the Green Book's "The Best Of" list, published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Toyota vehicles are included in eight of fourteen categories in the list: Compact, Subcompact, Midsize, and Large Cars, Compact Pickups, Small Wagons, Minivans, and Midsize SUVs. Toyota vehicles occupy five number-one positions in these categories-more than those of any other maker-including Prius in Midsize Car with automatic transmission, Corolla with manual transmission in Compact Car, Yaris with manual transmission in Subcompact Car, Tacoma with automatic transmission in Compact Pickup, and Sienna in Minivan.

In addition, more Toyota gasoline-powered vehicles than those of any other automaker appear in "The Greenest Vehicles of 2008" list. And four of the twelve vehicles on the "Greener Choices of 2008" list are Toyota models-also more than those of any other automaker-with Prius topping the list.
ACEEE rates vehicles in the Green Book based on U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board data plus calculations of emissions, including greenhouse gases. For more information, go to GreenerCars.org.

Toyota supports forest conservation in the southern U.S.
The World Resources Institute (WRI) and Toyota have launched Southern Forests for the Future. Funded by a $1.49 million grant from Toyota, the project raises awareness of the threats facing southern U.S. forests.

Through this project, WRI will develop online time-series maps showing changes in southern U.S. forest cover over recent decades. In early 2010, WRI will launch a Web site called See My Forest, which will allow users to zoom in on areas of interest and view a range of supporting information about forest conditions and trends.

WRI will also identify, assess, and test a portfolio of incentives designed to encourage private landowners to retain their forests and manage them sustainably with a full range of ecosystem services. Some of the options include payments for watershed protection, recreational user fees, and voluntary land offset programs. During this phase of the project, WRI will collaborate with several other organizations and institutions.

Results of third Lexus Eco Challenge; winners to take on a global challenge
Sixteen high school and middle school teams in 14 states were awarded $10,000 each for outstanding entries in Lexus Eco Challenge #3, which focused on air and climate. Winners include a Florida high school that raised awareness of global warming and helped plant 1,000 longleaf pines and an Illinois high school that collected 250 gallons of used vegetable oil and produced biodiesel vehicle fuel for the school district. The winners will join 32 other teams from the two previous Challenges to participate in the Final Challenge, which requires them to reach beyond the local community and inspire environmental action around the world.