MNN - Mother Nature Network

Toyota Prius fans across the country are gearing up for the 10th anniversary of the best-selling hybrid in the United States. Toyota will celebrate this eco-friendly motoring milestone with a 10-year anniversary celebration on Oct. 10, 2010 — that’s right, 10/10/10. What better date to celebrate a 10-year anniversary?

 

Prius owners are part of a close-knit community. Although they are spread across the country, they get together on message boards like PriusChat.com and even form Prius-only car clubs. Toyota is tapping in to this passion for the Prius by hosting a contest to search for the biggest Prius fan. The winner of this contest will host the official 10-year anniversary in his (or her) hometown.

 

Details about the Toyota Prius 10-year anniversary celebration contest are available on the Toyota Prius Facebook Page. Here’s a quick summary of the contest:

 

• Contest entrants must live in the United States and be 18 or older

• A video or series of photos that shows passion for the Prius needs to be submitted by Aug. 13, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. EDT

• Toyota will select 10 finalists and Prius fans will choose the ultimate winner

• The winner of the contest will be announced on Aug. 31, 2010

 

While the Toyota Prius has evolved over the last 10 years, its iconic shape remains instantly recognizable. Toyota has refined the technology in the Prius’ hybrid engine and the official EPA fuel efficiency ratings have grown from 41-mpg combined in 2001 to 50-mpg combined for the 2010 model. Toyota is eyeing an even more fuel-efficient Prius in just a few years with the release of the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid in 2012.

 

The Toyota Prius has dominated hybrid sales in this country for a decade and although a bevy of new hybrid and even electric vehicles will hit the streets of the nation in the years to come, it is unlikely that the Prius will be dethroned anytime soon.