Toyota Prius Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for Highest MPG for a Coast-to-Coast Drive

Rhea-AI Summary

Toyota's Prius has set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for the lowest fuel consumption driving across the U.S. Hypermiler Wayne Gerdes achieved an impressive 93.158 MPG combined fuel economy average on a 3,211.7-mile journey from Los Angeles to New York City. This feat showcases the Prius' efficiency in various terrains and weather conditions, including mountain elevations up to 7,000 feet and temperatures exceeding 105 degrees.

The latest Prius generation, launched in 2023, offers up to an EPA-estimated 57 MPG combined and boasts 194 horsepower. This world record marks the 30th industry award for the new-generation Prius, adding to accolades like Car and Driver's 10Best and MotorTrend Car of the Year. Toyota (NYSE:TM) continues to lead in electrified vehicles, offering 30 electrified options and planning to open its 10th U.S. plant in North Carolina by 2025 for automotive battery production.

Positive

• Toyota Prius set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for lowest fuel consumption across the U.S. with 93.158 MPG combined
• Latest Prius generation offers up to 57 MPG combined and 194 horsepower
• New-generation Prius has received 30 industry awards
• Toyota leads in electrified vehicles with 30 options available
• Toyota plans to open its 10th U.S. plant for automotive battery production by 2025

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• None.

Insights

Automotive Industry Analyst

Toyota's Prius achieving a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for highest MPG in a coast-to-coast drive is a significant milestone. The 93.158 MPG average demonstrates the Prius' exceptional fuel efficiency, surpassing the previous record by nearly 20%. This achievement could potentially boost consumer confidence in Toyota's hybrid technology and reinforce the Prius' position as a leader in the eco-friendly vehicle market.

However, it's important to note that this record was set under optimal conditions by a hypermiling expert. While impressive, everyday drivers are unlikely to achieve such extreme efficiency. The 30 industry awards for the new-generation Prius, including prestigious recognitions like MotorTrend Car of the Year, indicate strong industry approval. This positive reception could translate to increased sales and market share for Toyota in the competitive hybrid and electric vehicle segment.

Environmental Policy Expert

The record-breaking fuel efficiency of the Toyota Prius aligns well with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. This achievement showcases the potential of hybrid technology in significantly lowering fuel consumption and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions. Toyota's multi-pathway approach to powertrain technology, including hybrids across various segments, demonstrates a strategic response to the challenge of achieving carbon neutrality.

However, it's important to consider that while hybrid vehicles like the Prius offer substantial improvements in fuel efficiency, they still rely partially on fossil fuels. As the automotive industry transitions towards full electrification, Toyota's heavy investment in hybrid technology might be seen as a double-edged sword. It provides immediate emissions reductions but could potentially slow the company's transition to fully electric vehicles, which some markets are increasingly demanding.

Market Research Analyst

The Prius' world record and numerous industry accolades could significantly impact consumer perception and market dynamics. The 30 industry awards, including Car and Driver's 10Best and World Car Design of the Year, suggest a successful redesign that addresses previous criticisms of the Prius' aesthetics. This could attract a broader customer base beyond eco-conscious consumers.

However, the market context is crucial. As EV adoption accelerates, particularly in key markets like Europe and China, the long-term growth potential for hybrids may be Toyota's strategy of offering 30 electrified options and investing in battery production indicates awareness of this shift. The Prius' achievement may boost short-term sales, but Toyota's ability to transition its hybrid success to full EVs will be critical for maintaining market leadership in the evolving automotive landscape.

PLANO, Texas, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Prius continues to impress and has recently achieved a new high bar for efficiency. Hypermiler, Wayne Gerdes has been awarded the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS^™ title for lowest fuel consumption driving across the U.S. from the west coast to east coast. Earlier this summer, Gerdes drove from Los Angeles City Hall all the way to New York City Hall in a Prius LE and achieved a staggering fuel economy average for the entire trip of 93.158 MPG combined. This smashed the previous record which was in the mid-70s MPG combined.

Over two decades ago, the Prius was introduced to the world as the first production hybrid car and ushered in a new generation of vehicles that combine an electric motor with a high-efficiency engine to dramatically increase fuel economy. And it has lived up to its hype.

"The Prius has impressed us all for the past 23 years, and frankly, it continues to wow us today," said Michael Tripp, Toyota Vehicle Marketing group vice president. "The world record for the highest MPG to us is just one more proof point that the Prius truly is an engineering marvel."

Since the Prius' debut in the U.S. in 2000, industry-leading hybrid technology has become synonymous with the Toyota brand. Toyota has taken a multi-pathway approach and now offers many types of powertrain technology, including hybrids across nearly every segment. This effort highlights Toyota's commitment to achieving its goal of carbon neutrality while also giving customers the power to choose the solution that best suits their needs.  

Gerdes' journey of 3,211.7 miles across the country took him through a wide variety of terrain as well as unpredictable weather. He drove the Prius up mountain elevations as high as 7,000 feet and through unforgiving places like Mojave Desert where the temperature exceeded 105 degrees. He contended with strong winds coming from the Gulf of Mexico. Factors like these showcase how a vehicle like the Prius can still achieve great efficiency despite challenging conditions.

"For a record attempt like this, it's a lot of planning," said Gerdes. "You can't just go sight unseen into doing this. You have to have that plan. But you also have to be able to work on the fly. So, if things change, you have to switch up your plan. Reroute. Figure out what you're going to be able to do to achieve that goal."

Gerdes offers simple tips for everyday drivers to improve their fuel economy. He suggests slower take-offs from stops and keeping even pressure on the accelerator pedal. He also says when stops are ahead, easing off the accelerator early and using the vehicle's momentum to glide as you approach the stop helps greatly with fuel economy.

The latest generation of Toyota Prius hit dealerships in 2023 showcasing new and sporty exterior styling, upgraded technology, and up to an EPA-estimated 57 MPG combined. It's powered by the fifth generation Toyota Hybrid System and a 2.0L engine, that has an output of 194 horsepower on the FWD drive model.

This GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS^™ title is now the 30^th industry award for the new-generation Prius. Other notable awards include Car and Driver's 10Best, MotorTrend Car of the Year, North American Car of the Year, and World Car Design of the Year. For more information about the award-winning Toyota Prius, please visit Toyota.com.  

This world record was achieved by a driver skilled in hypermiling techniques that optimized the Prius' vehicle performance under the specific weather and driving conditions at the time. Results are not typical. He also leveraged some basic fuel-efficient driving tips that any driver can practice.

About Toyota 
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 10th 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 30 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved communities near the company's U.S. operating sites.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Media Contact
Breanne McCallop
breanne.mccallop@toyota.com

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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America

FAQ

What GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ did the Toyota Prius (TM) set in 2024?

The Toyota Prius set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for lowest fuel consumption driving across the U.S. from west coast to east coast, achieving 93.158 MPG combined.

Who drove the Toyota Prius (TM) for the record-breaking coast-to-coast journey?

Hypermiler Wayne Gerdes drove the Toyota Prius for the record-breaking coast-to-coast journey from Los Angeles to New York City.

What is the EPA-estimated MPG for the latest generation Toyota Prius (TM)?

The latest generation Toyota Prius, launched in 2023, offers up to an EPA-estimated 57 MPG combined.

How many electrified vehicle options does Toyota (TM) currently offer?

Toyota currently offers 30 electrified vehicle options, leading the automotive industry in this category.