Cumulative global sales of the Toyota Prius passed three million in June. The milestone was achieved 16 years after debut of first generation model, which sold 123,000 units globally and 1,262 in UK.

Since its debut in Japan back in 1997, its official CO2 emissions figures have fallen from 114 to 89g/km and the cost of its hybrid powertrain has been reduced by two thirds.

The second generation Prius had global sales of 1,192,000 with 31,167 cars sold in UK. The third generation that is still in production has sold 1,688,000 units so far, of which 28,570 are in UK.

Now in its third generation, Toyota has filed more than 1,200 patents for the Prius demonstrating its continued commitment to technology leadership.

Currently the Prius range in Europe in addition to the standard model also includes Prius+(seven-seat MPV), and Prius Plug-in, the first Toyota to embrace rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology for extended zero-emissions electric power capability.

In North America and other markets, the smaller Prius c/Toyota Aqua is also available, a segment that in Europe is covered by Yaris Hybrid.