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 30th 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