10 November 2015
· 4th generation Toyota Prius gets regional reveal in the UAE

· The world's best-selling hybrid car to go on sale in the UAE in the first half of 2016

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, today launched the 4th generation Toyota Prius hybrid, at the 13th edition of the Dubai International Motor Show, being held from November 10-14, 2015 at the Dubai World Trade Center.

Unveiled by Len Hunt, President Automotive Group at Al-Futtaim, and Mr. Koji Nagata, General Manager, Toyota Middle East and North Africa Division, the Toyota Prius lends credence to Al-Futtaim Motors' commitment to the UAE Government's objectives of reducing pollution from transport, which the company has already kicked off with the delivery of a number of Toyota Camry Hybrid taxis across the UAE.

Explaining the importance of the hybrid technology and the Prius launch, Len Hunt said: "This year marks the 60th anniversary of Al-Futtaim Motors, and now, we are looking forward to the next sixty years of mobility in the UAE, in our continuous effort to keep moving the nation forward towards a greener and pollution-free environment.

"The Toyota Prius is the car that started it all in 1997, introducing the future of sustainable mobility and driving Toyota to the top of the environmentally friendly vehicles game. With this 4th generation, the new Prius delivers cutting-edge style, a superb driving experience, enhanced safety in a more compact package that is lighter in weight, and most importantly improved fuel efficiency. As a result, the new 2016 Prius delivers a target fuel efficiency of at least 40 Km/L and we are confident that it will usher in a generation of change in UAE mobility, in line with the UAE Government vision for the future of the country."

Al-Futtaim Motors has been working closely with the UAE government to adopt hybrid vehicles, and has seen some great successes over the past few years.

"We can always do better. The introduction of the new Prius will help us raise awareness about the uncompromised performance of hybrid cars, and, more importantly, encourage our communities to decrease our greenhouse gas emissions and our over-reliance on fossil fuels," added Hunt. "We are confident the 4th generation Prius will change the landscape of sustainable mobility in the UAE, and help raise the status of alternative energy vehicles from niche products to mainstream game-changers."

The vehicle which just 18 years ago set out to be a forerunner of a new era of automotive environmental consciousness has quickly become mainstream and has hit the mark of 3.5 million cars sold around the world, contributing to decreasing CO2 emissions from cars.

The car's Hybrid technology - which combines the benefits of an efficient gasoline engine and a clean, quiet electric motor - remains innovative, dependable and loved by owners around the world.

Koji Nagata stressed on the fact that the Prius requires no additional road and transport infrastructure, as the cars do not need to be externally charged. Featuring a petrol engine and an electric motor, the Toyota Prius combines the benefits of both, and can be powered by the engine, the electric motor or a combination of both, automatically choosing the most efficient mode for the best mileage and lowest emissions.

He commented: "Today's customers want all the traditional benefits of a hybrid, but don't want to compromise on looks and performance.  So we upgraded the Prius inside and out to deliver the complete package - emotional styling, smarter technology and enhanced fuel economy, in a vehicle that's more fun to drive than ever."

The 2016 Prius is the first global vehicle to implement Toyota's New Global Architecture (TNGA), an innovative, integrated development program for powertrain components and vehicle platforms. Engineered from the ground up, the new Prius represents a planted on-road presence while delivering more occupant and cargo room.

The new Prius has also received an entirely new Toyota platform. This has resulted in improved handling, safety and heightened driving enjoyment. The model features a chassis that is 60 percent more rigid, while the powertrain unit's lower placement and low center of gravity has increased the vehicle's stability and comfort.

Displayed for the first time in the region is also the Toyota Mirai, characterized by having zero CO2 emissions, as it uses hydrogen―an important future energy source―as fuel to generate electricity.

The Toyota Mirai delivers everything expected of a next-generation car: an immediately recognizable design, driving exhilaration stemming from superior handling stability achieved by a low center of gravity, and quiet but powerful acceleration provided by the electric motor.

More than two decades and over 8 million cumulative Toyota hybrid sales later, the all-new, no compromises 2016 Prius stands side by side with its new sibling, the hydrogen powered Mirai, poised to change the game yet again, and previewed for the first time in the region at the Dubai Motor Show.

Visitors can see the all-new 2016 Toyota Prius, alongside the innovative Toyota Mirai, at the Toyota stand.

The stand also features the latest line-up of Toyota vehicles, while showcasing a special TRD zone that sees the Toyota 86 TRD Cup car as well as the Toyota 86 Emirates Drifting Team TRD car and the Yaris TRD on display.

Furthermore, in line with its philosophy of injecting fun and excitement, Toyota will have an impressive Land Cruiser outdoor activation that guarantees thrill and excitement to all of the show's visitors, in an experience unlike any other.

About Al-Futtaim Motors- Toyota
Al-Futtaim Motors is a member of the Al-Futtaim Group, the leading UAE business conglomerate. It has operated the Toyota franchise in the United Arab Emirates for almost 6 decades. The company started its operation in 1955 with the arrival of the first shipment of 28 Land Cruisers and Toyopets from Japan. It has since become the largest distributor of automobiles and automotive products in the UAE and the company has gone from strength to strength expanding its presence through a network of high profile Toyota showrooms and service centres providing convenient touch points for motorists in every corner of the UAE. Al-Futtaim Motors offers a comprehensive choice of Toyota models ranging from compact, sedan, SUV, MPV and LCV options. While the Yaris Hatchback monopolises the compact range, the Sedan series offers a wide choice of vehicles such as Yaris Sedan, Corolla, Camry, Avalon and Aurion. The SUV range comprises the legendary Land Cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, FJ Cruiser, Fortuner, Sequoia and RAV4. While the MPV range features Innova, Previa and the newly launched 7-seat Avanza, the LCV line up covers the Land Cruiser Pick-up, Hilux, Hiace and Coaster. Al-Futtaim Motors recently launched the much awaited sports car, the front engine rear wheel drive Toyota 86. The company currently operates 14 Toyota showrooms conveniently located across the UAE. For more information please log on to www.toyota.ae; https://www.facebook.com/ToyotaUAE

Contacts for media:
Suzan Kazzi | Communications Manager Al-Futtaim Motors | +971 4 206 6178 | +9715 6 686 1887 | suzan.kazzi@alfuttaim.ae
Rabih
Habayeb | PR Manager GMASCO | +971 4 208 5750 | +9715 6 417 5367 | rabih.habayeb@gmasco.com

© Press Release 2015